About Kyrgyzstan
The Kyrgyz, who lived north of the Sayan Mountains during the Gokturk State period, established their own state in 840 and came to the geography where they live today. Kyrgyzstan came under Russian rule in the 19th century and, following the Russian revolution, was incorporated into the Soviet Union as the Kirgiz Soviet Socialist Republic. Kyrgyzstan has been an independent state since August 31, 1991.
Where is Kyrgyzstan?
Kyrgyzstan, a country of Central Asia, is bordered by Kazakhstan on the northwest and north, by China on the east and south, and by Tajikistan and Uzbekistan on the south and west. This landlocked nation is known for its majestic Tien Shan and Pamir mountain ranges, as well as its nomadic traditions.
The capital and other cities
Capital of Kyrgyzstan: Bishkek
Bishkek, in northern Kyrgyzstan, is the nation’s capital. The city was on the historic Silk Road and is host to a number of significant sites. While influence of the former USSR is evident in the city’s architecture, Bishkek is also known for parks, markets and museums. The highlights of Bishkek include Ala-Too Square, the State History Museum, Panfilov Park, the Kyrgyz National Museum of Fine Arts named after Gapar Aitiev, the Mikhail Frunze Museum, the Osh Bazaar, the Dordoy Bazaar, Ala Archa National Park, and the Russian Orthodox Church.
As melodic as its name: Karakol
Set on the eastern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, Karakol was a prominent tourist destination during the Soviet era and continues to be a year-round holiday spot. Karakol has a unique cultural background and is one of the best routes to experience Kyrgyz hospitality and culture. Established in 1869 as a Russian garrison, Karakol still features wooden houses dating from the 19th century. The city’s highlights include the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the Dungan Mosque, the Nikolai Przhevalsky Museum and Memorial Tomb and the Karakol History Museum. Popular day trips outside the town include the Ak-Suu, Jety-Oguz, Barskoon gorge, ideal for hiking or horseback riding, as well as the Altyn-Arashan hot springs.
A deep-rooted history: Osh
The second-largest city in the country, Osh, in southwest Kyrgyzstan, is believed to have a history of three thousand years; the town’s outdoor bazaar – once an important point on the historical Silk Road – has existed for two thousand years. The city is also significant in the history of the Turkic world, hosting the tomb of Babur, the Turkic emperor and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sulaiman Mountain, revered as a sacred site in both the pre-Islamic and Islamic eras. Some of the city’s other highlights include the Sheyit-Dobo Mosque, the historical Uzgen district, the Jayma Bazaar, and the Alay (Alai) Valley.
As sweet as its name: Kant
In Kyrgyz, ‘kant’ means sugar; the city takes its name from a sugar factory built in the area in the 1930s. Kant is mainly an industrial and service center though it is also known for its medical school, as well as the magnificent natural beauties around the settlement. Kant is in the Chuy Valley in the northern part of Kyrgyzstan.
Scenic natural beauty: Naryn
The lovely riverfront town of Narin is also home to Son-Kul Lake. The lake is usually frozen from winter until the late spring, offering beautiful views. Naryn is small but has several museums along with various concerts and theatre performances throughout the year. At present, animal husbandry provides the main source of income for the area’s residents.
Dining in Kyrgyzstan
Its nomadic heritage and position on the historic Silk Road gifted Kyrgyzstan with a unique gastronomy. Some of the country’s most prominent dishes include the following:
- Plov – Kyrgyz-style rice dish
- Borsook (fried dough)
- Besh barmak (a dish of meat, onions and noodles; the name of the dish refers to ‘five fingers’; it is served to guests and is traditionally eaten by hand)
- Kuurdak (braised meat and potatoes)
- Kyrgyz-style manti (ravioli)
- Mai tokoch (Kyrgyz-style bread)
- Kumiss (fermented mare’s milk)
Useful information about Kyrgyzstan
- The capital of Kyrgyzstan: Bishkek
- The official languages of Kyrgyzstan: Kyrgyz and Russian
- Currency of Kyrgyzstan: Kyrgyzstani Som (KGS)
- The largest airport in Kyrgyzstan: Manas International Airport
- Kyrgyzstan has a continental climate.
- The best times to visit Kyrgyzstan are spring and autumn
Getting to Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan can be accessed via air or rail. Turkish Airlines operates flights to Manas International Airport in Bishkek. You can click here for a flight ticket to Kyrgyzstan.
We wish you a pleasant trip!
