Kyrgyzstan Life & Culture - The Times Of Central Asia

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Podcast

Pannier and Hillard’s Spotlight on Central Asia: New Episode Out Now

As Managing Editor of The Times of Central Asia, I’m delighted that, in partnership with the Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs, from October 19, we are the home of the Spotlight on Central Asia podcast. Chaired by seasoned broadcasters Bruce Pannier of RFE/RL’s long-running Majlis podcast and Michael Hillard of The Red Line, each fortnightly instalment will take you on a deep dive into the latest news, developments, security issues, and social trends across an increasingly pivotal region. This week, we examine a series of significant developments across Central Asia, from the deepening fallout of Kyrgyzstan's political power struggle, with fresh arrests, widening investigations, and reports of military build-ups in one of the country's key districts, to a meeting of the Organisation of Turkic States carrying implications that could reverberate well into the rest of the year. We also look at Kazakhstan's announcement of a new oil discovery so substantial it comes close to rivalling Kashagan, alongside the decision by four of Central Asia's five states to dispatch aid convoys in support of the humanitarian response in Iran, as well as a notable diplomatic development where two neighbouring states are finally moving to establish formal relations for the first time since 2021. Before finally turning to the escalating conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan, where some of the heaviest fighting in months is raising fresh questions about border stability, regional security, and the risk of wider spillover. Special guest on the show this week: - C. Christine Fair, professor in the Security Studies Program within the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, and an expert in the Pakistani military and Afghan relations.

World Nomad Games

Snow Leopard Designated as Official Mascot of World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan

The snow leopard has been designated as the official mascot of the sixth World Nomad Games, which Kyrgyzstan will host from August 31 to September 6, it has been announced. “The snow leopard is more than a symbol of strength. It reflects inner resolve, dignity, and clarity of purpose. It carries the spirit of Kyrgyzstan, the character of nomadic culture, and the energy of forward movement,” the Games' Secretariat said. In October 2025, Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet of Ministers officially designated the snow leopard as the country’s national symbol and approved a corresponding logo. Snow leopards are considered a key indicator of ecological health in mountainous regions across 12 Asian countries, including Kyrgyzstan. The country has played a prominent role in global conservation efforts, most notably by spearheading a United Nations General Assembly initiative that led to the establishment of October 23 as International Snow Leopard Day. Launched by Kyrgyzstan in 2012, the World Nomad Games aim to revive and preserve the cultural heritage of nomadic civilizations. The inaugural Games were held in September 2014 in the resort town of Cholpon-Ata on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul. Kyrgyzstan also hosted the second and third editions in 2016 and 2018. The 2022 Games were held in Turkey, and the 2024 edition took place in Kazakhstan. Over the years, the Games have evolved into a major international festival showcasing Central Asia’s cultural traditions through events featuring birds of prey, equestrian sports, traditional wrestling, archery, and displays of physical skill and endurance. In February 2026, the Director-General of UNESCO, Khaled El-Enany, announced the decision to grant the organization’s patronage to the 6th World Nomad Games following an official request from the Kyrgyz government. The granting of UNESCO’s patronage underscores international recognition of the 2026 Games as an important global initiative for preserving and promoting traditional sports and games, which form part of humanity’s intangible cultural heritage. It is also expected to support broader international participation and raise the global profile of Kyrgyzstan’s cultural heritage. The opening of the 6th World Nomad Games will take place alongside a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which Kyrgyzstan will host.

Tourism Industry

Kyrgyzstan Earned Almost $1.1 Billion from Tourism in 2025

Kyrgyzstan’s tourism industry continued to expand in 2025, remaining an important contributor to the country’s economic growth. According to the National Statistical Committee, revenue from foreign visitors reached $1.098 billion in 2025, up from $1.016 billion in 2024. Tourism accounted for 3.8% of GDP, compared to 3.6% the previous year. At the same time, Kyrgyz citizens spent $564 million on travel abroad. As of January 1, 2026, the country had 148,100 registered tourism-related businesses. Revenue from passenger transportation serving tourists across all modes of transport totaled nearly 17.3 billion soms (approximately $197 million), compared to 16.9 billion soms in 2024. Kyrgyzstan’s main tourist attractions include Lake Issyk-Kul and its mountain ski resorts, with the largest and most popular located in Karakol. In recent years, more than 95% of foreign tourists have come from neighboring Central Asian countries and Russia. According to the Tourism Development Fund, most visitors arrive from Uzbekistan, followed by Kazakhstan and Russia. At the same time, the number of tourists from Arab and European countries, as well as from China, India, and the United States, has been steadily increasing.

Sports

Tajikistan Loses Chance to Host the Asian Cup

Asian football is set for a major overhaul of its schedule. Under pressure from FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has decided to cancel the current selection process for Asian Cup hosts and effectively restart it, while also changing the traditional timing of the tournaments. The AFC has informed national federations of the suspension of the bidding process for the 2031 and 2035 Asian Cups. The decision came as a surprise, as the list of candidates had been published only a few weeks earlier. Among the bids was a joint proposal from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. However, the entire process has now been “reset”: all submitted applications are no longer valid, and the selection procedure will have to begin again. The changes follow a FIFA initiative to revise the schedule of continental competitions and move them to even-numbered years. After consultations, the AFC agreed to adopt the new model. As a result, the 2031 Asian Cup has been postponed to 2032, and the 2035 tournament to 2036. The 2027 Asian Cup, however, will take place as planned. The revised calendar is expected to place additional pressure on the international football schedule. With the rescheduling of major competitions, tournaments such as the UEFA European Championship, the Copa América, and the Asian Cup could be held in the same years. This may significantly “overload” national team calendars, forcing federations, coaches, and players to adapt to a more congested schedule and more complex planning requirements. The cancellation of the current bidding procedures means that countries will have to compete again for the right to host the tournaments. A new selection cycle has not yet been announced, and the timeline for its launch remains unclear.

Internet

Over Half of People in Kyrgyzstan Use Russian Information Sources – New Survey

The Russian Eurasian Center for Sociology and Analytics has conducted a survey examining which information sources are used by citizens of Kyrgyzstan. The study involved face-to-face interviews with 1,900 residents aged over 18. The survey found that 52% of respondents use Russian or Russian-language information sources. One third use Kyrgyz and Russian or Russian-language sources equally, while 43% use Kyrgyz sources more often. Young people were identified as the main audience consuming information in Russian. The primary sources of information for residents of Kyrgyzstan are public pages and groups on social media (63%). YouTube ranks second (47%). Respondents also cited conversations with friends (41%) and group chats on WhatsApp, Viber, and other messaging platforms (37%) as common sources of news and information. For 40%, television remains a relevant source. Only 10% mentioned Telegram channels. Among men, the most popular sources of information are YouTube, television, and radio, while women tend to use social media more frequently. The main social media and online platforms used regularly (at least three to four times a week) are YouTube (71%) and Instagram (67%), followed by Facebook (23%) and TikTok (22%). Russian social networks such as VKontakte (5%) and Odnoklassniki are less popular. Seven percent of respondents said they do not use social media or online platforms at all. YouTube is the most popular platform across almost all age groups up to 64 years old. Online audiences show the greatest interest in political (48%) and entertainment (45%) content. Other areas of significant interest include leisure programmes (38%), sports (37%), social issues (34%), and economic news (33%). Political news is more likely to attract residents of the country’s north (55%) than those in the south (44%). Russian remains widely spoken in Kyrgyzstan, particularly in the north and in the capital, Bishkek. Under the Constitution, Russian has official status, while Kyrgyz is the state language.

Nauryz

The History of Nauryz: An Ancient Festival That Continues to Unite Central Asia

Ahead of the Nauryz holiday, The Times of Central Asia looks at the origins and enduring significance of one of the region’s oldest celebrations. More than a seasonal festival, Nauryz reflects a deep connection between people, nature, and cultural identity, a tradition that has evolved over thousands of years and remains central to life across Central Asia. Origins and Meaning Nauryz, also known as Nowruz, is one of the world’s oldest holidays, marking the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year. It is celebrated on the day of the spring equinox, when day and night are approximately equal and nature appears to begin a new cycle. For many communities, the holiday symbolizes renewal, hope for prosperity, and the start of a new stage in life. The name “Nowruz” derives from ancient Iranian words meaning “new day.” This concept lies at the heart of the celebration: the renewal of life and the symbolic rebirth of nature after winter. With a history spanning more than 3,000 years, the holiday spread across Eurasia along the Silk Roads and became embedded in the cultural traditions of Central Asia, the Middle East, and the Caucasus. [caption id="attachment_45687" align="alignnone" width="300"] @depositphotos[/caption] Today, Nowruz is recognized not only as a calendar event but also as a cultural tradition that promotes values such as peace, mutual respect, and harmony with nature. Connection to the Spring Equinox Nauryz is traditionally celebrated during the spring equinox, which usually falls on March 20 or 21, when the Sun crosses the celestial equator and daylight and nighttime hours are nearly equal. Since ancient times, this moment has symbolized the awakening of nature and the beginning of a new agricultural year. Historical sources indicate that different communities once observed various dates in March, often guided by natural signs. Over time, however, the astronomical equinox, commonly observed on March 21, became the most widely accepted date. Medieval scholars paid close attention to this phenomenon. In the 11th and 12th centuries, astronomers such as Omar Khayyam refined calendar calculations to align the start of the year more precisely with the equinox. Alongside scientific knowledge, traditional methods were also used to forecast harvests and weather conditions, including observing seed germination or measuring the length of shadows before the holiday. Today, Nauryz is officially celebrated on March 21 in countries such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, while UNESCO also recognizes Nowruz as marking the first day of spring. Rituals and Traditions For centuries, Nauryz has been marked by rituals symbolizing renewal, fertility, and prosperity. Among both nomadic and settled communities, it has traditionally been celebrated with public festivities, games, and family gatherings. Common customs include ritual cleansing with water, exchanging gifts, and offering food to neighbors and guests. The altybakan swing is widely regarded as a symbol of spring and joy. In some regions, the ancient practice of jumping over fire has been preserved as a purification ritual. Food plays a central role in the celebration. Although culinary traditions vary by country, they share a...