About Kyrgyzstan

Geography of Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is one of the smaller but important parts of Central Asia. Kyrgyzstan is a land locked country in Central Asia. Country shares borders with China on the east and Southeast side, Kazakhstan on north side, Uzbekistan on west and Tajikistan on southern side. Kyrgyzstan Geography is dominated by two mountains namely Pamir and Tien shan which covers about 65% of the total land of Kyrgyzstan. So, Kyrgyzstan is basically land of mountains which are young. Kyrgyzstan has plenty of tourist attractions located on high altitudes. Bishkek is the capital and largest city of Kyrgyzstan which is located in the northern part of the country.

Kyrgyzstan Nature consists of high peaks and lakes on mountains. Issyk Kul Lake is example of this. Issyk Kul is located in Tien Shan Mountain and it is the largest lake in Kyrgyzstan and also the second largest mountain lake in the world. So, one can find plenty of attraction in Kyrgyzstan Geography.

Climate and Weather in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan Climate varies in different regions of the country. In south western part of the country summers are quite hot with temperature going up to 40 C. The climate is subtropical in the Fergana Valley and temperate in the northern foothill. Tien Shan range has continental to polar climate. Coldest areas of Kyrgyzstan experience temperatures in sub zero range where winter is for more than 40 days. So, it is apt to say that Climate in Kyrgyzstan is largely influenced by the mountains and absence of big water body which influences the weather pattern of Kyrgyzstan.

Kyrgyzstan Weather is generally sunny. Kyrgyzstan has 4 seasons which with different length in the country. From March to May it has spring, from May to September it has summer, from September to December is autumn and from December to February is winter. You can visit the country in all the seasons. Winters are special here as you can get lot of snow covered mountain and winter sports are quite popular in Kyrgyzstan as well.

History of Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan has been an important point in Central Asia. Kyrgyzstan History is thousands years old. Osh in the southern part of Kyrgyzstan is said to be one of the oldest in entire Central Asia region existing since antiquity. At the cross road of trade route between Asia and Europe, Kyrgyzstan received huge influence from traders walking the land and empires that wanted to the conquest the Central Asia. So, the language, culture and ethnicity of Kyrgyzstan are all contributions of these people who walked or ruled the land. In 13th century Kyrgyzstan was attacked by Genghis Khan and the rule of Mongols was established. After the collapse of Mongols also Kyrgyzstan was invaded by other empires until in 20th Century when it came under Soviet Union rule.

History of Kyrgyzstan is a fascinating chapter which you can either read or experience best by travelling to the country. Kyrgyzstan became part of the Russian Empire in early 1990s and in 1936 its status was upgraded and it became one of the 15 constituent republics of the USSR. Kyrgyzstan finally became independent from the USSR only in 1991. One can still witness major influence of Russian culture, architecture and language in Kyrgyzstan.

Culture and Traditions of Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan was under Russia rule for a long time and this can be felt in Kyrgyzstan Culture as well. Country has two official languages. One is Kyrgyz and another is Russian. Kyrgyz Culture has a wide mix of lot of ethnic groups and cultures. However Kyrgyz are in the majority. Main religion followed in Kyrgyzstan is Sunni Islam. Manas is considered the legendary father and hero for Kyrgyz people. Manas is also symbol of Kyrgyz bravery. Though Manas is shown as a warrior but Kyrgyz people believe in peace and they are artists. Yurt represents the cultural significance of Kyrgyz people. Nomadic culture of Kyrgyz led to Yurt creation which is the traditional Kyrgyz dwelling. Kyrgyz people are welcoming in nature and they welcome visitors with big heart.

Kyrgyzstan Traditions are colorful. Their textile is amazing. Kyrgyz woman have always been involved in producing wide range of textiles. One can still see the ancient patterns adapted to modern textile for visitors and exports. Kyrgyz artisans create souvenirs for selling to the tourists or as heirlooms for people's homes. You can see some of these displayed in the National Gallery. Wool carpets called shirdaks and alakiis are quite famous. Embroidered wall hangings, small animal or human figures, Wood, horn, leather, and clay items are also quite famous.

Food and Cuisine in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyz Cuisine has lot of similarities with its neighboring countries especially Kazakhstan. Two main items of Kyrgyzstan food are mutton and horse meat along with variety of dairy products. Kyrgyz people’s life has been largely nomadic and this can be observed in the cooking style and techniques of the Kyrgyz as well. So, they cook in a way that food can be preserved for long time. Kyrgyzstan consists of several nationalities and thus their cuisine also has lot of varieties. In big cities like Bishkek, Osh and Karakol you can find both national and international cuisine while in villages you will find traditional Kyrgyz Food with flavors of oil or sheep fat which local people feel is quite delicious and healthy as well.

Pilaf or Paloo is the national dish of Kyrgyzstan and national beverage of the country is Green tea.  Pilaf is a dish made of rice with carrots and topped with meat. In Kyrgyzstan you will have plenty of choice for food and in beverages your main options are tea, soda and mineral water. Drink lovers can find variety of international brands in bars in big cities.

Languages of Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyz, a native language, depicts a rich historical past of Kyrgyzstan. The common spoken language for trade negotiation centuries ago has evolved into Kyrgyz language.

Interesting Facts About Kyrgyzstan

1. Kyrgyzstan’s walnut forests are among the world’s largest natural forests of this type.
2. “Manas,” a narration of the migration of the Kyrgyz under the Manas leadership, is one of the world’s longest epics.
3. The city of Osh was an important commercial center in the 10th century as part of the Silk Road, the trade route between China and Europe.
4. The Inylchek Glacier of Kyrgyzstan is one of the largest glaciers in the world.
5. The name Kyrgyz is derived from the Kyrgyz word for “forty” and means a collection of forty tribes. It is a possibility that the people of Kyrgyzstan came from forty families or clans.
6. The Kyrgyz were one of the groups who raided the borders of China and created the need for the construction of the Great Wall.
7. Be careful in the cities of Osh, Jalal-Abad, and Bishkek. The roads and sidewalks are filled with holes and uncovered sewers.
8. Kyrgyzstan is one of the few countries that have a currency with a denomination of 3 som.
9. Alcohol is very cheap in Kyrgyzstan. A bottle of vodka is priced at around 180 som (3.5 EUR), while beer costs 60 som (1.2 EUR).
10. Tourists can negotiate with any car on the road; they’re all potential taxis - if the price is right.
11. The Kyrgyz were one of the groups who raided the borders of China and created the need for the construction of the Great Wall.