Kyrgyz Republic Become a Travel Agent Near Me

In more ways than one, the Kyrgyz Republic is the odd "stan" out. To begin with, it dropped the customary suffix when it changed its official name from Kyrgyzstan to the Kyrgyz Republic. Its government also instituted far-reaching economic reforms in an attempt to attract investors and promote business. And, more important for visitors, there's less red tape—compared with other Central Asian republics—for those entering the country.

Of course, the best thing this small country has going for it is spectacular scenery. For sheer mountain splendor, the Kyrgyz Republic can be compared with Nepal and Switzerland. The Tien Shan (Celestial) Mountains offer some of the most challenging, and least visited, peaks in the world, and Lake Issyk-Kul is a quintessentially picturesque alpine lake.

The Kyrgyz Republic has escaped much of the conflict that plagues other "stans," but does present a heightened threat of terrorism (in part because of its proximity to Afghanistan). Some radical terrorist and Muslim separatist groups operate within the country. The republic also has a high rate of violent crime, including hostage-taking. Travelers should exercise caution and may want to postpone leisure visits.

Geography

History

The Kyrgyz Republic's population and customs emerged from centuries of migrations and invasions. The nomadic Kyrgyz tribes originally lived farther to the east, in what is now Mongolia and southern Siberia. In the 13th century, they were conquered by the Mongols and forced to move west, to their present-day territory. However, domination by the Mongols and others continued for centuries.

For much of the 1700s and 1800s, the Kyrgyz were ruled by the Uzbek Kokand Khanate. After four unsuccessful revolts, the Kyrgyz turned to imperial Russia for assistance. In 1876, Russian troops defeated the Kokand Khanate and quickly absorbed all of Kyrgyzstan into the Russian Empire. Russians and Ukrainians soon began settling there. Repressive Russian policies, particularly land appropriation, led to open revolt in 1916 throughout Central Asia. The Russians retaliated and drove one-third of the Kyrgyz population into neighboring China.

Following brief independence as a result of the Bolshevik Revolution, Kyrgyzstan was incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1924. With the disbandment of the Soviet Union at the end of 1991, Kyrgyzstan became an independent state. The official name of the country was changed to the Kyrgyz Republic in 1993. A constitution was also adopted in 1993, and an amendment allowing private ownership of land followed in 1998.

Economic, political and social problems connected to transition continue to challenge the country. Ethnic disputes between Uzbeks and Kyrgyz in the Osh Province, which resulted in more than 300 deaths in June 1990, are now quiet, but the situation is still somewhat tense. An influx of refugees and fighters from the civil war in neighboring Tajikistan also posed a threat to stability in the Kyrgyz Republic in the late 1990s. After gaining its independence, the nation held the enviable role of favorite republic with Western powers, because of its stated goal of rapid development toward a Western-style democracy. Recently, however, its reputation has been tarnished by parliamentary and presidential elections which were widely reported as "fixed," which finally prompted massive protests that ousted the government in early 2005. Kurmanbek Bakiyev won a landslide election in July of that year, but has since lost popularity. Political tensions continue to run high.

Snapshot

Among the main attractions are Lake Issyk-Kul, trekking, the Tien Shan mountains, Osh's daily market, cultural performances and equestrian events.

The country will appeal to flexible, adventurous travelers with a broad range of interests and an open mind. Don't go if you are troubled by high altitudes, if you must have deluxe accommodations throughout your stay, or if you are easily upset by the delays and schedule changes found in developing countries.

Potpourri

Look for the elaborate cemeteries that dot the countryside. Traditionally, a highly decorated miniature house was constructed when a nomadic Kyrgyz was laid to rest.

The big white turban you see many women wearing is called the echelek and signifies that they are married.

The little white felt hat worn by nearly all Kyrgyz men is called an ak-kalpak, and to be presented with one is an honor. These are emblematic of Kyrgyz culture and make great gifts—you can pick one up for a few dollars at any bazaar.

The nomadic lifestyle of the early Kyrgyz people is summed up in one of their sayings: My home is 'round my campfire, my pasture 'round my horse's tether.

The name Kyrgyz derives from the words kirk (forty) and kiz (girls) and refers to the 40 tribes that once roamed this part of central Asia and became what is today the Kyrgyz people.

The Legend of Manas (a mythical hero of the Kyrgyz people) is the longest folk narrative in the world: More than a million lines have been passed down since the ninth century or earlier. It was first published in four volumes in 1958 (its 1,000-year anniversary was celebrated in 1995). Many pupils still today strive to learn hundreds of these lines by heart.

The name of the capital was changed back to Bishkek from Frunze in 1991. The city had been renamed during the Soviet era for General Mikhail Frunze, who crushed Central Asian resistance during the Russian revolution.