In May of this year, Nariman Tyuleev, a well-known businessman and former mayor of Bishkek, initiated a large-scale project in the city center, which he once led. "We will create an underground historical city," he commented at the time. "This will be a unique facility reflecting the culture and ancient history of the Kyrgyz people."
These words sounded promising, and the residents of the capital agreed to endure temporary inconveniences: a large area in the very center of the city was closed off. It became impossible to freely reach TSUM and GUM, and traffic jams on Bishkek's streets only increased.
Despite this, Tyuleev assured that his project was aimed at improving the situation with traffic jams and parking, and that the main goal was to relieve traffic flows.
What exactly was planned to be built? It was supposed to create a multi-level underground passage, where the first level would have parking for 220 cars, and the second would feature commercial and social facilities connected to TSUM and GUM. The project included escalators, elevators, and all conditions for people with disabilities.
"Only cars will drive on the surface," Tyuleev explained. "Pedestrians will be able to move underground. The upper part of the passage will also be landscaped, flowers and trees will be planted here, and this place will become one of the most beautiful in Bishkek."
However, the townspeople were asking the question: "When will we see this beauty?" Although they were ready to wait, they wanted to know how long it would take. Initially, the timeframe was set at one and a half to two years, but then Tyuleev became more optimistic and assured that traffic on Chuy Avenue would open by December 1, 2025. Later, the date was pushed to December 5-6, and the underground complex was planned to be completed by the New Year.
Tyuleev, full of optimism, urged citizens to "ignore pessimistic comments." He assured that everything was going according to plan and that it was only a matter of waiting a little longer.
Nevertheless, on December 8, the chief inspector of construction works, Colonel-General Kamchybek Tashiev, pointed out several problems. The asphalting was not yet completed, and the roadway of the avenue had significantly narrowed.
Did the developer really hope that by narrowing the road, he could solve the problem of traffic jams? If so, then the project is indeed unique in its illogicality.
According to Tyuleev, delays in construction were caused by changes in the project, which was expanded to Ibraimov Street, and the building received a third floor instead of two. His ambitions seemed to require scaling up the timelines while simultaneously narrowing the roadway.
And the residents of the city? They are patient and ready to wait.
However, Tyuleev seems to have forgotten that he is building not for himself, but for the people. General Tashiev directly told him: "The project must solve the problems of the citizens, not your personal interests."
At a press conference in April 2017, after the amnesty and the loss of many of his assets, Tyuleev said: "I do not regret the property; we will build even better. It’s a pity that the president ran away, and all the problems fall on us." He was referring to Kurmanbek Bakiev, under whom Tyuleev himself was at the peak of his career. At that time, officials often ignored the opinion of the people and made decisions that concerned their personal interests.
After the coup in 2010, many officials who worked under Bakiev were held accountable. Tyuleev was not spared either, claiming that his persecution was due to the personal animosity of the new president Atambayev. Perhaps this is indeed the case, as many suffered for similar reasons during Atambayev's rule.
However, all charges against Tyuleev were dropped, and the new authorities, represented by President Sadyr Japarov and Deputy Prime Minister Kamchybek Tashiev, gave him a carte blanche: "Work for the good of the people, and everything will be fine." They supported his mega-project until the construction went out of control and began to raise serious questions.
General Tashiev made a clear decision: demolish the third floor, clear the road, and expedite the work. The townspeople, in turn, hope to see the desired underground passage and feel at least a little relief from the traffic jams.
