News about Kyrgyzstan, tourism, attractions, Kyrgyz cuisine, history, traditions, and customs
Local news / Cultural news

The director of the National Theater "Manas," Nurbek Talantbekov, has been temporarily suspended from his position.

The National Theater "Manas" is temporarily without its director Nurbek Talantbekov, who has been suspended from his duties until the current investigation is completed. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Culture. Information about the conflict that arose among the manaschy at the Kyrgyz National Theater "Manas" appeared on social media on December 9.

11.12.2025, 19:51
Local news / Cultural news

In Bishkek, a new edition of the literary anthology of young authors was presented

On December 11 in Bishkek, in honor of the National Day of Literature, the State Fund for Intellectual Property under the Ministry of Science, Higher Education and Innovations organized a presentation of the new issue of the young authors' almanac "Saamalik-18," which also coincided with the 25th anniversary of the "Saamalik" project. According to the press service of the Ministry of Science, the event was attended by Deputy Minister Kemel Sadykov.

11.12.2025, 18:00
Local news / Cultural news

The film festival "Bir Dүynө - Kyrgyzstan" will open in Bishkek on December 12, and the premiere of the documentary film "Mandat" will take place.

On December 12, the XIX International Festival of Documentary Films on Human Rights titled "Bir Dүynө - Kyrgyzstan 2025" will be inaugurated in Bishkek. On the same day, the premiere of the work by Swiss director Stefan Ziegler — the documentary film "Mandate" — is expected. This was announced at a press conference held on December 11, where the festival organizers: Tolekan Ismailova, Nakynai Aydakeeva, Murat Karypov, Adilet Alimkulov, and the director Stefan Ziegler himself

11.12.2025, 14:19
Local news / Cultural news

A presentation of a book dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the museum will take place at the Osh Regional Museum of Fine Arts.

On December 18, a presentation of a book will take place at the Osh Regional Museum of Fine Arts named after Turgunbai Sadykov, marking the 20th anniversary of the institution and its contribution to the development of artistic culture in southern Kyrgyzstan. According to the museum, the main goal of the event is to present the results of many years of work on the study and preservation of artistic heritage. The book presentation will occur in the year of the 90th anniversary of the famous

11.12.2025, 13:55
Local news / Cultural news

From December 12 to 20, an exhibition dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the G. Aitieva KNMII "MUZEALE-90" will take place.

From December 12 to 20, the Kyrgyz National Museum of Fine Arts named after G. Aitiev will hold an exhibition dedicated to its 90th anniversary titled "MUZELE-90". The concept of MUZELE encompasses not only the physical space of the museum but also its invisible aspects — the labor, stories of people, architectural changes, and cultural missions. According to museum representatives, it is more than just a building or a collection; it is a complex intertwining of human destinies and

11.12.2025, 11:50
Local news / Cultural news

The National Historical Museum held a seminar for the staff of the "Ata-Beyit" complex

The National Historical Museum held a training seminar for the staff of the national historical and memorial complex "Ata-Beyit." This event was initiated by the management of the complex with the aim of enhancing the qualifications of specialists. The seminar was led by Ömürbek Samudинов, who holds the position of head of the museum education, enlightenment, and scientific-methodological work department at the NIM. He presented various approaches and methods of museum activities to

11.12.2025, 11:40
Local news / Cultural news

The G. Aitieva Museum of Fine Arts celebrates the 90th anniversary of the gallery's founding — an open lecture has been announced

On December 13, the Kyrgyz National Museum of Fine Arts named after Gapar Aitiev will hold a lecture dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the country's first art gallery and the historical aspects of museum work in Kyrgyzstan. The history of this important cultural institution began in 1934, when artist Semyon Chuykov, founding the Union of Artists of the Kyrgyz Republic, proposed creating an art collection. As a result, in January 1935, the gallery opened its doors in the renovated

11.12.2025, 11:40
Local news / Cultural news

A unique balbal found in the Chui Valley has been transferred to the National Historical Museum

The National Historical Museum of Kyrgyzstan has been enriched with a unique artifact — an ancient balbal that was found in the Chui Valley. According to information from the Ministry of Culture, archaeologist Kubat Tabaldiev, Doctor of Historical Sciences, officially handed over this stone statue, which had been kept in a private collection for many years.

11.12.2025, 11:08
Local news / Cultural news

In the city of Manas, a literary event "Yntymak" will take place.

The literary event titled "Ынтымак" will take place on December 12 at 14:00 at the Jalal-Abad Regional Kyrgyz Drama Theater named after Barpy. This event is dedicated to National Literature Day. The poet Kudayberdi Arapbaev, better known as Bala Barpy, will perform works by the great poet Barpy Alykulov, with whom he has been acquainted for many years and studies his creativity.

11.12.2025, 10:54
Local news / Cultural news

A joint meeting of the Coordination Council for Youth Policy Development and representatives of international organizations was held

A joint meeting of the Coordinating Council, which focuses on the development of youth policy, took place in Kyrgyzstan with the participation of representatives from international organizations. According to the Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports, and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic, key results of the agency's work in the field of youth policy for the year 2025 were presented at the meeting.

11.12.2025, 10:43
Local news / Cultural news

Kyrgyz drink maksym included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

The UNESCO Secretariat has announced the inclusion of the traditional knowledge of preparing the Kyrgyz drink Maksym in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This decision was made at the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee, which is taking place from December 8 to 13 in New Delhi. The voting on this matter took place on December 10 and was unanimous.

10.12.2025, 18:02
Local news / Cultural news

Officials of the Ministry of Culture were informed about the new anti-corruption rules and measures of responsibility

At the Ministry of Culture, Information, Printing, and Youth Sports, training was held for employees of the central office, dedicated to new changes in anti-corruption legislation and involving youth in the fight against corruption. According to information from the Ministry of Culture, the purpose of the event was to clarify the norms of new laws that tighten responsibility for corrupt actions. This training was organized in honor of the International Anti-Corruption Day.

10.12.2025, 12:59
Local news / Cultural news

Construction of a new 8-story building of the Kyrgyz National Music College named after M. Kureneev has begun.

In the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, the construction of a new educational institution — the Kyrgyz National Music College named after M. Kureneev — has officially begun. The construction is taking place on the site of the old building located at 162 Panfilova Street, according to information provided by the Ministry of Culture. The previous building was deemed unsuitable for further use due to serious structural damage, violations of sanitary standards, and the engineering systems not

10.12.2025, 12:49
Local news / Cultural news

The Minister of Culture met with representatives of the French festival "Avignon Off"

On December 9, the Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy Mirbek Mambetaliev met with the delegation of the French festival "Avignon Off" in Bishkek. According to the Ministry of Culture, the delegation included the producer of Central Asia Days at the festival, Nathalie Tovendi, the director of international relations of the city of Avignon, Jacques Maurice, and other representatives.

10.12.2025, 11:48
Local news / Cultural news

Ministry of Culture on the Restoration of Tash-Rabat: The Architectural Monument is Under Threat of Destruction Due to Natural and Anthropogenic Impacts

The Ministry of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy has made a statement regarding the ongoing work at the Tash-Rabat caravanserai, located in the Naryn region. According to the department, this architectural monument is facing the threat of destruction caused by both natural and anthropogenic factors. In this regard, a tender for restoration was announced in 2025, with the winner being the JSC "Yug-Stroyservice." The specified work is being carried out as part of the state program

09.12.2025, 17:36
Local news / Cultural news

A new procedure for strengthening the protection of historical and cultural heritage has been approved in Kyrgyzstan

According to the law adopted on July 31, 2025, under number 175 "On Amendments to the Law on the Protection and Use of Historical and Cultural Heritage," a list of territories with high potential for the discovery of historical and cultural heritage objects has been approved. The Ministry of Culture reports that this list establishes the procedure for conducting archaeological surveys on various land plots and is aimed at protecting the cultural heritage of the country.

09.12.2025, 16:20
Local news / Cultural news

Kyrgyz Actors to Present the Play "Mañ" in Andijan

On December 10, the performance of "Mañ," created by the Naryn Regional Academic Drama Theater named after M. Ryskulov, will take place on the stage of the Andijan Regional Musical Drama Theater in Uzbekistan. The director of this production is Sultan Raev. According to the information from the press service of the Ministry of Culture, this work is a theatrical interpretation of the novel by Chyngyz Aitmatov "And the Day Lasts More Than a Century."

09.12.2025, 13:02
Local news / Cultural news

A concert was held in Bishkek as part of Kyrgyz-Chinese cultural cooperation

On December 8, a concert titled "The Silk Road of Love: Chinese Melodies" took place at the Kyrgyz National Theater "Manas." This event was organized as part of the cultural cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and China. According to the press service of the Ministry of Culture, the concert was attended by Deputy Minister of Culture Marat Tagaev, the advisor to the Chinese ambassador in Kyrgyzstan Sun Dapeng, and a Chinese delegation.

09.12.2025, 12:59
Local news / Cultural news

The II International "Aitmatov Readings" Took Place in Novosibirsk

On December 5-6, the II International Scientific and Practical Conference dedicated to the National Day of Literature of Kyrgyzstan, titled "Aitmatov Readings," took place at the Novosibirsk State Regional Scientific Library. According to information provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Consul General of Kyrgyzstan, Aibek Aydarbekov, emphasized the importance of Chingiz Aitmatov's legacy in the context of world literature, as well as the relevance of his ideas about

08.12.2025, 20:44
Local news / Cultural news

In Bishkek, the 70th anniversary of composer Muratbek Begaliev was celebrated

On December 6, a solemn event took place at the National Opera and Ballet Theater, dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the outstanding composer and People's Artist of the Kyrgyz Republic, Professor Muratbek Begaliev, who is a laureate of the Toktogul State Prize. Among the participants of the event were the Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy Mirbek Mambetaliev, foreign guests, public figures, as well as representatives from the culture and arts sector.

08.12.2025, 17:52
Video / Local news / Cultural news

Hollywood-Asia: Asel Sherniyazova's Interview with George Clooney: On Mindfulness in Life and the Mistakes That Teach Us. Video

Interview of Asel Sherniyazova with George Clooney. The film Jay Kelly tells the story of a famous actor who, along with his team, embarks on a journey to Europe. This trip becomes not only a professional challenge but also an opportunity to come to terms with his own past and restore lost connections. The main character reconsiders the key moments that led to his success and feelings of loneliness.

08.12.2025, 16:06
Local news / Cultural news

The VII International Film Forum of Women Directors Concluded in Osh. Winners

From December 2 to 5, the VII International Forum of Women Directors took place in the city of Osh, dedicated to the memory of the People's Artist of the Kyrgyz Republic, Gulsara Azhybekova. The organizers noted that this event also supports a five-year program for the development of mountain regions and coincides with International Mountain Day. Within the framework of the forum, 25 films were screened, divided into two main programs:

08.12.2025, 13:20
Local news / Cultural news

The National Opera and Ballet Theatre Celebrated the 70th Anniversary of Composer Muratbek Begaliyev

On December 6, a solemn ceremony was held at the A. Maldybaev National Opera and Ballet Theater in honor of the 70th anniversary of the outstanding composer Muratbek Begaliev, who is also a People's Artist of Kyrgyzstan and a laureate of the Toktogul State Prize. This event was covered by the press service of the Ministry of Culture. Attending the celebration were the Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy Mirbek Mambetaliev, foreign guests, as well as representatives of the

08.12.2025, 13:11
Local news / Cultural news

A monument to the people's artist of the Kyrgyz Republic, Makken Sydykbaev, has been erected at the Ala-Archa cemetery.

On December 6, a ceremony was held at the Ala-Archa cemetery to unveil a monument to Makken Sydykbaev, an outstanding national artist of Kyrgyzstan, set designer, and painter. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Culture. Among the attendees were the Deputy Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy Askarala Madaminov, as well as representatives from the cultural sector and relatives of the deceased.

08.12.2025, 12:13
Local news / Cultural news

In Bishkek, the 70th anniversary of the stateswoman Roza Ak Nazarova was celebrated

On December 6, a solemn event dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the outstanding stateswoman and initiator of social reforms Roza Aknazarova took place at the Toktogul Satylganov National Philharmonic. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Culture. Among the participants in the celebration were the First Deputy Prime Minister Daniyar Amangeldiev, Presidential Advisor Marat Imankulov, Deputy Minister of Culture, Information and Youth Policy Soyuzbek Nadyrbekov, as well as

08.12.2025, 11:03
Local news / Cultural news

The Osh Uzbek Drama Theater named after Babur visited Tashkent for a tour.

From November 26 to 29, the Osh State Uzbek Musical Drama Theater named after Babur held performances in Tashkent, where it appeared at the Uzbek Theater of Musical Drama and Comedy named after Mukimi. According to the press service of the Ministry of Culture, the Kyrgyz theater presented several productions: the musical epic drama "Үрөй периси," based on Bertolt Brecht's work "Mother Courage and Her Children," the experimental play by M. Abdullayev "Bum," the

08.12.2025, 10:53
Local news / Cultural news

At the Frunze House Museum, an exhibition titled "Guardians of the Mountains: NABU and the Conservation of the Snow Leopard in Kyrgyzstan" will open.

On December 11, the Memorial House-Museum of M.V. Frunze will host the opening of an exhibition titled "Guardians of the Mountains: NABU and the Conservation of the Snow Leopard in Kyrgyzstan," dedicated to International Mountain Day. This information was provided by the press service of the Ministry of Culture. At the exhibition, visitors will be able to learn about the diversity of the wildlife in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, as well as the significance of the snow leopard as an

08.12.2025, 10:51
Local news / Cultural news

A Professor from Turkey Awarded the Title of Honorary Academician of the National Academy "Manas"

At the international scientific and practical conference "Kyrgyz Statehood and the Manas Phenomenon," Professor Najie Yildiz, a doctor from Haji Bayram Veli University in Ankara, was awarded the title of honorary academician of the National Academy "Manas." According to information provided by the National Academy "Manas," the award ceremony was held under the chairmanship of the academy's president Nazira Aaly kyzy.

08.12.2025, 10:46
Local news / Cultural news

In Bishkek, the results of the project "Civil Servant Tells 'Manas'" were summarized

On December 5, the National Theater "Manas" hosted the results presentation of the project "Civil Servant Tells 'Manas'" for the year 2025. During the event, the results of the project's implementation and its future development were discussed. According to a press release from the Ministry of Culture, among the participants were the First Deputy Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy Suzbек Nadyrbekov and the Chairman of the National Commission

08.12.2025, 10:43
Local news / Cultural news

The Ministry of Culture announced a competition for training in China for specialists in cultural heritage preservation.

The Ministry of Culture of Russia has launched a competition that provides an opportunity for training in a master's program at a Chinese university. This initiative aims to prepare specialists engaged in the protection of historical and cultural heritage sites. According to information provided by the ministry's press service, candidates must be under the age of 35.

08.12.2025, 09:59
Photo gallery / Local news / Cultural news

In Bishkek, the International Volunteer Day was celebrated. Photo

On December 5, the first meeting of the Interagency Coordination Council dedicated to the development of volunteer activities took place in Bishkek, along with a ceremony to award volunteers. These events were organized in honor of International Volunteer Day, as reported by the press service of the Ministry of Culture. Deputy Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy Marat Tagaev emphasized the importance of the participation of government bodies, civil society, and international

08.12.2025, 09:23
Local news / Cultural news

About 6,000 capital schoolchildren will visit the Umuraliyev Theater as part of a cultural project

In Bishkek, events aimed at introducing schoolchildren to theatrical art continue. This was reported by the press service of the Bishkek city mayor's office, published on December 5. According to the approved plan, this academic year, about 6,000 students from 8th and 10th grades of capital schools will visit the A. Umuraliev Bishkek City Drama Theater. This initiative is intended to enrich the cultural perception of youth and contribute to the formation of their spiritual and moral values.

06.12.2025, 18:14
Local news / Cultural news

A master class on sewing and embroidery of a kiseta, vest, belt, and strap will be held at the IZO Museum.

On December 6, a master class dedicated to the sewing and embroidery of a kishet, vest, belt, and strap will take place at the National Museum of Fine Arts named after Gapar Aitiev. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Culture. The event will be led by Turar Turganaly — a designer and member of the Union of Artists of Kyrgyzstan.

06.12.2025, 11:15
Local news / Cultural news

A lecture on Byzantine art will be held at the Gapar Aitiev Museum of Fine Arts.

On December 6, a lecture dedicated to the art of Byzantium will be held at the National Museum of Fine Arts named after Gapar Aitiev. The lecturer will be art historian Akzhibek Beishebaeva. According to the press service of the Ministry of Culture, during the lecture, participants will learn about mosaics, architectural achievements, and frescoes, as well as why scholars refer to the people of that time as Byzantines, despite the fact that there was no country called Byzantium.

06.12.2025, 05:08
Local news / Cultural news

The Opera and Ballet Theater will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the People's Artist of Kyrgyzstan Almaz Sarlykbekov

On December 8, an event dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the outstanding director and People's Artist of Kyrgyzstan Almaz Sarlykbekov will take place at the National Opera and Ballet Theater named after Abdylas Maldybaev. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Culture. Almaz Sarlykbekov held the position of chief director at the Naryn Regional Musical and Dramatic Theater named after M. Ryskulov, and was also the artistic director of the Kyrgyz Drama Theater named

05.12.2025, 13:51
Local news / Cultural news

The next meeting of the committee on the cultural tourism development project took place.

Under the leadership of the First Deputy Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy, Soyuzbek Nadyrbekov, another meeting of the committee working on the project "Development of Cultural Tourism in Kyrgyzstan through the Production of Traditional Handicrafts and Enhancement of Their Digital Marketing Potential" took place. The committee includes representatives from various ministries, experts from UNESCO, as well as museum directors and craftspeople from all regions of the

05.12.2025, 12:28
Local news / Cultural news

In Kyrgyzstan, they have started filming the feature film "Chingiz Aitmatov". Teaser

According to information provided by the press service of the Ministry of Culture, work has begun in Kyrgyzstan on a feature film dedicated to the life and work of the famous writer Chyngyz Aitmatov. The film promises to be a biographical drama that highlights the key moments of Aitmatov's life and his significant contribution to world culture. The premiere is scheduled for 2026.

05.12.2025, 12:08