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World Edition
2014
Kyrgyzstan
(Kyrgyz Republic)
Summers are hot and dry. On average, sunny weather can be
expected 247 days per year. In the inhabited lowland valleys,
average summer temperatures might rise to 86°F (30°C) but
can reach 95°F (35°C) in western Kyrgyzstan. Winters are
cold and snowy, with temperatures often below freezing. BACKGROUND
Land and Climate
Area (sq. mi.): 77,202
Area (sq. km.): 199,951
History
Origins
The history of early Kyrgyz culture is integrated with oral
legends. For example, a traditional explanation of the origin
of the word Kyrgyz is explained thus: 40 girls (kyrk is "forty"
kyz is "girls"), magically and simultaneously impregnated by
one wandering man, became the mothers of 40 sons. Each son
founded one of the original 40 nomadic tribes.
Territorial divisions of central Asian nomads were blurred
by invasions and migration, as well as Turkic, Mongol, and
Persian cultural influences. The Chinese recorded evidence of
the Kyrgyz nation in about 2000 BC. Various records indicate
that the city of Osh was established in 13 BC. The first
Kyrgyz language was developed around this time.
The Kyrgyz were one of the most powerful nomad tribes
to persistently attack China, perhaps precipitating the building
of China's Great Wall. Sunni Islam, adopted under the
Karakhanid Kaganat (Kingdom), helped unify the various
tribal and ethnic groups. In the 10th century, the Great
Kyrgyz Kaganat developed and expanded because of its
military prowess and ideal location on the Great Silk Road
trade route.
However, in the 13th century, the last Kyrgyz Kaganat fell
to Genghis Khan's Mongol onslaughts. By the 18th century,
the Kyrgyz were continually being attacked by other invaders.
Located in the heart of central Asia, the landlocked Kyrgyz
Republic is similar in size to Belarus or the U.S. state of
South Dakota. The terrain is mostly mountainous; 40 percent
of Kyrgyzstan is above 9,900 feet (3,000 meters). Pobeda
("Victory Peak") is one of the world's highest mountains, at
24,406 feet (7,439 meters). Glaciers are found at high
elevations. The largest is Inyl'chek (350 square miles, or 907
square kilometers), on the Khan-Tengri Massif. Melting
mountain ice and snow feed streams, rivers, mineral springs,
and more than two thousand lakes. The largest lake,
Issyk-Kul, is one of the world's largest alpine lakes.
Kyrgyzstan's picturesque mountains and alpine meadows
open to grassland steppes, then to broad-leafed and conifer
forests and foothills. Semiarid and arid deserts and river
valleys rim the south of Kyrgyzstan, particularly the Ferghana
and Chuiskaya valleys, at 1,600 feet (488 meters) above sea
level. Earthquakes are infrequent but strong. Kyrgyzstan has a
wide variety of native flora and fauna, including the rare
snow leopard, 25 species of reptiles, nearly 400 species of
birds, and 4,500 species of plants. However, the country's
biodiversity is threatened by illegal hunting and animal
smuggling and by industry-related waste.
The climate varies widely by region, but Kyrgyzstan
generally has a dry continental climate with four seasons.
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Russian forces responded to Kyrgyz appeals for help by
occupying northern Kyrgyzstan in 1876. At the same time,
other ethnic groups began migrating to the area.
Russian Domination
Russian protection soon became domination. The Kyrgyz
language was reestablished, roads were built, schools were
opened, and new industries were organized, but the Kyrgyz
were dissatisfied with czarist rule. Russian troops suppressed
a 1916 revolt. Famine followed and more than half a million
Kyrgyz died; many others fled to China. Moscow claimed the
area as the Kara-Kyrgyz Autonomous Region in 1924. In
1936, it became part of the Soviet Union as the Kirgizia
Soviet Socialist Republic. Sporadic rebellions continued as
Stalin's forced collectivization and destruction of animal
herds led to increased starvation. Forced to integrate into the
Soviet system, the Kyrgyz people eventually acquiesced to
much of the culture, as evidenced in urban architecture and
many social customs. Yet the nomadic spirit remained strong,
and some native traditions were revived after the fall of the
Soviet Union.
Independence
When the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, Kyrgyzstan
became an independent republic. Its intended transition to
democracy and a free-market economy has been difficult and
slow. The nation's first president, Askar Akayev, won three
successive elections amid allegations of corruption and the
suppression of dissent. In February 2005, independent and
opposition candidates were barred from running in
parliamentary elections, sparking demonstrations. Protestors
demanded new elections and Akayev's resignation. When
they took over government buildings, Akayev fled the
country.
A new president, Kurmanbek Bakiyev, was elected in
2005 and was subsequently pressured by protestors into
making constitutional reforms, which led to the resignation of
Prime Minister Marat Kadyraliyet and his government in
2009. The next year, opposition protests led Bakiyev to resign
and flee to Belarus. Former foreign minister Roza
Otunbayeva became the interim president. This provisional
government was unable to control the June 2010 ethnic
violence between the Kyrgyz and Uzbek communities of Osh;
rioting killed hundreds and displaced thousands of people.
Political Reforms
A referendum in June 2010 supported by 90 percent of voters
reduced the power of the presidency and made Kyrgyzstan
into a parliamentary republic. Parliamentary elections later
that year, however, failed to produce a clear winner. October
2011 saw the election of Almazbek Atambaev to the
presidency, though international observers reported
significant irregularities in the results. Nevertheless, the
election of Atambaev was the first peaceful transition of
power in Kyrgyzstan's post-Soviet history.
Recent Events and Trends
• NATO access: In June 2012, Kyrgyzstan agreed to allow
NATO to move troops and equipment from Afghanistan
across its territory.
• Opposition prisoners: October 2012 saw the imprisonment
of opposition members from the Ata-Zhurt party, after the
government accused them of plotting a coup.
THE PEOPLE
Population
Population: 5,548,042
Population Growth Rate: 0.97%
Urban Population: 35%
The capital, Bishkek, has fewer than one million residents.
Kyrgystan's mountains are largely uninhabited, but about
40,000 Kyrgyz are seasonal nomads. Ethnic Kyrgyz comprise
65 percent of the total population. Other groups include
Uzbeks (14 percent) in the south and Russians (13 percent) in
the north. Armenians, Belarusians, Chinese, Kazakhs,
Germans, Tajiks, Ukrainians, Uighurs, and others also live in
the country. Tensions exist between the Kyrgyz and Uzbek
communities, as well as between residents of the
Russian-oriented north and the more traditional south.
Language
The nation's official languages are Kyrgyz and Russian.
Russian was given national status in 2000 to persuade ethnic
Russians to stop emigrating, as such emigration was seen as a
drain on the Kyrgyz society and economy. Major northern
and southern dialects are joined by several small regional
dialects. Kyrgyz is a Turkic language related to Turkish,
Kazakh, Uzbek, Azeri, and Turkmen. Kyrgyz has been
developed, extinguished, and reestablished many times. In
1924, it was based on the Arabic alphabet and incorporated
Kyrgyz vocalizations; in 1928, the Latin script was
substituted; and in 1941, Cyrillic symbols were adopted by all
Turkic-speaking republics in the Soviet Union. Kyrgyz can be
transliterated with the Latin alphabet. Today, both the Latin
and Cyrillic alphabets are used in Kyrgyz writing, though the
Cyrillic one is more common. Russian is the primary
language for business in urban areas.
Religion
The Kyrgyz are traditionally Muslim; 75 percent of the
population practices at least some Sunni Muslim traditions.
The influence of Islam is growing, though many parts of
Kyrgyz society are fairly secular. In the south, where Islam's
influence is strongest, Muslim traditions have been modified
by other religious and native influences. Twenty percent of
the population belongs to the Russian Orthodox Church.
Various other Christian denominations and Judaism have
small followings.
Ancient beliefs are often mixed with formal religion. For
example, tradition holds that a horse carries the spirit of the
dead from the Middle World to the Upper World. For this
reason, a horse is sacrificed and served at the funeral
gathering for a respected deceased elder. Totemism (tribal
affiliation or kinship with a particular animal) is also widely
observed. Worshiped totems include the reindeer, white
camel, snake, eagle-owl, and bear. Celestial symbols (moon,
stars, and heaven) are other important elements in Kyrgyz
religious beliefs. Shamanism, black and white magic, and a
belief in arback (living ancestral spirits) are strong even
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among secular families. be upon you). Russians greet with Zdravstvuyte (Hello) or the
more informal Privyet (Hi). Men often shake hands.
Traditionally, a Kyrgyz woman bows to older men, especially
her husband's relatives. Older women greet children with
kisses or a handshake. These customs are most prevalent in
villages.
When addressing an older person in Russian, one uses the
first name plus a patronymic (father's first name with the
suffix -ovich for a son or -ovna for a daughter). In Kyrgyz, a
person is greeted by his or her father's first name, followed by
uulu (son) or kyzy (daughter) and the person's own given
name: Kadyrbek uulu Ulan (Kadyrbek's son, Ulan). In
addition, Kyrgyz address people older than themselves with
the titles eje (older sister) and agai or baike (both mean "older
brother"). The title comes at the end: Gulsara Eje. Young
people address each other by given name. General Attitudes
Kyrgyz people are friendly, tolerant, soft-spoken, respectful
of elders, and exceptionally hospitable. They are very proud
of their nomadic heritage. Social, political, and business
networks are structured along extended family lines; each
family or clan provides support. Society is community
oriented, so privacy and personal space are limited.
Personal relationships are considered more important than
schedules, and the quality of activities is more important than
how quickly they can be accomplished. Hence, people have a
flexible understanding of time. However, Western notions of
the relative value of time are becoming more popular among a
new generation of students, bankers, and merchants. Personal Appearance
Clothing is kept clean, mended, and ironed. There is an
increasing contrast between traditional Kyrgyz styles and
more modern fashions. For example, Kyrgyz women
traditionally have waist-length hair often worn in a braid, but
now many women cut their hair. Women in southern and
rural areas might wear colorful silk dresses and headscarves.
Northern and urban Kyrgyz women wear Western-style
clothing, though traditional headscarves denoting marital
status are fairly popular in cities. On cold winter days, older
women might wear a Russian shapka or tumak (fur hat).
Regardless of the style, clothing for most women is modest;
skirts cover the knees, and sleeves cover the arms. Still,
younger urban women wear jeans, shorts, and miniskirts. In
rural areas, women may prefer silver jewelry to gold because
silver is considered a color closer to white, and white brings
good luck. Silver also protects against misfortune.
Traditional costumes are worn often for special events.
They are embroidered in nature motifs such as ram horns and
floral patterns. White, ruffled, bell-sleeved blouses and long,
full skirts are covered by velvet aprons and close-fitting vests.
A special hat might be added to the costume for certain
celebrations.
Although men wear Western-style clothing, they may
include the traditional white wool pointed hat (kalpak) for
protection against the elements and as a sign of patriotism. A
kalpak worn by an adult has a folded-up velvet black, white,
or brown brim; a boy's brim is green or blue. The white
surface is embroidered with nature motifs. Each kalpak has a
tassel at its peak; the peak represents the mountains. A man
does not buy a kalpak for himself but receives it as a gift; the
higher the hat's peak, the more honored the recipient. In
winter, men might wear a tumak. Elderly men have beards,
but younger men rarely do. According to tradition, a son
cannot have a beard if his father is alive. White beards are a
symbol of wisdom and honor.
Gestures
The Kyrgyz are modest in their gesturing. Pointing with the
finger is impolite; one indicates direction with the entire hand.
Public displays of affection are considered impolite. At the
end of a meal, Muslims might bring the hands together in a
"prayer" position in front of the chest, raise them together to
trace an invisible circle, and then return them to face level
while saying "amen."
Visiting
Visiting is the center of Kyrgyz social life. Guests remove
their shoes upon entering a home and put on a visitor's pair of tapochki (slippers). It is common for guests to take a gift of
candy, cake, flowers, or liquor. The most honored individual
in a group is seated farthest from, but facing, the entrance.
Food symbolizes hospitality, so hosts always serve
refreshments. This may include several rounds of tea in chyny
(bowls). To indicate one is finished, one covers the empty
bowl with the hand. Usually, bread or borsok (fried dough) is
also served. It is impolite for a host not to offer and for a
guest not to accept at least a little bread. When departing, a
Kyrgyz might say Kosh bogula (Good-bye) and Rakhmat
(Thank you). Hosts might also say Jakshi baringiz (Go well)
and be told Jakshi kalingiz (Stay well).
Eating
Kyrgyz families eat three meals a day together as schedules
allow. Breakfast consists of black tea with sugar, and honey
or varaynya (preserves) on buttered bread. The main meal of
the day, usually dinner, is a hot meal traditionally consisting
of meat, rice or noodles, bread, and vegetables. Every meal
begins and ends with several cups of chai (tea).
In urban areas and in wealthy villagers' homes, people eat at a
table in a dining room. Most rural diners sit on a tushuk
(velvet floor mat) or low stools around a low table or a cloth.
They eat from a common plate in the center of the table. Each
person may have a small individual plate on which to place
food. When guests are present, the hostess may place food on
their plates. Guests who do not eat heartily can offend the
hosts. Villagers often eat kygyzcha style (without utensils).
Prior to the meal, the hostess pours warm water over guests'
CUSTOMS AND COURTESIES
Greetings
The standard Kyrgyz greeting is Salamatsyzby (Hello). Adult
men might use the Islamic greeting Assalaam ‘alaikum (Peace
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hands and into a bowl; they dry their hands on a provided
towel. The host or special guest sits at the head of the table
facing the door. Any other guests sit close to this position,
and the hostess sits near the kitchen. Women sit with legs
tucked to the side or folded under, covered by a skirt.
When a sheep is slaughtered for a meal or toi (party), it is
customary for honored guests to eat the head. Each part of the
head may have different symbolic significance. For example,
a child may receive the ears to "listen" to his or her parents, or
the most honored guest may receive the eye so that he may
soon "see" the host. Drinking and toasting (with the right
hand only) are part of most meals. is expected to behave very modestly; in rural areas, this may
mean staying in the kitchen while guests are present. Women
garner more respect as they age and give birth to one or more
children. Elderly women are treated with great respect by
everyone younger than them, and older Kyrgyz women
sometimes have as much influence on family decision making
as do men.
In urban areas, the majority of women work outside of the
home in part- or full-time jobs. Urban women also assume
roles and habits traditionally reserved for men, such as
driving and socializing in public. Women have traditionally
played an active role in society. Kyrgyzstan was the first
central Asian country to have a woman president, and a third
of legislators are women, according to a mandatory quota.
However, few women hold top governmental posts. Women
are also active in the education sector and, to a lesser extent,
in the business world. They dominate Kyrgyzstan’s many
non-profit organizations, most of which have female founders
and leaders; these organizations have campaigned against
domestic violence, bride kidnapping, and other issues.
Strong legislation prohibits domestic violence; however,
these laws tend to be poorly enforced, in large part because
victims face great shame for reporting abuse. Similarly,
women’s inheritance and property rights are protected by law
but not always in practice.
Because a large number of Kyrgyz men work abroad,
mostly in Russia, either seasonally or permanently, many
families are without a father for long stretches of time. Some
village populations may be composed almost entirely of the
elderly, women, and small children.
LIFESTYLE
Family
Structure
Rural families average around three or four children, while
urban ones tend to be smaller, with two or maybe three
children. The extended family has great importance in Kyrgyz
culture, and several generations may live together in one
household. Adult children usually live with their parents until
they marry. Children who grew up in rural areas may find
housing close to their extended families, but it is also quite
common for newlywed couples to migrate to cities, or even
abroad, in search of greater economic and social
opportunities. They travel to visit their parents as often as
possible, though, and honor their obligation to care for
relatives when needed.
In cities, nuclear family households are most common.
Even then, extended family members help raise children.
Younger female relatives (like a college-aged niece, for
example) often move in with new parents to assist with child
care and housework. This relative becomes integrated into the
family and is given pocket money and gifts (which may range
from clothing to gold rings, depending on the family’s
financial situation). In turn, the child she helped raise is
expected to help her throughout her life.
Parents and Children
Children start helping their mother with chores as soon as
they can. From a young age, older children look after younger
ones, and siblings generally share clothes and toys alike.
Children must obey and respect adults, even strangers. The
youngest son especially is responsible for the welfare of his
aging parents. When he marries, his bride moves in with him
at his parents’ house—where she is instructed in cooking,
cleaning, and hosting—and the couple lives there
permanently. In return, the youngest son inherits all of his
parents’ possessions. The relationship between children and
parents is one of mutual respect and a willingness to help
each other during times of economic difficulty.
Gender Roles
A Kyrgyz man is regarded as the financial provider and
undisputed head of the family, especially in rural areas.
Kyrgyz women are expected to raise children, maintain the
house, and prepare for guests. This is especially true of a
kelin (new wife). She is responsible for caring for the entire
family through cooking, serving food, and hosting guests. She
Housing
The most common form of housing in urban areas is the
Soviet-era apartment building. There are three standard sizes:
those with one bedroom, a kitchen, and bathroom; those with
two bedrooms and a living room in addition to other standard
rooms; and three- or four-bedroom apartments that also
include a dining room. Most apartments have a balcony for
storage and hanging laundry.
Though housing exteriors are not always maintained,
people pay attention to the upkeep of the interior of their
homes. They often decorate them with national handicrafts,
such as shurdaks (wool wall hangings), in addition to
paintings.
Freestanding houses are typical in towns and rural areas.
Individual houses often have separate structures such as a banya (bathhouse), a summer kitchen, and pens for chickens
and livestock. Most houses have a garden; growing fruits,
herbs, and vegetables is an essential part of subsistence for
most families. Many people live in compounds in which
extended family members also have houses. The house or
compound is usually surrounded by a high fence or brick
wall.
Some Kyrgyz live in a yurta (a round nomadic tent) while
tending their horses or sheep in summer pastures.
Traditionally, upon entering a yurta, the left-hand side is used
for items men use, like those for hunting and cattle breeding,
while the right-hand side is the women's realm and is filled
with household items. Opposite the door is an area reserved
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for guests. because of hard economic times and growing religiosity.
According to Islam, a man may have up to four wives as long
as he provides for them equally, and some women choose to
become a second or third wife in order to lessen their
financial difficulties. Common-law marriages are not
recognized. Divorce is considered a last resort, and divorced
women face disproportionate social stigma compared to men.
Dating and Marriage
Dating and Courtship
Young people begin dating between the ages of 14 and 20.
They meet at schools, bars, concerts, and family parties.
Another meeting point is Lake Issyk-Kul, the country’s main
resort area. Youth often begin socializing in groups before
breaking off into couples. A growing number of couples are
beginning their relationships on social networks. Common
dates include going to a park, café, or movie. The length of
time that people date prior to marriage varies widely with
family and may be as short as a few weeks or as long as
several years. Sexual relationships and cohabitation prior to
marriage are strictly prohibited and bring great shame to girls
especially.
Engagement
In rural areas, girls tend to marry at age 18 or 19 and boys at
19 or 20. Marriage ages are higher in urban areas, averaging
between 21 to 26 for women and 23 to 27 for men. Marriages
were once arranged by parents, but today virtually all couples
become informally engaged on their own. A young man
proposes to his girlfriend in private to communicate the
seriousness of his intentions; if she accepts his proposal, an
official engagement follows with the couple’s families.
In rural areas and among some traditional families, the
official engagement involves a kuda tushuu (group of people
including the young man’s mother, her oldest relative, and
perhaps her daughter) paying a visit to the young woman’s
house. There the young man’s kuda tushuu informs his
girlfriend’s parents of his intentions. If they agree to give their
daughter in marriage, the size of the kalym (a large sum of
money given to the bride’s parents) and wedding details are
discussed. In all cases, engagements usually last between one
and six months. Though technically illegal, a potential groom
might kidnap an unwilling or unsuspecting bride. She is taken
to the man's home, and if his mother successfully places a
scarf on her head, she is betrothed and has no voice in the
decision. Today, most urban people choose their own
spouses, but kidnappings are still common in rural areas.
Weddings
Wedding customs include kalym, kiyit (the exchange of
clothes between the relatives of the bride and groom), sepo (a
dowry for the bride), and opko chaboo (a sheep sacrificed for
the meal). During the civil ceremony, the groom's mother
places a white scarf on the bride's head. A religious ceremony
follows the civil one. Guests wear festive clothes to the
marriage celebration, where they feast on traditional foods,
dance, and toast to the couple’s happiness. A common village
ritual is kyz kuumai (chasing the bride). The bride is provided
the fastest horse and must try to outrace the groom. Tradition
states that if she outraces him, she can “choose” not to marry
him. However, couples today simply race for a kiss: if the
groom catches the bride, he gets a kiss; if she wins, she can
whip him with a horse crop.
Marriage in Society
The institution of marriage is highly valued in Kyrgyz culture,
and finding a spouse is a major goal of nearly all adults.
Polygamy is legally prohibited, but the practice is on the rise
Life Cycle
Birth
In Soviet times, women were guaranteed six months of
maternity leave. Today, the law stipulates 126 days of paid
leave, though many women work in the informal sector and
may return to work just a week after giving birth. The father
may invite his friends over to drink and celebrate the birth.
Naming practices vary from family to family. Some
parents name their children after grandparents or other
relatives, while others turn to soap opera characters, famous
Hollywood actors, or other Western names. According to
tradition, no one except family members should see the baby
for the first 40 days of life to avoid the “evil eye.” On the
40th day, a large celebration (beshik-toi) is held, during which
the baby is presented to the community. Tushoo-toi is a large
party that is held later, when the child starts walking. A party
is also held when an imam (Muslim leader) circumcises a
boy, usually between the ages of three and five.
Milestones
Socially, youth are given more responsibilities and
independence around age 16. The legal age of adulthood,
when young people may start voting, is 18. They are
considered to be fully adult when they graduate from
university or move out of their parents’ home, which usually
take place around the same time.
The retirement age is 58 for women and 63 for men.
Among some minority groups, the 60th birthday is considered
significant and may be celebrated in a more festive way than
other birthdays.
Death
A Kyrgyz family sets up a yurta (a round nomadic tent) when
a loved one dies. The body is placed inside, and the men pray
while the women wail for the deceased. An imam reads from
the Qur’an before the men carry the body to the cemetery for
burial. Family and friends are then invited to the home for a
meal. Instead of killing a sheep (the tradition at most special
occasions), the family kills a horse (the traditional funeral
food) if it can afford one. Forty days after the death, the
family again invites guests over to grieve. The one-year
anniversary is similarly observed. People visit the graves of
deceased loved ones at least once a year. Kyrgyz tie scraps of
cloth to trees or metal gates near cemeteries to symbolize a
prayer said for the dead.
Diet
The national Kyrgyz dish is beshbarmak (noodles and meat
eaten with the fingers). Because of the expense in preparing
this dish, it is usually reserved for special occasions. Common
dishes include plov (rice with lamb, carrots, onions, and
garlic) and manty (steamed meat and onions sealed in dough
patties). Potatoes and rice are staples, and mutton is the meat
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of choice. People enjoy various breads, such as byolko (a
dark, long loaf) and tahngdyr nahn (flat bread). Desserts
include bread with varaynya (preserves), cakes, chocolate, or
cookies.
Seasonal produce includes tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots,
cabbage, apples, grapes, and melons. Families preserve fresh
produce for winter months. Nuts (especially walnuts) are
readily available in the south. Kyrgyzstan has one of the
world's largest natural walnut forests: Arslanbob. Legend has
it that Alexander the Great planted the first walnut trees there.
Islamic tradition forbids pork and alcohol; most families
abstain from pork but often not from alcohol. In fact, drinking
alcohol is a common pastime. Black tea, the most popular
drink, is called kyzyl chai (red tea) and is always drunk hot
with heavy doses of sweeteners; green tea is popular in the
south. Kumiss (fermented mare's milk) is sold at roadside
stands during the spring and summer. occasions, Kyrgyz used to gather in a yurta (a round nomadic
tent) to hear lengthy passages of the epic recited by manaschis (storytellers). After being weakened during the
Soviet era, the Manas tradition was revived in the 1990s.
Cultural institutions are limited mainly to urban centers.
Bishkek residents enjoy ballet, drama, concerts, movies, the
circus, art galleries, and historic museums. However, funding
for cultural institutions has decreased dramatically since
independence, and traditionally popular arts such as classical
music have declined. Traditional music is played on the
three-stringed komuz (small guitar-like instrument) and the temir-komuz (mouth harp). Holidays
Kyrgyzstan's public holidays include New Year's Day,
Fatherland Defender’s Day (23 Feb.), International Women's
Day (8 Mar.), International Workers' Day (1 May),
Constitution Day (5 May), World War II Victory Day (9 May,
honors veterans of that war), and Independence Day (31
Aug.). Christian holidays include Christmas (7 Jan.) and
Easter. Nowruz, the Persian New Year, is celebrated on the
vernal equinox in March. Muslim holidays include Orozo Ait
(feast at the end of Ramadan, also known as Eid al-Fitr) and
Kurban Ait (Day of Remembrance, also known as Eid
al-Adha), both set by the lunar calendar.
New Year's
New Year’s is the most widely celebrated holiday in
Kyrgyzstan. Extended families strive to gather together
during this season. Some people invite guests over to share
festive dishes. Olivier, a cold salad, is a dish traditionally
prepared for this holiday. Children receive gifts, similar to
those given on Christmas in other countries, and some
families decorate a New Year’s (evergreen) tree. Special
variety shows are broadcast on television and are widely
watched. Some people shoot off fireworks, which draw many
spectators.
Nowruz
Nowruz is Kyrgyzstan’s unofficial New Year, celebrated on
the vernal equinox. It has roots in the Iranian Zoroastrian
calendar, which considers the spring equinox the first day of
the year. Kyrgyz celebrations of this holiday mirror those of
other central Asian nations. To mark the holiday, families
gather for a feast that features a traditional dish, called
sumalak, which is made of flour and germinated wheat seeds
that are usually cooked in a large kettle over an open flame.
Some families follow the ancient tradition of placing a small
piece of a juniper branch in a tea bowl, lighting the juniper on
fire, and carrying the bowl around the house so that the smoke
spreads everywhere. This ritual is believed to drive out
miseries and invite happiness.
Women's and Men's Days
On International Women’s Day, men give gifts to the women
in their lives, including grandmothers, mothers, sisters, aunts,
classmates, co-workers, and wives or girlfriends. The
equivalent for men is Fatherland Defender’s Day, when they
receive presents from women. This holiday is especially
significant to those who were part of the army.
Independence Day
Independence Day is celebrated in Bishkek’s central square
Recreation
Sports
Soccer is one of the most popular sports. In both urban and
rural areas, men of all ages often gather at sports grounds to
play in organized matches. Wrestling and basketball are also
popular sports among men. Girls and women play some
soccer, but they tend to prefer activities such as gymnastics,
dancing, swimming, hiking, and biking. In school, students
take part in physical education classes that involve jogging,
calisthenics, and organized sports such as volleyball and
basketball. In some areas, chess is also a part of these classes.
Traditional equestrian sports include Ulak (a type of polo
played with a goat carcass), Aht Chabysh (long-distance
races), Dzhorgosalysh (pacers' races, popular for betting),
Oodarysh (wrestling on horseback), Tyin Enmei (falconry on
horseback), and Kyz Dzharysh (girls' races).
Leisure
The Kyrgyz enjoy outdoor activities. They spend time at Lake
Issyk-Kul and hike or picnic in the mountains. They also
enjoy skiing. Men fish and hunt. Older men play chess in
parks. Children like ordo, a game played with sheep bones.
Movies and theaters are popular. Kyrgyz often gather to eat,
drink, and talk. People frequent restaurants, especially those
featuring international cuisine, and also enjoy walking along
city boulevards and in parks. Most people regularly watch
television.
Vacation
The average employee enjoys four weeks of paid vacation
time a year. People usually travel to Lake Issyk-Kul or other
picturesque places in Kyrgyzstan to vacation. Urban families
might have dachas (mountain cottages) or go to health spas.
Visiting relatives is also a common way to spend time away
from work. International travel has also become more
affordable in recent years.
The Arts
Traditionally, Kyrgyz history has been transmitted via folk
tales. Although there are many Kyrgyz epics, Manas is the
longest (more than a million lines) and most significant.
Manas was a folk hero said to represent the strength,
independence, and unity of the Kyrgyz people. On special
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with daytime concerts featuring dancers, singers, and
storytellers and with a large fireworks show in the evening.
The Kyrgyz president gives a speech to commemorate the
holiday, and people enjoy strolling along the central square
and Bishkek’s boulevards. Families also take their children to
amusement parks. Smaller celebrations take place elsewhere
in the country as well.
Muslim Holidays
Orozo Ait (Eid al-Fitr) and Kurban Ait (Eid al-Adha) are
celebrated during the fall on days determined by the lunar
calendar. Orozo Ait occurs at the end of a month-long fasting
period and is a festive holiday. To celebrate, people dress in
special clothing, cook traditional food, and visit relatives and
neighbors. Kurban Ait takes place 70 days after Orozo Ait, at
the end of hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia). For this
holiday, families sacrifice a lamb, cook traditional meals, and
practice forgiveness. They also visit friends and the graves of
their relatives.
Torture is sometimes used in the criminal justice system to
elicit confessions. Discrimination on the grounds of ethnicity,
religion, and gender is a problem. In June 2010, tensions in
southern Kyrgyzstan between ethnic Kyrgyz and Uzbeks
turned violent, leaving more than four hundred people dead
and causing many Uzbeks to flee the country. Though
inter-ethnic relations are now peaceful and many ethnic
Uzbeks have returned to the country, they reportedly continue
to be subjected to arbitrary detention and mistreatment by law
enforcement.
Most post-Soviet elections in Kyrgyzstan have been
marked by major irregularities. Though the 2011 presidential
election was not without widespread problems, it did mark
Kyrgyzstan’s—and central Asia’s—first voluntary transition
of power since the fall of the Soviet Union. Citizens are
eligible to vote at age 18, and turnout rates consistently
approach or exceed 50 percent.
Kyrgyz tend to be politically active and take to the streets
readily to protest government actions they disagree with. Two
presidents have been forced to step down in the face of
anti-government protests, which sometimes turn violent.
Kyrgyz citizens also appeal to non-governmental
organizations when they want to effect change. Members of
parliament are accessible; they reserve an entire day each
week for meeting with the public and take regular trips to all
seven districts of the country, including remote areas. Politics
is popular among Kyrgyz youth, many of whom aspire to
hold office. Blogging is a popular way of expressing political
opinions.
The constitution protects freedoms of speech, association,
assembly, and religion. In practice, the government restricts
freedom of the press, though it largely upholds the other
freedoms, with some limitations. For example, though a
variety of religious beliefs are respected, the government
closely monitors Islamist groups and has banned the wearing
of headscarves in some schools. Even so, compared with its
regional neighbors, Kyrgyzstan boasts a relatively strong civil
society.
SOCIETY
Government
Head of State: Pres. Almazbek Atambaev
Head of Government: PM Jantoro Satybaldiev
Capital: Bishkek
Structure
Kyrgyzstan's president is head of state. Directly elected by an
absolute majority vote, the president serves a five-year term.
The prime minister is head of government and is nominated
by the party that holds the majority of seats in the Jogorku
Kenesh (Supreme Council). The unicameral Jogorku Kenesh
has 120 members, elected to five-year terms through a
proportional representation system. Parties are required to
have at least 30 percent of their candidates be female. A new
constitution approved in 2010 shifted power from the
presidency to parliament. Kyrgyzstan lacks an independent
judiciary; instead, the courts are dominated by the executive
branch, which tends to use them as a means of rubber
stamping decisions.
Political Landscape
Major political parties include the nationalist, conservative
Ata Jurt, the centrist Social Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan
(SDPK), and the liberal Ata-Meken. The Ar-Namys and
Respublika parties are also significant. The current governing
coalition includes the SDPK, Ata-Maken, and Ar-Namys.
Political issues include Kyrgyzstan’s relationship with the
West, Russia, and its central Asian neighbors; the country’s
struggling economy; and the political and economic
marginalization of southern Kyrgyzstan and ethnic Uzbeks.
Kyrgyzstan is home to as many as 10,000
non-governmental organizations, which play an active role in
politics and advocacy. These organizations advocate for
increased freedom of expression and assembly, business
interests, women’s rights, and a variety of other causes.
Government and the People
Kyrgyzstan ranks as one of the most corrupt countries in the
world and faces high rates of unemployment and poverty.
Economy
GDP (PPP) in billions: $13.47
GDP (PPP) per capita: $2,400
Kyrgyzstan is making the difficult shift to a free-market
economy. Restructuring is painful, but Kyrgyzstan has been
relatively successful at lowering inflation, creating jobs,
rebuilding roads, increasing industrial output, and privatizing
some state-owned firms. Nevertheless, poverty and
unemployment remain widespread. Private land ownership
was legalized in 1999. Industry (manufacturing, mining, and
electricity) is centered in the north, agriculture in the south.
Primary cash crops include cotton and tobacco. Natural
resources include gold, antimony, mercury, uranium, coal,
and natural gas. The Kumtor goldfield is believed to be
among the world's 10 largest goldfields. Kyrgyzstan relies
heavily on gold exports as well as remittances from Kyrgyz
working in Russia. The currency is the som (KGS).
Transportation and Communications
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Internet Users (per 100 people): 20
Cellular Phone Subscriptions (per 100 people): 116
Paved Roads: NA
teachers. Some schools organize recreational events, such as a
picnic in the mountains, a trip to a museum, or a walk in the
park for lower grades.
Higher Education
Those who partially finish their secondary education at age 14
may move on to vocational schools that teach skills such as
plumbing and sewing. Secondary school graduates may attend
university. Those who score high enough on the National
Testing System Certificate (ORT) attend public universities
for free. Public scholarships are very competitive and target
only professions the government determines are needed for
the development of the country. Therefore, the majority of
public university students must pay tuition. Private
universities require tuition for all but those who receive merit
scholarships. An increasing number of students work while
studying at universities, prompting some universities to offer
evening classes. Kyrgyzstan is home to over 50 universities,
located in major cities. The most significant are the American
University of Central Asia, the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic
University, and the Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University.
People prefer travel by private truck or car, but fuel is
expensive and few people own cars. Most cars found on the
road are quite old. Most ride public buses in and between
cities. North-south travel is difficult due to the terrain; some
major roads, which were impassable in winter, have been
rebuilt. Villagers continue to ride horses or use horse-drawn
carts.
The internet is becoming widely available, even in rural
areas. Cellular telephones are affordable and easily accessible
in both urban and rural areas. There are several newspapers
and radio stations in Kyrgyzstan. In addition to local
television programming, broadcasts are received from
neighboring countries. Freedom of the press is protected by
law, but in practice ethnic Uzbek journalists have faced
violence and arrests and independent journalists often face
pressure to keep quiet on politically sensitive issues. Education
Adult Literacy: 98.7%
Mean Years of Schooling: 9.3
Health
The free public healthcare network is poorly equipped, and
the staff is underpaid. Families must often supply patient
needs (medicine, food, supplies). Private hospitals and clinics
provide better, but expensive, care. Because many people lack
access to sufficient formal care, alternative health care is
popular and includes acupuncture, herbal medicines, and
homeopathic treatments. Sauna baths, mineral waters, and
thermal springs are considered therapeutic. Malnutrition
affects many children. Tuberculosis is a common health
threat. Many lack clean drinking water and modern plumbing.
Structure and Access
Education is highly valued. Kindergarten begins at age 4.
Mandatory education begins at age 6 and lasts until at least
age 14, though to receive a secondary school diploma,
students must stay in school until age 17. No division exists
between primary and secondary schools; students spend their
entire educational career at a single institution. A
comprehensive public school system is supplemented by a
limited number of private schools. These schools typically
specialize in particular curriculum areas, usually foreign
languages, and offer a wider variety of extracurricular
activities. Some of them are boarding schools. Public schools
are free. Public schools service all but the most remote
villages, so rural students enjoy nearly the same access to
education as their urban counterparts. Wherever they attend,
most children study hard and finish school.
School Life
Few schools require uniforms, though white tops and black
bottoms or jeans are considered appropriate school dress.
Students are required to buy some supplies and textbooks;
those who cannot afford to do so may access textbooks from
the library.
Teachers employ both lecture and discussion in class, and
they assign group work in addition to individual assignments.
Education in Kyrgyzstan is challenging, and students spend a
substantial amount of time on homework. Cheating is
considered a serious academic offence and results in a failing
grade on the assignment or test or failure of an entire term.
Teachers may provide extra classes to help students who are
behind to catch up.
Some public holidays are celebrated in school.
Additionally, Valentine’s Day has become a popular time for
older students to exchange cards. The first Sunday in October
is Teacher’s Day, when pupils present flowers to their
AT A GLANCE
Contact Information
Embassy of Kyrgyzstan, 2360 Massachusetts Avenue NW,
Washington, DC 20008; phone (202) 449-9822; web site
www.kgembassy.org.
Country and Development Data
Capital
Population
Area (sq. mi.)
Area (sq. km.)
Human Development Index
Gender Inequality Index
GDP (PPP) per capita
Adult Literacy
Infant Mortality
Life Expectancy
Currency
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Bishkek
5,548,042 (rank=112)
77,202 (rank=87)
199,951
125 of 187 countries
64 of 148 countries
$2,400
99% (male); 98% (female)
29.73 per 1,000 births
66 (male); 74 (female)
Som
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