festivites
Here are some of the major holidays and festivals celebrated in Kyrgyzstan along with a brief description of their cultural traditions:
1. Nowruz (March 21st) - This holiday marks the beginning of spring and is celebrated across Central Asia. In Kyrgyzstan, Nowruz is celebrated with feasting, music, dancing, and traditional games such as kok-boru (a type of horseback polo). Families also visit each other's homes to exchange gifts and special dishes.
2. Kurmanjan Datka Day (April 23rd) - This day commemorates the life of Kurmanjan Datka, a legendary female leader who was instrumental in Kyrgyzstan's resistance against Russian colonization in the 19th century. On this day, people gather at her mausoleum in Talas to pay homage and celebrate her achievements.
3. Victory Day (May 9th) - This holiday commemorates the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. It is marked by parades, speeches, and wreath-laying ceremonies throughout the country.
4. Independence Day (August 31st) - This holiday celebrates Kyrgyzstan's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. It is celebrated with military parades, concerts, and fireworks displays.
5. Orozo Ait (Eid al-Fitr) - This Muslim holiday marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. It is celebrated with prayers, feasting, and gift-giving.
6. Kurban Ait (Eid al-Adha) - This Muslim holiday commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. It is celebrated with prayers, feasting, and the sacrifice of animals, which are then distributed to the poor.
7. National Horse Games Festival (July/August) - This festival is held every year in the Issyk-Kul region and features traditional Kyrgyz horseback games such as kok-boru, tiyin enmei (a type of horseback wrestling), and at-chabysh (horse racing). It is a showcase of Kyrgyzstan's equestrian culture and attracts visitors from all over the world.
These holidays are celebrated throughout Kyrgyzstan with various regional variations, but they all reflect the country's rich cultural heritage and traditions.
seasons
Kyrgyzstan has three main tourist seasons:
1. Summer Season (June-August): This is the peak season for tourism in Kyrgyzstan, with many outdoor activities available such as hiking, trekking, horseback riding, and camping. The weather is generally warm and sunny, but can also be quite hot in some areas. It is recommended to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and appropriate clothing for outdoor activities.
2. Fall Season (September-November): The fall season in Kyrgyzstan is characterized by cooler temperatures and colorful foliage. It is a great time for hiking and trekking, and also for experiencing traditional festivals such as the World Nomad Games. It is recommended to bring warm clothing and rain gear, as the weather can be unpredictable.
3. Winter Season (December-February): The winter season in Kyrgyzstan offers opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. The weather is cold and snowy, and it is recommended to bring warm clothing and appropriate gear for winter sports. The ski resorts are located near Bishkek and Karakol.
It is important to note that the weather in Kyrgyzstan can vary greatly depending on the region and altitude, so it is always a good idea to check the forecast before traveling and pack accordingly.
visa
Here are some special VISA rules for citizens of certain countries who wish to visit Kyrgyzstan:
1. Citizens of most countries can enter Kyrgyzstan visa-free for up to 60 days.
2. Citizens of Turkey, Israel, UAE, Malaysia, Singapore, and Japan can enter Kyrgyzstan visa-free for up to 90 days.
3. Citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iraq, and Pakistan must obtain a visa in advance from the Kyrgyzstan embassy/consulate in their country or from an online e-visa system.
4. Citizens of North Korea and Syria are not allowed to enter Kyrgyzstan.
5. Citizens of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Moldova, Georgia, and Ukraine do not need a passport to enter Kyrgyzstan, but must carry ID documents instead.
The cost of a Kyrgyzstan visa varies depending on the type of visa and the nationality of the applicant. In general, a single-entry tourist visa costs around $70-80 USD for most nationalities, while a multiple-entry business visa can cost up to $200 USD or more. The cost of an e-visa is usually cheaper than a traditional visa, ranging from $40-60 USD. However, it's important to note that visa fees can change frequently, so it's best to check with the Kyrgyzstan embassy or consulate in your country for the latest information.
souvenirs
1. Shyrdak felt rugs - $50-$500, can be purchased at Osh Bazaar in Bishkek or from local craftsmen in villages such as Kochkor or Kyrgyz Ata.
2. Kalpak traditional hat - $10-$30, can be found in souvenir shops and bazaars throughout the country.
3. Chapan traditional coat - $40-$150, can be purchased at Osh Bazaar in Bishkek or from local tailors in villages such as Kochkor or Kyrgyz Ata.
4. Komuz musical instrument - $15-$30, can be found in music stores or bazaars in cities such as Bishkek or Karakol.
5. Kyrgyz honey - $5-$20, can be purchased at markets and specialty shops throughout the country.
6. Traditional Kyrgyz jewelry - $20-$100, can be found in souvenir shops and bazaars throughout the country.
7. Kyrgyzstan-made felt slippers - $10-$20, can be found in souvenir shops and bazaars throughout the country.
8. Suzani embroidered textiles - $30-$200, can be purchased at Osh Bazaar in Bishkek or from local craftsmen in villages such as Kochkor or Kyrgyz Ata.
If you have 1 week
Hello, Kyrgyzstan! What a beautiful country you are. I'm excited to suggest some amazing places for you to visit during your week-long itinerary.
First, I recommend visiting Lake Issyk-Kul, one of the most stunning destinations in Central Asia. This lake is the second-largest alpine lake in the world and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. You can take a swim in the crystal-clear water, hike along the scenic trails, or just relax on the beach and soak up the sun. Why visit? Because it's one of the most serene and peaceful places you'll ever experience.
Next, make sure to visit Ala Archa National Park, which features gorgeous mountains, glaciers, and rivers. You can take a hike along the many trails, see the wildlife, and even camp overnight. Why visit? The park is a true natural wonder and provides an unmatched opportunity to explore the beauty of Kyrgyzstan.
Another must-see destination is the Burana Tower, a historic minaret located in the Chuy Valley. Built in the 11th century, the tower stands over 80 feet tall and offers incredible views of the surrounding area. You can also explore the nearby museum, which features artifacts from the Silk Road era. Why visit? The tower is a symbol of Kyrgyzstan's rich cultural history and provides a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Finally, be sure to visit Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. This lively city is home to many museums, parks, and restaurants, as well as bustling bazaars where you can shop for souvenirs. Be sure to check out Osh Bazaar and Dordoi Bazaar for the best deals. Why visit? Bishkek is a vibrant and exciting city that showcases the modern side of Kyrgyzstan.
Overall, these destinations offer a diverse range of experiences that showcase Kyrgyzstan's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern lifestyle. I hope you have an amazing trip and enjoy everything this incredible country has to offer!
If you have 2 weeks
Great choice of location! Kyrgyzstan is a beautiful country with a rich culture and history. Here's a two-week itinerary that will allow you to experience some of the best that Kyrgyzstan has to offer:
Day 1-3: Bishkek - Start your trip in the capital city of Bishkek, where you can explore local markets, museums, and parks. Don't miss Ala-Too Square, a central hub with fountains, monuments, and cafes.
Day 4-5: Issyk-Kul - Head to the stunning Issyk-Kul Lake, one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the world. Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters or just relax on the beach.
Day 6-7: Karakol - Travel to the charming town of Karakol, located near the foothills of the Tien Shan Mountains. Here, you can visit the famous Dungan Mosque, built entirely without nails, and explore the colorful bazaar.
Day 8-9: Jeti-Oguz - Visit the scenic Jeti-Oguz Gorge, known for its red sandstone cliffs that look like seven bulls. Take a hike in the surrounding hills and enjoy breathtaking views of the landscape.
Day 10-12: Son-Kul - Venture out to the remote Son-Kul Lake, a high-altitude alpine lake surrounded by mountains. Stay in a yurt camp and experience traditional Kyrgyz hospitality and cuisine.
Day 13-14: Osh - End your trip in the southern city of Osh, a melting pot of cultures with a bustling bazaar and sacred Suleiman-Too Mountain. Don't miss the opportunity to try plov, a delicious national dish made with rice, meat, and vegetables.
Overall, this itinerary provides a mix of urban and rural experiences, allowing you to witness the natural beauty and diverse culture of Kyrgyzstan. From cosmopolitan cities to scenic mountains, this trip has it all!
Culture
Illegal, but still practiced, is the tradition of bride kidnapping. It is debatable whether bride kidnapping is actually traditional. Some of the confusion may stem from the fact that arranged marriages were traditional, and one of the ways to escape an arranged marriage was to arrange a consensual "kidnapping".
* Manas, an epic poem, the plot revolves around a series of events that coincide with the history of the region in the 9th century, primarily the interaction of the Kyrgyz people with other Turkic and Chinese people.
* Komuz, a three-stringed lute
* Tush kyiz, large, elaborately embroidered wall hangings
* Shyrdak and Ala-kiyiz carpets, manufactured by the process of felting, used for yurts. Inscribed in 2012 on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.
* Other textiles, especially made from felt
* Ala kachuu, "bride kidnapping", traditional form of marriage in Kyrgyzstan
* Falconry
The 40-rayed yellow sun in the center of the national flag represent the 40 tribes that once made up the entirety of Kyrgyz culture before the intervention of Russia during the rise of the Soviet Union. The lines inside the sun represent the crown or tündük (Kyrgyz түндүк) of a yurt, a symbol replicated in many facets of Kyrgyz architecture. The red portion of the flag represents peace and openness of Kyrgyzstan.
Under Soviet rule and before 1992, it had the flag of the Soviet Union with two big blue stripes and a white thin stripe in the middle.
In addition to celebrating the New Year each 1 January, the Kyrgyz observe the traditional New Year festival Nowruz on the vernal equinox. This spring holiday is celebrated with feasts and festivities such as the horse game Ulak Tartish.
This is the list of public holidays in Kyrgyzstan:
* 1 January – New Year's Day
* 7 January – Orthodox Christmas
* 23 February – Fatherland Defender's Day
* 8 March – Women's Day
* 21–23 March – Nooruz Mairamy, Persian New Year (spring festival)
* 7 April – Day of National Revolution
* 1 May – Labor Day
* 5 May – Constitution Day
* 8 May – Remembrance Day
* 9 May – Victory Day
* 31 August – Independence Day
* 7–8 November – Days of History and Commemoration of Ancestors
Two additional Muslim holidays Orozo Ayt and Qurman (or Qurban) Ayt are defined by the lunar calendar.
Football is the most popular sport in Kyrgyzstan. The official governing body is the Football Federation of Kyrgyz Republic, which was founded in 1992, after the split of the Soviet Union. It administers the Kyrgyzstan national football team.
Wrestling is also very popular. In the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, two athletes from Kyrgyzstan won medals in Greco-Roman wrestling: Kanatbek Begaliev (silver) and Ruslan Tyumenbayev (bronze).
Ice hockey was not as popular in Kyrgyzstan until the first Ice Hockey Championship was organized in 2009. In 2011, the Kyrgyzstan men's national ice hockey team won 2011 Asian Winter Games Premier Division dominating in all six games with six wins. It was the first major international event that Kyrgyzstan's ice hockey team took part in. The Kyrgyzstan men's ice hockey team joined the IIHF in July 2011.
Bandy is becoming increasingly popular in the country. The Kyrgyz national team took Kyrgyzstan's first medal at the Asian Winter Games, when they captured the bronze. They played in the Bandy World Championship 2012, their first appearance in that tournament.
Martial Arts: Valentina Shevchenko is a Kyrgyzstani–Peruvian professional mixed martial artist who competes in the women's flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where she was formerly the Women's Flyweight champion.
Boxing: Dmitry Bivol is a Kyrgyzstani Professional Boxer from Tokmok, who competes in the Light Heavyweight Division. Since 2017, he has held the World Boxing Association Light Heavyweight Title. As of August 2019, Bivol is ranked as the world's best active light-heavyweight by the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board and BoxRec, and third by The Ring Magazine.
Kyrgyzstan's national basketball team had its best performance at the official 1995 Asian Basketball Championship where the team surprisingly finished ahead of favorites such as Iran, Philippines and Jordan.
XXI International Issyk-Kul Sports Games (SCO + CIS) was held in 9–17 September 2022 in Baktuu-Dolonotu village (Issyk-Kul). The first three World Nomad Games were held in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. The 6th International Sports Festival Pearl of Kyrgyzstan were held in Issyk-Kul region from June 15 to July 3 of 2022.
The traditional national sports reflect the importance of horse riding in Kyrgyz culture.
Very popular, as in all of Central Asia, is Ulak Tartysh, a team game resembling a cross between polo and rugby in which two teams of riders wrestle for possession of the headless carcass of a goat, which they attempt to deliver across the opposition's goal line, or into the opposition's goal: a big tub or a circle marked on the ground.
Other popular games on horseback include:
* At Chabysh – a long-distance horse race, sometimes over a distance of more than 50 km
* Jumby Atmai – a large bar of precious metal (the "jumby") is tied to a pole by a thread and contestants attempt to break the thread by shooting at it, while at a gallop
* Kyz Kuumai – a man chases a girl in order to win a kiss from her, while she gallops away; if he is not successful she may in turn chase him and attempt to beat him with her "kamchi" (horsewhip)
* Oodarysh – two contestants wrestle on horseback, each attempting to be the first to throw the other from his horse
* Tyin Emmei – picking up a coin from the ground at full gallop
Religion
Islam is the dominant religion of Kyrgyzstan. The CIA World Factbook estimates that as of 2017, 90% of the population is Muslim, with the majority being Sunni; 7% are Christian, including 3% Russian Orthodoxy, and the remainder are other religions. A 2009 Pew Research Center report indicated 86.3% of Kyrgyzstan's population adhering to Islam. The great majority of Muslims are Sunni, adhering to the Hanafi school of thought, although a 2012 Pew survey report showed that only 23% of respondents to a questionnaire chose to identify themselves as Sunni, with 64% volunteering that they were "just a Muslim". There are a few Ahmadiyya Muslims, though unrecognised by the country.
During Soviet times, state atheism was encouraged. Today, however, Kyrgyzstan is a secular state, although Islam has exerted a growing influence in politics. For instance, there has been an attempt to arrange for officials to travel on hajj (the pilgrimage to Mecca) under a tax-free arrangement.
While Islam in Kyrgyzstan is more of a cultural background than a devout daily practice for many, public figures have expressed support for restoring religious values. For example, human rights ombudsman Tursunbay Bakir-Ulu noted, "In this era of independence, it is not surprising that there has been a return to spiritual roots not only in Kyrgyzstan, but also in other post-communist republics. It would be immoral to develop a market-based society without an ethical dimension." Additionally, Bermet Akayeva, the daughter of Askar Akayev, the former President of Kyrgyzstan, stated during a July 2007 interview that Islam is increasingly taking root across the nation. She emphasized that many mosques have recently been built and that the Kyrgyz are increasingly devoting themselves to Islam, which she noted was "not a bad thing in itself. It keeps our society more moral, cleaner." There is a contemporary Sufi order present which adheres to a somewhat different form of Islam than the orthodox Islam.
The other faiths practiced in Kyrgyzstan include Russian Orthodox and Ukrainian Orthodox versions of Christianity, practiced primarily by Russians and Ukrainians respectively. A community of 5000 to 10,000 Jehovah's Witnesses gather in both Kyrgyz and Russian-speaking congregations, as well as some Chinese- and Turkish-speaking groups. A small minority of ethnic Germans are also Christian, mostly Lutheran and Anabaptist as well as a Roman Catholic community of approximately 600.
A few Animistic traditions survive, as do influences from Buddhism such as the tying of prayer flags onto sacred trees, though some view this practice rooted within Sufi Islam. There is also a small number of Bukharian Jews living in Kyrgyzstan, but during the collapse of the Soviet Union most fled to other countries, mainly the United States and Israel. In addition, there is a small community of Ashkenazi Jews, who fled to the country from eastern Europe during the Second World War.
On 6 November 2008, the Kyrgyzstan parliament unanimously passed a law increasing the minimum number of adherents for recognizing a religion from 10 to 200. It also outlawed "aggressive action aimed at proselytism", and banned religious activity in schools and all activity by unregistered organizations. It was signed by President Kurmanbek Bakiyev on 12 January 2009.
There have been several reported police raids against peaceful minority religious meetings, as well as reports of officials planting false evidence, but also some court decisions in favour of religious minorities.
Demographics
Kyrgyzstan's population is estimated at 6,586,600 in August 2020. Of those, 34.4% are under the age of 15 and 6.2% are over 65. The country is rural: only about one-third of the population live in urban areas. The average population density is 25 people per km2.
The nation's largest ethnic group are the Kyrgyz, a Turkic people, who comprise 74.1% of the population. Other ethnic groups include Russians (5.0%) concentrated in the north and Uzbeks (14.8%) living in the south. Small but noticeable minorities include Dungans (1.1%), Uyghurs (0.9%), Tajiks (0.9%), Kazakhs (0.6%), and Ukrainians (0.1%) and other smaller ethnic minorities. The country has over 80 ethnic groups.
The Kyrgyz have historically been semi-nomadic herders, living in round tents called yurts and tending sheep, horses and yaks. This nomadic tradition continues to function seasonally (see transhumance) as herding families return to the high mountain pasture (or jailoo) in the summer. The sedentary Uzbeks and Tajiks traditionally have farmed lower-lying irrigated land in the Fergana valley.
Kyrgyzstan has undergone a pronounced change in its ethnic composition since independence. The percentage of ethnic Kyrgyz has increased from around 50% in 1979 to over 70% in 2013, while the percentage of ethnic groups, such as Russians, Ukrainians, Germans and Tatars dropped from 35% to about 7%. Since 1991, a large number of Germans, who in 1989 numbered 101,000 persons, have emigrated to Germany.
Kyrgyz is the state language of Kyrgyzstan. Russian is additionally an official language. Kyrgyzstan is one of five former Soviet republics to have Russian as a de jure official language, along with Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan. After the division of the Soviet Union into countries, Kyrgyz was adopted as the "state language" of Kyrgyzstan in 1991. Kyrgyzstan adopted Russian as an "official language" in 1997. The languages have different legal statuses.
Kyrgyz is a Turkic language of the Kipchak branch, closely related to Kazakh, Karakalpak, and Nogay Tatar. It was written in the Arabic alphabet until the twentieth century. The Latin script was introduced and adopted on Stalin's orders in 1928, and was subsequently replaced by Cyrillic script in 1941. A reformed Perso-Arabic alphabet, created by the Kyrgyz intellectual and scientist Kasym Tynystanov is the official script of the Kyrgyz language in the People's Republic of China. As a result of the pending language reform in neighboring Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan will be the only independent Turkic-speaking country in a few years that exclusively uses the Cyrillic alphabet.
In 2009, 4.1 million people spoke Kyrgyz as native or second language and 2.5 million spoke Russian as native or second language. Uzbek is the second most common native language with 700,000 native speakers.
Russian TV media enjoy enormous popularity in Kyrgyzstan, especially in the deeply russified city of Bishkek and the Chüy Region, despite that the percentage of Russians today is a fraction of that in 1989. Russian media outlets have an enormous influence on public opinion in Kyrgyzstan, especially in areas such as human rights and international political developments.
Many business and political affairs are carried out in Russian. Until recently, Kyrgyz remained a language spoken at home and was rarely used during meetings or other events. However, most parliamentary meetings today are conducted in Kyrgyz, with simultaneous interpretation available for those not speaking Kyrgyz. According to an RFE/RL article from 2014, despite the attempts to raise the status of Kyrgyz, thousands of Kyrgyz are russifying their names every year (around 40,000), mostly for career prospects, and to remove themselves from the Russian blacklists (people who are to be deported upon entrance) by registering different names. There are also many Russian-language medium schools that are supported from the Russian foundations via the embassy of Russia in Bishkek which are better funded than the Kyrgyz language medium schools. Due to this, many ethnic Kyrgyz go to Russian language medium schools. Many high school students change their surnames annually; for example 800 such changes were recorded in high school students in the region of Naryn.
Islam is the dominant religion of Kyrgyzstan. The CIA World Factbook estimates that as of 2017, 90% of the population is Muslim, with the majority being Sunni; 7% are Christian, including 3% Russian Orthodoxy, and the remainder are other religions. A 2009 Pew Research Center report indicated 86.3% of Kyrgyzstan's population adhering to Islam. The great majority of Muslims are Sunni, adhering to the Hanafi school of thought, although a 2012 Pew survey report showed that only 23% of respondents to a questionnaire chose to identify themselves as Sunni, with 64% volunteering that they were "just a Muslim". There are a few Ahmadiyya Muslims, though unrecognised by the country.
During Soviet times, state atheism was encouraged. Today, however, Kyrgyzstan is a secular state, although Islam has exerted a growing influence in politics. For instance, there has been an attempt to arrange for officials to travel on hajj (the pilgrimage to Mecca) under a tax-free arrangement.
While Islam in Kyrgyzstan is more of a cultural background than a devout daily practice for many, public figures have expressed support for restoring religious values. For example, human rights ombudsman Tursunbay Bakir-Ulu noted, "In this era of independence, it is not surprising that there has been a return to spiritual roots not only in Kyrgyzstan, but also in other post-communist republics. It would be immoral to develop a market-based society without an ethical dimension." Additionally, Bermet Akayeva, the daughter of Askar Akayev, the former President of Kyrgyzstan, stated during a July 2007 interview that Islam is increasingly taking root across the nation. She emphasized that many mosques have recently been built and that the Kyrgyz are increasingly devoting themselves to Islam, which she noted was "not a bad thing in itself. It keeps our society more moral, cleaner." There is a contemporary Sufi order present which adheres to a somewhat different form of Islam than the orthodox Islam.
The other faiths practiced in Kyrgyzstan include Russian Orthodox and Ukrainian Orthodox versions of Christianity, practiced primarily by Russians and Ukrainians respectively. A community of 5000 to 10,000 Jehovah's Witnesses gather in both Kyrgyz and Russian-speaking congregations, as well as some Chinese- and Turkish-speaking groups. A small minority of ethnic Germans are also Christian, mostly Lutheran and Anabaptist as well as a Roman Catholic community of approximately 600.
A few Animistic traditions survive, as do influences from Buddhism such as the tying of prayer flags onto sacred trees, though some view this practice rooted within Sufi Islam. There is also a small number of Bukharian Jews living in Kyrgyzstan, but during the collapse of the Soviet Union most fled to other countries, mainly the United States and Israel. In addition, there is a small community of Ashkenazi Jews, who fled to the country from eastern Europe during the Second World War.
On 6 November 2008, the Kyrgyzstan parliament unanimously passed a law increasing the minimum number of adherents for recognizing a religion from 10 to 200. It also outlawed "aggressive action aimed at proselytism", and banned religious activity in schools and all activity by unregistered organizations. It was signed by President Kurmanbek Bakiyev on 12 January 2009.
There have been several reported police raids against peaceful minority religious meetings, as well as reports of officials planting false evidence, but also some court decisions in favour of religious minorities.
Cities:
