Kyrgyzstan Life & Culture - The Times Of Central Asia

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Kyrgyzstan Launches Sustainable Tourism Development Program

The Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan has approved a new Program for Sustainable Tourism Development which is set to run until 2030. The program aims to significantly enhance the country's tourism sector, focusing on sustainable growth, regional development, and environmental preservation. Program Priorities The program outlines several key areas for development: Strengthening state policy, improving regulations, and enhancing strategic management in tourism. Boosting the attractiveness of tourism services for both domestic and international travelers. Leveraging digital technologies to simplify access to tourism products. Ensuring the safety and security of tourists. Preserving and promoting Kyrgyzstan’s historical, cultural, and natural heritage while maintaining ecological balance. Stimulating regional development and supporting local economies through tourism initiatives. Improving transport, hotel, and tourism infrastructure. Encouraging the adoption of green technologies and supporting environmentally friendly practices. Promoting niche tourism markets such as medical, sports, and health resort tourism. The program has ambitious goals, including increasing tourism's contribution to the national GDP to 7% and achieving a 10% annual growth in the number of domestic and foreign tourists. Currently, tourism accounts for 2.7% of Kyrgyzstan’s GDP. Rising Tourism Numbers Kyrgyzstan’s tourism industry has seen steady growth in recent years. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, the country is expected to have attracted more than 10.5 million foreign tourists in 2024, up from 8.5 million in 2023. In the first eight months of 2024 alone, Kyrgyzstan welcomed 6.1 million foreign visitors. The majority of tourists came from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia, followed by travelers from Turkey, China, India, Germany, Pakistan, the United States, and South Korea. Infrastructure and Investment On January 11, the First Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Daniyar Amangeldiev, chaired a meeting on tourism development. The discussions centered on improving tourism infrastructure, creating favorable conditions for investment in the sector, and designing new tourist routes. Amangeldiev emphasized the pivotal role of tourism in driving economic growth and creating jobs. As part of the government's plans, 40 new tourist bases are expected to open across the country by 2025. These will be developed in cooperation with local communities and investors. “We must improve services, develop unique routes, and ensure tourists’ safety throughout their journey in Kyrgyzstan,” Amangeldiev stated. A Vision for the Future With its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and growing global recognition, Kyrgyzstan is positioning itself as a major tourism destination in Central Asia. The new program aims to transform the sector into a key driver of sustainable development, while preserving the country’s natural and cultural treasures for future generations.

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In Doha, Central Asian Artists Dismantle Orientalism

Completely covered by a huge textile patchwork piece, softly moved by the wind, the façade of the Mathaf Museum in Doha promises visitors something fascinating and alluring. Coming closer, attendees could read a series of statements in various languages on the fabric. The effect of familiarity and estrangement at once was the purpose of Azerbaijani artist Babi Badalov, who realized the piece. By layering phrases in Arabic, Cyrillic, and Latin with calligraffiti and employing disjointed grammar and syntax, the artist meant to visually disrupt “linguistic imperialism” and show how Europe’s modern civilization owes much to Arab civilization. [caption id="attachment_27513" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] The Mathaf Museum in Doha; image: TCA, Naima Morelli[/caption] This specially commissioned work, called Text Still (2024), is nothing but an appetizer for the show Seeing is Believing: The Art and Influence of Gérôme. Organized by the forthcoming Lusail Museum — an institution under development in northern Doha that will house the largest collection of the so-called Orientalist art — the exhibition features loans from institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Islamic Arts Museum in Malaysia. The main part of the show is dedicated to French artist Jean-Léon Gérôme, who lived and worked in the 19th century and was profoundly influential in his depictions of the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. His works shaped Western perceptions of these regions during an era when colonialism and “Oriental Studies” were cementing global power dynamics. The show included a historical and biographical exploration of Gérôme’s life, timed to celebrate the 200th anniversary of his birth, as well as a photographic section curated by Giles Hudson dedicated to visions of the Orient from Gérôme’s time to today. But it is in the third section, centered on contemporary art and called “I Swear I saw That”, that Central Asian artist really enter into a close dialogue with Gérôme’s Orientalism, turning it on its head. Sara Raza, curator of this section, takes Badalov’s textile work as a case in point: “Badalov inverts Edward Said’s mission of examining Western perceptions of the Orient, focusing instead on Eastern perceptions of the Occident, and vice versa,” she told The Times of Central Asia. Edward Said’s concept of Orientalism, as detailed in his groundbreaking 1978 work of the same name, is an institutionalized program of Western knowledge, based mostly on projections, mystification, and imagination - and includes works of art as well as the academy - which is directed to justify a supposed Western superiority and imperialism over Eastern populations. “I Swear I Saw That” interrogates Jean-Leon Gerome’s way of seeing, which Sara Raza recognizes as a “fantastical and highly mythologized vision of the East,” and looks at how artists from both the Middle East, the Arab world and Central Asia fought back. A Central Asia and Caucasus expert who works extensively in the Middle East, Raza has examined the process of the exoticization of Eastern populations for a long time. She coined the term “Punk Orientalism,” which also became the...

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Condé Nast Traveler Names Kyrgyzstan’s Karakol Among 25 Best Places to Visit in 2025

Condé Nast Traveler has crowned the Kyrgyz town of Karakol as the "adventure capital of Central Asia" and included it in its prestigious list of the 25 best places to visit in 2025. Located southeast of Lake Issyk-Kul, and approximately 150km from the Kyrgyzstan-China border, Karakol is Kyrgyzstan’s premier winter tourism hub. The city boasts the nation’s largest and best mountain ski resort. The magazine highlights Karakol as a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, and paragliding. It also praises the Karakol ski base, the highest ski resort in Central Asia, perched at an altitude of 1.8 miles. Looking ahead, Karakol is set to further solidify its reputation as a winter sports haven. A new resort, Three Peaks, is scheduled to open in 2026 in collaboration with French ski specialists Société des Trois-Vallées. This development is expected to attract even more winter sports enthusiasts to the region. Beyond adventure, Condé Nast Traveler lauds Karakol’s cultural and culinary diversity. The city is home to a mix of Uyghur, Uzbek, Kyrgyz, Kalmak, Dungan, and Russian communities. This multicultural heritage has given rise to unique attractions, including wooden "gingerbread" houses, cold ashlan-fu soup, and the Dungan Mosque, built in 1907 by Chinese artisans. The mosque reflects Buddhist influences, with a pagoda replacing the traditional minaret. Condé Nast Traveler suggests visiting Karakol between June and September for trekking and cultural tours, while December through April is ideal for winter sports enthusiasts. The city has become more accessible with the reopening of its reconstructed international airport in December 2024. This development allows travelers to reach Karakol from Bishkek in under an hour by plane. Alternatively, the journey takes 6-7 hours by car or bus.

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Explosion Near Kyrgyz-Tajik Border Leaves Two Injured

On January 5, an explosion occurred in the Kyrgyz village of Arka-2, near Kyrgyzstan's border with Tajikistan. The incident was reported by the Information and Communications Department of the Border Service under the State Committee for National Security (SCNS). According to preliminary investigations, the explosion happened while the homeowner, identified as N.A., was cleaning under his porch, where old construction materials and metal objects had been stored. During the cleaning, N.A. discovered an unknown explosive device, believed to be a shell, which then detonated. The Border Guard Service noted that N.A.'s house had previously been damaged in 2022 as a result of shelling during cross-border clashes. The explosion left N.A. and his 12-year-old daughter, who was with him at the time, with shrapnel injuries. Both victims were taken to the hospital, where they received medical treatment and are now reported to be in stable condition. Following the explosion, Border Patrol engineers quickly secured the area. Law enforcement officials have launched an extensive investigation to determine the origin and circumstances surrounding the device. On the same day, a meeting was held between representatives of the law enforcement agencies of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The Tajik side was informed about the incident, and the border service issued a call for heightened vigilance among residents of border areas. Citizens were urged not to handle or investigate suspicious objects but to immediately report them to border units or law enforcement agencies. The explosion highlights lingering risks in border regions between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, which have been prone to tensions and periodic violence in recent years. Efforts to strengthen security and cooperation between the two countries remain critical in preventing further incidents and ensuring the safety of border communities.

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How Orthodox Christmas Is Celebrated in Central Asia

Orthodox Christmas, observed on January 7, holds a significant place in Central Asia, even in predominantly Muslim countries such as Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. This article explores how the holiday is celebrated in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Kazakhstan Orthodox Christmas in Kazakhstan is a public holiday, alongside the Muslim celebration of Kurban-Ayt (Eid al-Adha). This recognition stems from the efforts of Kazakhstan's first president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, who proposed in 2005 during the XI session of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan to declare both holidays as non-working days. Despite opposition from the Constitutional Court, which cited the country's secular constitution, members of the parliamentary faction Asar, led by Nazarbayev's daughter Dariga Nazarbayeva, and the presidential party Otan amended the Labor Code to accommodate these holidays. Since then, Orthodox Christmas and Kurban-Ayt have been official holidays. Celebrations in major cities include festive liturgies. In Almaty, the Ascension Cathedral holds a service beginning at 11pm on January 6, followed by a midnight procession. In Astana, the Assumption Cathedral similarly hosts a midnight service. For those unable to attend, events from the Assumption Cathedral are live-streamed on the YouTube channel “Live Broadcasts of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan.” Uzbekistan Orthodox Christians comprise 4-5% of Uzbekistan’s population of over 37.5 million. Uzbekistan is part of the Tashkent and Uzbekistan Diocese under the Russian Orthodox Church. The Cathedral of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Tashkent is the focal point of Christmas celebrations. Services begin at 11.30pm on January 6 and end at 3.30am. To ensure maximum participation, the cathedral holds five separate liturgies. Metropolitan Vikenty of the Tashkent and Uzbekistan Diocese explains, “Traditionally, the liturgy was held at night because the Nativity of Christ took place at night. But not everyone can attend a night service, so we perform several liturgies.” Kyrgyzstan Approximately 350,000 Orthodox Christians live in Kyrgyzstan, according to Bishop Daniel of Bishkek and Kyrgyzstan. The country is part of the Bishkek and Kyrgyzstan Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church. January 7 is a public holiday in Kyrgyzstan, aligning with the extended New Year vacations, which last from January 1 to 7. Festive services are held at the Resurrection Cathedral and the Church of the Holy Prince Vladimir in Bishkek. Tajikistan In Tajikistan, the Orthodox Christian community numbers around 80,000, or 1.2% of the population, though regular church attendance is much smaller. The country is under the jurisdiction of the Dushanbe Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church. Christmas services are held at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Dushanbe, beginning at 11pm on January 6 and lasting about three hours. The diocese oversees six churches in Tajikistan, served by five priests. Turkmenistan As of 2019, Turkmenistan’s Orthodox Christian population is about 485,000, or 9% of the total population. All Orthodox parishes are under the Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church, established in 2007. Services on Christmas Eve and January 6 are conducted in all 12 Orthodox churches in Turkmenistan, adhering strictly to church traditions. According to Archpriest John, dean of...

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Kyrgyzstan to Update National Anthem

The Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports, and Youth Policy of Kyrgyzstan, in collaboration with creative unions, is working on crafting a new national anthem. The announcement was made during a press conference in Bishkek by Melis Murataliyev, chairman of the National Commission on the State Language. An interdepartmental commission has been established to evaluate proposed versions of the anthem. “We have been tasked with conducting a linguistic examination of all selected variants to ensure they align with our culture, traditions, and worldview. We will assess whether the meaning of word combinations remains consistent when pronounced. Three versions will ultimately be submitted to the Jogorku Kenesh for approval, but not before undergoing rigorous linguistic review,” Murataliyev stated. Parliament Speaker Nurlanbek Shakiyev had first proposed changing the anthem several months ago. He noted that the current anthem was adopted during a challenging period following Kyrgyzstan’s independence. “Today, we are a stable and developing state. For this reason, the anthem should reflect our progress and be one that everyone can sing with pride,” Shakiyev said. He emphasized that the selection process should involve public participation, allowing citizens to contribute text and melody proposals. The contest criteria stipulate that the anthem should celebrate Kyrgyzstan, inspire its people, and encourage development and progress. President Sadyr Japarov has also expressed support for the initiative. He believes the current anthem has lost its relevance and sees no issue with updating it. “The anthem should be the work of creative individuals - composers and poets - and its development should involve public discussion. If the majority supports a new anthem, it would be a positive step forward. Imagine schoolchildren and Aksakals singing it together; that would be truly wonderful,” Japarov remarked. The new anthem is expected to be adopted by April next year.