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

336 million soms allocated from the budget for the VI World Nomad Games

The Director of the State Agency for Physical Culture and Sports, Kazybek Moldazhiyev, reported that 336 million soms have been allocated from the state budget for the organization of the World Nomad Games. The opening of the events is scheduled for August 31 at the "Bishkek Arena" stadium and will coincide with the anniversary summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

15.01.2026, 12:22
Local news / Cultural news

How is the reconstruction of the "Manas Ordo" complex in Talas progressing? Photos and videos

In the Talas region, the reconstruction of the Kyrgyz National Complex "Manas Ordo" is ongoing, as reported by the Ministry of Construction, Architecture, and Housing and Communal Services. Currently, the installation of reinforcement frameworks and the laying of a monolithic reinforced concrete slab are taking place. Additionally, work is being done on the installation of formwork and excavation for the foundation pit.

15.01.2026, 12:16
Local news / Cultural news

The Minister of Culture and the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Discussed the State of the Media Sphere in Kyrgyzstan

On January 13, a meeting took place in Vienna between the Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy Mirbek Mambetaliev and Jan Bratu, a representative of the OSCE dealing with media freedom issues. According to the press service of the Ministry of Culture, the main topics of discussion concerned the state of the media sphere in Kyrgyzstan and issues related to freedom of expression.

14.01.2026, 10:49
Local news / Cultural news

The Minister of Culture of Kyrgyzstan discussed bilateral cooperation with representatives of the Austrian government

The Minister of Culture of Kyrgyzstan, Mirbek Mambetaliev, held a meeting with Zepp Shellhorn, the Secretary of State of the Federal Ministry of Europe and International Affairs of Austria, as well as with representatives of the Austrian Department of Cultural Policy. At the meeting, as reported by the press service of the Ministry of Culture, the participants emphasized the importance of cultural and humanitarian ties, despite the active development of economic and technological cooperation.

14.01.2026, 09:56
Local news / Cultural news

At the IZO Museum, an exhibition by artist Ilgiz Edilson titled "Anatomy of Human Emotions" will take place.

On January 16, the National Museum of Fine Arts named after Gapar Aitiev will open an exhibition titled "Anatomy of Human Emotions," created by artist Ilgiz Edilson. The press service of the Ministry of Culture shared this information. At the center of the exhibition is an exploration of human emotional experience, carried out through color solutions, forms, and spatial compositions. Four color environments and a multitude of emotional states, ranging from joy and trust to fear,

14.01.2026, 09:11
Local news / Cultural news

At the National Philharmonic, the 85th anniversary of composer and singer Ryspay Abdykadyrov was celebrated

An evening dedicated to the 85th anniversary of the birth of Rysbai Abdykadyrov, an outstanding composer and musician who became a classic of Kyrgyz musical culture and a honored artist of Kyrgyzstan, took place at the Toktogul Satylganov National Philharmonic. According to the press service of the Ministry of Culture, the event gathered state and public figures, musicologists, representatives of the creative intelligentsia, and admirers of the work of this great composer.

13.01.2026, 17:42
Local news / Cultural news

The deputy proposed to preserve the title "People's Poet"

At the meeting of the Committee of the Jogorku Kenesh on Constitutional Legislation, held on January 13, Deputy Janar Akaev raised important questions regarding the draft law related to the reform of the system of state awards and honorary titles. Answers to his questions were provided by Deputy Minister of Justice Kuban Kazakov.

13.01.2026, 17:38
Local news / Cultural news

The deputy believes that combining the titles of "People's Poet" and "People's Writer" is incorrect.

On January 13, at a meeting of the committee of the Jogorku Kenesh dealing with constitutional legislation, deputy Gulnara Akimbaeva initiated a discussion on a draft law concerning state awards and honorary titles. During the discussion, Deputy Minister of Justice Kuban Kazakov noted that the aim of the draft law is to optimize the award system, proposing to reduce the number of state awards and honorary titles from 46 to 20. In the new version of the draft, 5 honorary titles will remain.

13.01.2026, 12:53
Local news / Cultural news

The deputy opposed the removal of the title "Honored" from the state awards system

At the meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh Committee on Constitutional Legislation, held on January 13, Deputy Marlen Mamataliyev expressed his disagreement with several provisions of the draft law concerning the reform of the system of state awards and honorary titles. He categorically opposed the removal of the "Honored" titles from this system, emphasizing that they play a key role in recognizing the contributions of specialists who have worked in their fields for many years and strive

13.01.2026, 12:44
Local news / Cultural news

"Kyrgyzstan will have its own film studio and its own Dolby Atmos studio, - Minister of Culture"

The development of the film industry in Kyrgyzstan is gaining momentum: according to the Minister of Culture Mirbek Mambetaliev, about 70% of all distribution certificates in the country are issued to domestic films. In an interview with AKIpress, he noted that Kyrgyz cinema is popular, and audiences are actively visiting theaters. "Our goal is to provide state support for the further development of this sector," he emphasized. The minister shared plans to create a film studio, noting

09.01.2026, 22:24
Local news / Cultural news

The Minister of Culture spoke about the events held during state visits.

The Minister of Culture, Mirbek Mambetaliev, stated in an interview with AKIpress that during state visits, Days of Culture and cultural evenings are held. He noted that the cultural component is of great importance at such meetings. As an example, the minister cited the recent state visit of the president to Tajikistan, during which a joint concert with Tajik cultural figures was organized. This concert lasted about an hour and a half and featured many domestic artists and musicians,

09.01.2026, 16:18
Local news / Cultural news

Over 500 million soms will be spent on the organization of the Nomad Games. The Minister of Culture shared details about the preparations for the WIK.

The opening and closing of the VI World Nomad Games will take place from September 1 to 6 in Bishkek, at the new "Bishkek-Arena" stadium. The organization process is under the control of the president, who heads the working group assigned to the presidential chief of staff, Kanibek Tumanbaev. This information was announced in an interview with AKIpress by the Minister of Culture, Mirbek Mambetaliev. According to Mambetaliev, the working group meets almost every two weeks to discuss

09.01.2026, 14:49
Local news / Cultural news

The premiere of the play "Mommy" will take place at the Russian Drama Theater.

At the Russian Drama Theater named after Chyngyz Aitmatov, on January 30 and 31, audiences will be able to see the premiere of the farce-comedy "Momulya," based on the play by Sergey Belov. According to the theater's information, the production was directed by Vyacheslav Vitti, and the creative team also included artist Angelina Gayer, movement director Maxim Lisovsky, and lighting designer Vladimir Karchin.

09.01.2026, 11:21
Local news / Cultural news

"All major events in the country are equipped by one state enterprise, the equipment must be in one hand, - Minister of Culture"

As of today, most republican events are supported by equipment owned by the state enterprise "Kyrgyz Madaniyat Service." Previously, renting equipment from private individuals was very costly for the budget. This was reported by the head of the Ministry of Culture, Mirbek Mambetaliev, in an interview with AKIpress. According to Mambetaliev, "Kyrgyz Madaniyat Service" has a powerful technical base.

08.01.2026, 18:43
Local news / Cultural news

International experts have begun preparing a new nomination for the optimization of the buffer zone boundaries of "Sulaiman-Too"

On January 7, the head of the Ministry of Culture of Kyrgyzstan, Mirbek Mambetaliev, along with Deputy Askaraly Madaminov, held a meeting with an international team of experts who arrived in the country to work on the UNESCO project "Sacred Mountain – Sulayman-Too." According to the press service of the Ministry of Culture, the experts will be in Kyrgyzstan from January 7 to 12. Their goal is to prepare new nominations that will help optimize the boundaries of the buffer zone of the

08.01.2026, 16:06
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