Folk Legends: The Village of Chon-Kapka — the "Big Gates" of the Talas Valley

Сергей Гармаш Exclusive
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The village of Chon-Kapka is located in the Manas district of the Talas region of Kyrgyzstan. The history of this settlement does not have an exact date of establishment, but its development is linked to the formation of Russian colonies in the Talas Valley in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Initially, the village was called Pushkino and was part of the Russian Empire, and later the USSR.

In the post-war years, rural councils played an important role in restoring the local economy. One of the key figures in this process was Salymbay Kaldaraliev, who headed the Pushkin rural council.

In 2000, according to the law of September 12, the village was renamed Chон-Капка. This name, in popular interpretation, means "big gates" or "wide passage," emphasizing its strategic importance as one of the transit routes on the eastern side of the Talas Valley.

The village as an administrative unit was finally formed during the Soviet period. With the acquisition of independence, active modernization of infrastructure and social facilities began. Local aksakals report that by the early 20th century, Chon-Kapka had already become one of the stable settlements. In the early years of Soviet power, collective farms were organized here, and agriculture became the main source of income.

Currently, the development of the village is associated with programs for modernizing agriculture, improving access to clean water, and road infrastructure. Geographically, Chon-Kapka is located in the western part of the Manas district of the Talas Valley at an altitude of about 900–1000 meters above sea level. The climate here is moderately continental: summers are warm and dry, while winters are cold but short. The surrounding lands are rich in fertile soils and pastures, creating good conditions for agriculture.

As of 2025, the population of Chon-Kapka is 1,776 people living in 287 houses. Most local residents are engaged in agriculture, animal husbandry, small businesses, and services. The growing number of youth in the village may contribute to increasing its production and social potential.

The tourist potential of Chon-Kapka is defined by its natural beauty, traditional way of life, and historical heritage of the region. Clean air, picturesque pastures, and a culture of animal husbandry create opportunities for the development of ethnotourism.

Among the key advantages of the village, one can highlight its high agricultural potential: fertile soils and stable water supply. Crops such as bell peppers, corn, tomatoes, potatoes, barley, and wheat grow well here. Although large deposits of minerals have not been discovered, there are individual areas with gravel and clay-stone materials suitable for construction.

Social institutions operate in Chon-Kapka. The Bayalysh uulu Rahman Secondary School was opened in the 1980s and currently has 349 children enrolled. Entrepreneur Zhantai Rahmanov built a mosque in 2010, which serves the local residents. The medical and obstetric station (FAP) began its work in 1980 when the rural council purchased a house from a private individual. Due to the wear and tear of the building, the FAP was rebuilt in 2017 with the support of Arab philanthropists. Currently, all 1,776 residents receive medical services here, and medical worker Myrzaiym Birimkulova has been working at the FAP since 1970.

In 2014, at the initiative of the local community, a library and the "Ai-sezim" kindergarten were built. Later, renovation work was carried out as part of a grant program. There are also small shops and cooperatives in the village that provide basic social and cultural services. In 2025, the organization "Talas-Tash" began its activities.

The sports life of the village is active: football and volleyball are popular, and among men, national sports such as alysh kuresh, Greco-Roman wrestling, toguz korgool, and equestrian sports are practiced. The school has a gym and an open area where the youth actively participate in district competitions.
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