Kyrgyzstan People & Culture
The country has a population of over 5 million, consisting approximately of: Kyrgyz 68%, Uzbek 14%, Russian 11%, other 8%.
Following the creation of the Central Asian republics, many Kyrgyz do not live in Kyrgyzstan , and instead, live in the other four republics. Similarly, there are significant minorities of other races living in Kyrgyzstan , including especially the Uzbeks, who are concentrated in the southern city of Osh . Both before and after the country’s separation from the Soviet Union , there have been ethnic tensions and demands by Uzbek communities in Kyrgyzstan to merge with Uzbekistan .
Following the creation of the Central Asian republics, many Kyrgyz do not live in Kyrgyzstan , and instead, live in the other four republics. Similarly, there are significant minorities of other races living in Kyrgyzstan , including especially the Uzbeks, who are concentrated in the southern city of Osh . Both before and after the country’s separation from the Soviet Union , there have been ethnic tensions and demands by Uzbek communities in Kyrgyzstan to merge with Uzbekistan .
Last edited Feb 25, 09 6:07 PM. Contributors: Contributors: Andrew W.
Naryn, Central Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan
If you end up finding yourself in Naryn City rhe first thing you should do is search out Peace Corps Volunteers. They are there and they want company. People will know how to find them... however people don't speak very good english there so try to find the American Center at Naryn University. That's where the English speakers dwell. there are some nice hiking routes and always cheap boozes. Be careful at night it can be a kind of dangerous town, especially if you are male, drunk, and alone.
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Kant, Kyrgyzstan
Okay honestly I love Kant. There isn't anything really tourist here but it is a nice mid size city. If you are here you are probably a German visiting your displaced family members. Go to the Sports hall n the south side of town it is nice and very cheap. It ahs a great belly dancing class on MWF at 7:30 only costs a couple USD for a whole month. Even if you don't speak Russian go and just stand int eh back and have a good time. This place is littered iwth nice cafes and has two places to pay for interent. Don't go to either one. Go to the MAerican Corner in the Library. It has FREE internet with a fast hook up. and they love having a real live Native English speaker in the place. Also, make sure to go to the bazaar and find the Koreans(displaced by stalin... Kyrgyzstan is filled with Displaced people) They got some wicked god and spicy vegtables, meats, and noodles. Fora couple dollars oyu can get an assortment and make a really kick ass meal. Then across from the bazaar is a real grocery store. Stock up on anything they ahve cuz it'll be a while before oyu see one of those again if you are heading east. Good Luck.
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Kochkor, Central Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan
in 2006 on Christmas day there was an Earthquake that destroyed a lot of the town. If you are stopping in Kochkor you are probably on your way to the more touristy ala archa. This is a fine place to stock up on vodka for some reason vodka always seems to be 5 soms or so cheaper than other places. It is another good place to go in search of Peace Corps Volunteers as they are in need of company and are always willing to show people around. There is a big animal bazaar here. Also, a nice little bar called Men Disco.... it probably where you will find th PCVs. They have a kaoroke machine you can ask for....
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Balykchy, Eastern Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan
The most amazing mountains I've ever seen with a most breathtaking view!! The mountain region of the Tian Shan covers over 80% of the country, that's why Kyrgyzstan is somestimes reffered to as "the Switzerland of Central Asia" )) But I'd say it's more unspoiled, natural and unconventional. And lake Issyk-Kul', which is the second largest mountain lake in the world, has got such crystal clear water that you can basically see your feet while swimming. )) And people... They're so hospitable and friendly that you wouldn't want to come back home )) And did I mention food yet? ) It's absolutely delicious!!
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About three quarters of the population are Muslims. The rest are mainly adherents of the Russian Orthodox faith.
Last edited Feb 25, 09 6:08 PM. Contributors: Contributors: Andrew W.
café Jalal abad in Bishkek is well situated (centre) and has fantastic shashlyks. make sure your feet don't look like those of the yet when you step in because you will not sit but lie around on beautifully decorated benches. the students that work there in the summer tend to be a bit afraid to speak English but you will get what you want. the Meat is just excellent.
Last edited Oct 15, 08 2:26 AM. Contributors: Contributors: Deborah O.
Bishkek, Bishkek Region & Surrounds, Kyrgyzstan
While in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzshtan...go and seek the 6 Chimneys resto...fish served there comes straight from the lake!
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Bishkek, Bishkek Region & Surrounds, Kyrgyzstan
oops, my bad it's 12 chimneys resto....thanks Mat!
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Bishkek, Bishkek Region & Surrounds, Kyrgyzstan
Là faut pas trop en dire
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Bishkek, Bishkek Region & Surrounds, Kyrgyzstan
Question is how did you end up in Bishkek. Hope you speak Russian or Kyrgyz cuz English doesn't get ya too far here. Check out Tzum a big shopping center. Also Osh Bazar. My favorite place to eat there is Pecking Duck.
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Naryn, Central Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan
If you end up finding yourself in Naryn City rhe first thing you should do is search out Peace Corps Volunteers. They are there and they want company. People will know how to find them... however people don't speak very good english there so try to find the American Center at Naryn University. That's where the English speakers dwell. there are some nice hiking routes and always cheap boozes. Be careful at night it can be a kind of dangerous town, especially if you are male, drunk, and alone.
Good tip?
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Kyrgrz is the state language, but Russian is recognised as the official language. English is spoken by some in the capital city of Bishkek .
Last edited Feb 25, 09 6:09 PM. Contributors: Contributors: Andrew W.
Bishkek, Bishkek Region & Surrounds, Kyrgyzstan
While in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzshtan...go and seek the 6 Chimneys resto...fish served there comes straight from the lake!
Good tip?
(0)
Naryn, Central Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan
If you end up finding yourself in Naryn City rhe first thing you should do is search out Peace Corps Volunteers. They are there and they want company. People will know how to find them... however people don't speak very good english there so try to find the American Center at Naryn University. That's where the English speakers dwell. there are some nice hiking routes and always cheap boozes. Be careful at night it can be a kind of dangerous town, especially if you are male, drunk, and alone.
Good tip?
(0)
Kant, Kyrgyzstan
Okay honestly I love Kant. There isn't anything really tourist here but it is a nice mid size city. If you are here you are probably a German visiting your displaced family members. Go to the Sports hall n the south side of town it is nice and very cheap. It ahs a great belly dancing class on MWF at 7:30 only costs a couple USD for a whole month. Even if you don't speak Russian go and just stand int eh back and have a good time. This place is littered iwth nice cafes and has two places to pay for interent. Don't go to either one. Go to the MAerican Corner in the Library. It has FREE internet with a fast hook up. and they love having a real live Native English speaker in the place. Also, make sure to go to the bazaar and find the Koreans(displaced by stalin... Kyrgyzstan is filled with Displaced people) They got some wicked god and spicy vegtables, meats, and noodles. Fora couple dollars oyu can get an assortment and make a really kick ass meal. Then across from the bazaar is a real grocery store. Stock up on anything they ahve cuz it'll be a while before oyu see one of those again if you are heading east. Good Luck.
Good tip?
(0)
Bishkek, Bishkek Region & Surrounds, Kyrgyzstan
The mountains just outside of Bishkek are beautiful, so make sure you bring a pair of hiking boots!
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