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 countries, and upcoming plans, including preparations for the World Nomad Games and the SCO summit. He emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage, increasing the salaries of cultural workers, and developing infrastructure.
“We strive to draw attention to culture, create interesting projects, and expand the repertoire,” the minister emphasized.
According to him, state funding significantly increased in 2025. In the future, large-scale cultural events are expected both in Kyrgyzstan and abroad, as the country's culture has high potential for international recognition.
Full text of the interview:
- Thank you for taking the time for our conversation. Let's start with the results of the year in the cultural sphere. What significant projects implemented by your ministry in 2025 can you highlight?
- First of all, it is worth noting that the state allocated significant funds for the development of culture, including major renovations of theaters and the purchase of stage equipment. We also acquired LED screens and diesel generators to ensure uninterrupted operation of institutions in case of electricity problems.
This year we purchased 72 vehicles, including 15 large buses and over 50 minibuses, which are now used by theaters for tours. This was an important step, as previously theaters could not travel beyond their regions. For example, the Issyk-Kul Theater named after Jantoshiev has already begun touring in the Naryn region.
Also this year, we presented several major musicals, such as “Raymaly and Begimai” and “Jamilya,” based at the Toktogul Satylganov National Philharmonic. The musical “Raymaly and Begimai” was presented in Bishkek 15 times to full houses and was also staged in Moscow. Although I could not attend, my colleagues returned impressed, noting that such projects contribute to bringing audiences back to theaters. We strive to bring audiences back to theaters, as previous funding did not allow this. In 2025, the budget for culture exceeded 7 billion soms, which is significant support from the state.
The musical “Jamilya” also achieved success in Almaty. We will continue to work in this direction, not intending to stop at what has been achieved. Currently, the philharmonic is working on the musical “Suiymonkul” with the famous actor Suiymonkul Chokmorov in the lead role. 10 million soms were allocated for the musical “Raymaly and Begimai,” and it has already raised about 30 million soms.
We are also actively working on increasing salaries for cultural employees. The president stated that starting in April, salaries for all budget employees in the education and culture sectors will be increased by 50%.
- Regarding the preservation of cultural heritage, what measures have been taken to restore historical sites and protect monuments?
- Since last year, the program “Kooono taryh syrlary” has been in effect in Kyrgyzstan, with about 50 million soms allocated this year, and this amount will increase to 70 million next year. These funds will go towards the restoration and preservation of cultural heritage sites. This year we began the reconstruction of the Tash-Rabat caravanserai and archaeological excavations in the Red River and Kum-Dobo.
Unfortunately, there is a shortage of specialists, especially restorers and archaeologists. There are only 15 qualified archaeologists in the country, which often leads to tenders for restoration work being canceled. We are working on attracting specialists from Uzbekistan and Russia next year.
- How many cultural heritage sites are currently included in the list? And how are decisions made about adding or excluding sites?
- This is done in accordance with the law “On the Protection and Use of Historical and Cultural Heritage.” There is a list of republican and local significance, which is formed by city and village councils. The republican list includes more than 500 sites. Some of them are excluded as the city and country develop, and new construction is required.
For example, the “Issyk-Kul” hotel did not carry cultural value and was demolished for the construction of a new administrative building. Also, the VDNH was privatized and fell into disrepair, so a decision was made to demolish it.
Some sites, such as the Murataala Kurunkeeva National Music School, were also removed from the list as they are in an emergency state. The president supported the initiative to allocate 750 million soms for the construction of a new modern building for the school.
- What role does Kyrgyzstan play on the international cultural stage and what cultural exchanges are planned for next year?
- This year we held Culture Days of Kyrgyzstan in Tajikistan as part of a state visit, and they were successful. We plan many events in 2026, including the World Nomad Games and other cultural events as part of Kyrgyzstan's chairmanship in the SCO. Some Culture Days have been postponed to 2027 due to a busy schedule.
In 2026, we also plan to participate in a theater festival in France and a Biennale in Italy. The culture of Kyrgyzstan is generating great interest abroad.
This year, together with our Korean colleagues, we staged the play “Semetey,” which sparked much discussion. As we know, art can be provocative, and this is important for its development.
- What measures is the Ministry of Culture taking in preparation for the SCO Summit and the World Nomad Games?
- The opening of the Nomad Games is planned in Bishkek at the new stadium. The president is actively overseeing the preparations, and we hold regular meetings. This event will coincide with the SCO summit and Kyrgyzstan's Independence Day, making it particularly important.
About twenty heads of state are expected to attend the summit, and we must showcase our culture. We are already conducting preparatory work with local and foreign directors. The opening of the Nomad Games is scheduled for August 31, which will be a significant cultural event of 2026. More than 500 million soms have been allocated for these events.
The Nomad Games will traditionally take place on Issyk-Kul, where an ethno-village will be built, and equestrian sports events are planned. We invite everyone to attend this grand event from September 1 to 6.
- What priorities has the Ministry of Culture set for the development of cultural infrastructure in the current and future years?
- This year we completed major renovations of several theaters, including the Youth Theater, which received about 80 million soms, and the Russian Theater named after Chyngyz Aitmatov, which received more than 300 million soms. We also allocated 30 million soms for updating stage equipment in the Kyrgyz Drama Theater.
A piano was purchased for the Abdylas Malbaev Opera and Ballet Theater for 25 million soms, which will allow us to attract renowned pianists for performances.
- Are there plans for major renovations of other cultural sites?
- Yes, next year we plan to start the construction of a new theater in Karakol, as the existing one is in an emergency state. A new philharmonic will also be built in Manas, and a cultural center will be established in Belovodsk, which will combine a library, museum, and performance hall.
Major renovations of theaters in other regions are also planned, for example, in Kochkor.
- How does the Ministry cope with budget constraints and what measures are being taken for sustainable funding?
- In 2025, it was planned to allocate about 6 billion soms from the republican budget, but thanks to the support of the Cabinet, this amount exceeded 7 billion. These funds will go towards repairs, equipment, and the purchase of technology.
We received more than 240 million soms for the purchase of stage equipment, which allowed us to reduce rental costs.
- Is the State Enterprise “Kyrgyz Madaniyat Service” meeting expectations in providing ministries with equipment and supporting cultural events?
- Yes, “Kyrgyz Madaniyat Service” has a good technical base, and all our buses are serviced there. This allows us to control the quality of work and optimize expenses.
- How is the film industry in Kyrgyzstan doing?
- The film industry in Kyrgyzstan is actively developing. Almost 70% of distribution certificates are now issued for our films. We strive to develop infrastructure, planning to build a film studio and a Dolby Atmos recording studio.
This will reduce costs for dubbing films, which our filmmakers traditionally do abroad.
We intend to carry out extensive reforms in the film industry in 2026, updating legislation that has not changed since 2000.
- How is the Ministry adapting to the digital age, and what role does artificial intelligence play in this process?
- Artificial intelligence is actively used in music and film, but talented people will always be in demand. We are developing a unified ticketing system for theaters, museums, and cinemas, which will simplify access to cultural events.
Private companies currently sell tickets, but we want the state to also profit from this process.
- What are your views on the potential for earning in the cultural sector?
- I am convinced that culture can and should generate income. We can develop our culture as K-pop and other Western industries do.
Culture should meet people's leisure needs, and we must create attractive projects, such as musicals and theatrical performances.
- What is the Ministry of Culture's policy regarding information?
- We are on the verge of developing a law on bloggers that will define their rights and responsibilities. Bloggers have a significant influence on their audience and must be held accountable for the information they disseminate.
- How does the Ministry of Culture envision the future of cultural diplomacy in Central Asia?
- We have established good relations with the culture ministers of neighboring countries. We hold Culture Days during state visits, which helps strengthen ties between our peoples.
- What are the costs of organizing cultural events during meetings of heads of state?
- The cultural part of events, such as summits, is significant. For example, about 30 million soms were allocated for cultural events, including concerts and performances, at the last summit.
- What makes Kyrgyz culture unique on the international stage?
- The main element of our culture is the epic “Manas,” which distinguishes us from other Central Asian countries. This is our cultural heritage and pride.
- How does culture influence your personal life, and do you have hobbies related to it?
- For me, culture is the traditions I remember from childhood, such as making ala kiyiz. This is my native and close connection that inspires me in my work.
- Are there any cultural initiatives you are particularly proud of?
- My main goal now is the development of infrastructure in culture. First, it is necessary to establish a base, and then move on to higher goals.
- How do you recharge and relax?
- In my free time, I try to relax, go out of town, and spend time alone with nature, which helps me generate ideas.
