News of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek and Osh — latest events today
Local news / Cultural news

In Karakol, Manas, and other regions, the Ministry of Culture plans major renovations of theaters and new cultural facilities.

In an interview with AKIpress, the Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy, Mirbek Mambetaliev, shared plans for the construction of new cultural facilities and the renovation of theaters in various cities and villages. According to Mambetaliev, the K. Zhantoshev Theater located in Karakol urgently needs repairs as it is in an emergency state.

08.01.2026, 14:49
Local news / Cultural news

The tender for the procurement of technical supervision services for the construction of the city museum in Manas did not take place.

On December 25, 2025, the Department of Capital Construction announced the start of a tender for technical supervision services. The main goal of the procurement was "Acquisition of technical supervision services for the construction of a new modern urban museum with the necessary equipment," which will be located on Kurmanbek Street in the city of Manas. The estimated amount allocated for the contract was 873,400 Kyrgyz soms.

08.01.2026, 08:47
Local news / Cultural news

An exhibition of paintings "Anatomy of Human Emotions" will open in Bishkek on January 16.

On January 16, an exhibition dedicated to the works of contemporary artist Ilgiz Edilson, titled "Anatomy of Human Emotions," will open in Bishkek. The event is organized by the National Museum of Fine Arts named after Gapar Aitiev. This exhibition explores the emotional experience of humans through the use of color, form, and spatial composition. The foundation of the exhibition consists of four color environments, each reflecting different emotional states—from joy and trust to

07.01.2026, 13:30
Local news / Cultural news

Cultural Days of Kyrgyzstan in several countries postponed to 2027 due to preparations for the Nomad Games and SCO, - Minister of Culture

In connection with the preparation for the World Nomad Games and events within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Days of Kyrgyz Culture in several countries have been postponed to 2027. This was reported by the Minister of Culture, Mirbek Mambetaliev, in an interview with AKIpress. The minister noted that many of his colleagues understand this change, and the Days of Kyrgyz Culture, for example, in Belarus and other countries, are planned for 2027.

07.01.2026, 11:59
Local news / Cultural news

A concert dedicated to Ryspay Abdykadyrov will take place at the Philharmonic.

On January 12, a concert dedicated to the outstanding composer and honored artist of the Kyrgyz SSR, Ryspay Abdykadyrov, will take place at the Kyrgyz National Philharmonic named after T. Satylganov. As part of the event, the audience will be able to watch a documentary film about the life and work of the composer, as well as hear his musical works performed by young talents of the National Philharmonic.

06.01.2026, 17:27
Local news / Cultural news

"Starting in April, salaries of cultural workers will increase by 50%, and we will raise bonuses from 30% to 70%," - Head of the Ministry of Culture

The Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy, Mirbek Mambetaliev, shared information about planned measures to improve the financial situation of workers in the cultural sector in an interview with AKIpress. In his statement, he noted that starting from April of this year, the salaries of all budget employees involved in education and culture will be increased by 50%. Additionally, the Ministry of Culture has proposed to increase bonuses for employees in this sector.

06.01.2026, 13:53
Local news / Cultural news

The musical "Raymaly and Begimai" earned 30 million soms with an investment of 10 million soms, - Minister of Culture

In 2025, two significant musicals were staged at the Toktogul Satylganov National Philharmonic — "Raymaly and Begimai" and "Jamilya." A budget of 10 million soms was allocated for the creation of the first one, which has already generated about 30 million soms in revenue. This was revealed in an interview with the Minister of Culture, Mirbek Mambetaliev, in AKIpress. “We presented the musical 'Raymaly and Begimai' in Bishkek 15 times, and each time the audience

06.01.2026, 12:51
Local news / Cultural news

"Archive Photo". Uyghur Dance "Usul", 1934 Year

As part of a joint project with the Central State Archive of Film, Photo, and Sound Documents (CSAFPSD KR, which is part of the Archive Service of the KR), the AKIpress publication presents a series of archival photographs titled "It Was Recently, It Was Long Ago." One of the photos captures the Uyghur dance "Usul," which was filmed in 1934, making it 92 years old.

05.01.2026, 20:24
Local news / Cultural news

Deputy criticized Bishkek authorities for the loss of 52 historical and cultural heritage sites

At a recent meeting in Bishkek, Deputy Gulya Kozhokulova addressed Vice Mayor Azamat Kadyrov with a question about who will be held responsible for the loss of 52 historical and cultural heritage sites. The Vice Mayor noted that all the sites underwent the necessary evaluation procedures. He added that some of them are in a state of emergency or are beyond restoration. According to him, the city administration is making efforts to restore those historical sites that can still be salvaged.

05.01.2026, 13:21
Local news / Cultural news / Exclusive

The Opera and Ballet Theater received a Steinway & Sons piano worth 25 million soms.

On December 31, a concert was held in the Malachite Hall of the A. Maldybaev National Opera and Ballet Theater, where a new Steinway & Sons model D-274 piano was presented. The press service of the Ministry of Culture shared this information. The piano was purchased on December 15, and its cost amounted to 25 million soms, as noted by the Minister of Culture Mirbek Mambetaliev in an interview with AKIpress earlier.

03.01.2026, 15:30
Local news / Cultural news

A new modern museum will be built in the city of Manas

The Department of Capital Construction has announced the start of a tender for technical supervision services related to the construction of a new modern museum in the city of Manas. The construction will take place on Kurmanbek Street and will be equipped with all necessary facilities. According to information posted on the government procurement portal, a quotation request method with established qualification requirements is being used for this tender. Proposals will be evaluated in the

03.01.2026, 11:30
Local news / Cultural news

At the IZO Museum, a lecture titled "The Christmas Theme in European Art of the 13th-18th Centuries: Icons and Frescoes" will take place.

On January 6, a lecture titled "The Christmas Theme in European Art from the 13th to the 18th Century: Icons and Frescoes" will be held at the National Museum of Fine Arts named after Gapar Aitiev, as reported by the press service of the Ministry of Culture. In the run-up to Christmas, participants will have the opportunity to explore examples of religious painting, investigating the richness and diversity of artistic interpretations of a single canonical theme.

03.01.2026, 09:07
Local news / Cultural news

Marup Uulu Kaldarbek Appointed Artistic Director of the Osh Regional Philharmonic

On December 29, Marup uulu Kaldarbek was appointed as the artistic director of the Osh Regional Philharmonic named after R. Abdykadyrov. The decree on his appointment, which comes into effect with a three-month probation period, was signed by the Ministry of Culture. Marup uulu Kaldarbek was born on August 12, 1997, in the village of Kara-Gur, located in the Kara-Suu district of the Osh region. In 2019, he completed his studies at the Faculty of Arts of Osh State University, majoring in

30.12.2025, 22:12
Local news / Cultural news

A monument to the film director Tölömüş Okeeva has been erected in Bishkek

On December 30, a monument was unveiled in Bishkek to the outstanding film director, People's Artist of the USSR, and public figure Tölömüş Okeev. The information about this event was disseminated by the press service of the Ministry of Culture. Important figures present at the ceremony included State Secretary Arslan Koychiev, Presidential Advisor Marat Imankulov, Deputy of the Jogorku Kenesh Umbetaly Kydyraliev, Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy Mirbek Mambetaliev,

30.12.2025, 15:23
Local news / Cultural news

A New Year's Tree for Children with Disabilities Took Place at the Puppet Theater

At the State Puppet Theater named after Musa Jangaziev, a New Year's tree event was held for children with disabilities from Bishkek and the Chui region, as well as for those in difficult life situations. According to the press service of the Ministry of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy, the event was attended by the Minister of Culture, Mirbek Mambetaliev, who congratulated the participants and theater staff.

29.12.2025, 13:32
Local news / Cultural news

"The History of the Manaschi": The Story of the Manaschi Mambetaly Ashymbay Uulu (Kökcheke)

On February 18, a presentation of the book "Manaschylar" took place at the National Theater "Manas," which features the biographies and life stories of 150 manaschy over the last five centuries. The author of the book is Nurbek Talantbekov, who holds the position of theater director and is himself a manaschy. In the book, the manaschy are presented in chronological order, and the poems that complement their stories were written by manaschy Rysbay Isakov. Nurbek Talantbekov

29.12.2025, 13:23
Local news / Cultural news

The premiere of the play "Dürpaasha" will take place at the Jalal-Abad Drama Theater named after Barpy.

On December 29, the long-awaited premiere of the play "Dürpaasha" will take place at the Drama Theater named after Brapa, located in the Jalal-Abad region. This project was created by the talented playwright M. Kuryazov and directed by Azimbek Jumaan. According to information from the press service of the Ministry of Culture, the main roles in the play will be performed by Anara Kultaeva as Dürpaasha, Bakyt Jumaliev as the King, and Bektursun Ashirmatov as Alisher. In addition,

29.12.2025, 11:35
Local news / Cultural news

<b>Piano for 25 million, 7 billion soms in the budget, demolition of cultural monuments.</b> An extensive interview with the Minister of Culture Mirbek Mambetaliev.

AKIpress summarizes the results of 2025 in the field of culture in Kyrgyzstan together with the Minister of Culture, Information and Youth Policy, Mirbek Mambetaliev. During the conversation, we discussed key achievements and projects implemented in the cultural sphere in 2025. Among them are major renovations of theaters, the launch of new musicals, and a significant increase in funding. The minister also shared information about cultural diplomacy, the holding of Culture Days in other

29.12.2025, 11:31
Local news / Cultural news

In Bishkek, the 124th anniversary of the statesman Jusup Abdrakhmanov was celebrated

In Bishkek, at the Alley of Founders of Kyrgyz Statehood, a commemorative event was held dedicated to the 124th anniversary of the statesman Jusup Abdrakhmanov, as reported by the press service of the Ministry of Culture. Attending the ceremony were State Secretary Arslan Koichiev, Minister of Culture, Information and Youth Policy Mirbek Mambetaliev, as well as historians, government representatives, and students.

29.12.2025, 11:30
Local news / Cultural news

The Minister of Culture inspected the construction of the new building of the Kurentkeyev Music College

Mirbek Mambetaliev, holding the position of Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy, visited the construction site of the new National Music College named after M. Kureneev, located in Bishkek. According to the information from the ministry's press service, the minister emphasized the necessity of strict adherence to the construction schedule, as well as the importance of maintaining high quality standards. He also provided instructions to the leaders on several important issues.

29.12.2025, 10:14
Local news / Cultural news

The competition "Best Grandfather" and "Best Grandmother" took place in Bishkek.

On December 26, a competition dedicated to the best grandfathers and grandmothers of Kyrgyzstan — "Mykty Chon Ata" and "Mykty Chon Apa" — took place at the capital's House of Culture "Dialog." This event was organized to support and promote family values and Kyrgyz traditions, as reported by the press service of the Bishkek city administration. The event was organized by the Department of Physical Culture and Sports, as well as Tourism and Youth Policy of the

27.12.2025, 17:50
Local news / Cultural news

In Bishkek, the first military historical series in the history of Kyrgyzstan "Ört kechken söyke" will be presented

On December 29, the long-awaited premiere of the first military historical TV series "Өрт кечкен сөйкө" will take place in Bishkek, which has become a significant event for Kyrgyz cinema. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Culture. The project was implemented by the State Creative and Production Association "Kyrgyzserial" with the support of the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Defense, and the Department of Cinema.

26.12.2025, 17:02
Local news / Cultural news / Exclusive

The Osh Drama Theater presented the play "Kurmanjan" in the city of Kokand, Uzbekistan. Photo

On December 25, the Osh National Drama Theater named after Sultan Ibraimov held a tour in Kokand, a historic city in Uzbekistan, where it presented its new performance "Kurmanjan." According to the press service of the Ministry of Culture, the theater troupe, under the direction of artistic director Ulanmyrza Karypbaev, performed on the stage of the Kokand City Musical and Dramatic Theater.

26.12.2025, 16:03
Local news / Cultural news

Zhapаров asked to wait on the construction of cultural houses in the villages

On December 26, at the IV People's Kurultai, President Sadyr Japarov addressed the delegates who expressed the need for the construction of cultural houses in rural areas. He suggested temporarily suspending these projects, pointing out that many existing facilities are not functioning and are simply vacant. Japarov emphasized that maintaining such institutions requires significant resources. As an illustration, he mentioned the cultural house in his native village.

26.12.2025, 13:44
Local news / Cultural news / Exclusive

In honor of the 90th anniversary of the Gapar Aitiev Museum, a musical composition titled Gapar was presented. Video

In honor of the 90th anniversary of the Kyrgyz National Museum of Fine Arts named after Gapar Aitiev, a musical composition titled Gapar was created by composer and pianist Munara Korpotaeva. This event is timed to coincide with the anniversary exhibition "Museale-90." According to the press service of the Ministry of Culture, on December 11, during a creative evening at the museum, Munara performed this piece, inspired by various artistic directions, including painting, sculpture,

26.12.2025, 12:18
Local news / Cultural news

Composer Roland Seyitbekov created 4 compositions for the 90th anniversary of the Gapar Aitiev Museum of Fine Arts

The composer and musician Roland Seyitbekov presented four musical pieces dedicated to various forms of art displayed at the National Museum of Fine Arts named after Gapar Aitiev, timed to coincide with his 90th anniversary. According to the press service of the Ministry of Culture, during the work on the project, the author visited the museum multiple times, studying both the permanent exhibitions and temporary displays.

26.12.2025, 11:25
Local news / Cultural news

Kyrgyz ballet artists completed their tour in Spain

The ballet troupe of the Kyrgyz National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet named after A. Maldybaev has completed its performances in Spain, as reported by the press service of the Ministry of Culture. From December 8 to 23, the artists presented their numbers in cities such as Zaragoza, Calpe, Riba-Roja de Ebro, Chativa, Alicante, La Nucia, and Gandia, performing well-known works: "Swan Lake," "The Nutcracker," and "Don Quixote."

26.12.2025, 11:09
Local news / Cultural news

In the city of Chelyabinsk, it was proposed to install a monument to Chyngyz Aitmatov

In Chelyabinsk, Russia, a monument to the famous writer Chyngyz Aitmatov is planned to be installed in a park that already bears his name. This proposal was voiced by Zina Bakirova, the head of the Kyrgyz diaspora, at the People's Kurultai. She emphasized that many citizens of Kyrgyzstan are outside their country for various reasons, and the diasporas are actively promoting the Kyrgyz language and culture. In particular, there is already a park in Chelyabinsk dedicated to Chyngyz Aitmatov.

25.12.2025, 17:32
Local news / Cultural news

"History of the Manaschi": The Story of the Manaschi Kumash Uulu Inash

On February 18, the National Theater "Manas" hosted the presentation of the book "Manaschylar," which compiles information about 150 manaschy, their biographies, and life stories over the last five centuries. This project was developed by Nurbek Talantbekov, who is a manaschy and the director of the theater. In the book, the list of manaschy is organized chronologically, and the additions in the form of poems to the stories of each of them were prepared by manaschy Rysbay

25.12.2025, 14:10
Local news / Cultural news

The premiere of the historical series "Kara-Kyrgyz" took place in Bishkek.

On December 24, a screening of the new historical series "Kara-Kyrgyz" took place in Bishkek, dedicated to the centenary of Kyrgyz statehood. According to information provided by the press service of the Ministry of Culture, the series was created by the state institution "Kyrgyzserial" with financial support from the Ministry. Its script is based on materials from the state archive and various historical sources.

25.12.2025, 13:45
Local news / Cultural news

The Ministry of Culture has appealed to law enforcement regarding the demolition of historical and architectural sites, - Minister

The Minister of Culture, Mirbek Mambetaliev, reported at a meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh that the department has sent a request to law enforcement agencies regarding the demolition of historical and architectural objects. During the discussion, a deputy asked what damage had been inflicted on the state as a result of the destruction of numerous monuments, including fountains, mosaics, and memorials.

24.12.2025, 20:12
Local news / Cultural news

The deputy requests the Ministry of Finance to allocate 12 billion soms to the cultural sector in 2026

According to the legislation, 3% of the republican budget should be allocated to culture; however, in recent years, only 1% has been allocated to this sector. This was reported by deputy Santalat Amanova (district No. 6) at a meeting of several committees of the Jogorku Kenesh on December 23. The deputy noted that in the report for 2024, this figure has increased to 1.5%.

23.12.2025, 17:15
Local news / Cultural news

The Puppet Theater has opened the season of New Year's performances

On December 19, the State Puppet Theater named after Musa Zhangaziev began its New Year performances, as reported by the press service of the Ministry of Culture. Children from Special School No. 30 in the Sverdlovsk District were the first audience of the theater. They not only watched the show with Father Frost and the Snow Maiden by the New Year tree but also actively participated in interactive games with their favorite fairy tale characters.

23.12.2025, 16:14
Local news / Cultural news / Exclusive

The Chuy Chamber Orchestra held a concert at Osh Airport, where flights have been grounded since night. Video

The Chuy Chamber Orchestra concluded its tour with performances in cities such as Osh, Manas, and the Alaï region. According to information provided by the orchestra, their final concert took place on December 21 in Alaï, after which the musicians planned to fly out; however, adverse weather conditions delayed them at the Osh airport.

22.12.2025, 17:37
Local news / Cultural news

"The History of the Manaschi": The Story of the Manaschi Mambet Chokmor Uulu

On February 18, a presentation of the book titled "Manaschylar" took place at the National Theater "Manas," featuring the biographies and stories of 150 manaschy, covering the last 500 years. The author of the book is manaschy and theater director Nurbek Talantbekov. The biographies of the manaschy in the book are arranged chronologically and are supplemented with verses from manaschy Rysbai Isakov. Nurbek Talantbekov emphasized that manaschy is not just entertainment, but

22.12.2025, 14:21