Kyrgyz Orthodox Bishop Urges Osh Authorities to Preserve Historic Cemetery
The head of the Orthodox Church in Kyrgyzstan has appealed to the mayor of Osh, the country's second city, to halt the planned demolition of an old cemetery as part of a large-scale urban reconstruction project. According to the bishop, the site is not only a burial ground but also an important historical monument tied to the lives of many generations of citizens. The Osh City Hall is currently undertaking an extensive redevelopment of roads, squares, and public spaces, as outlined in a municipal report. However, among the affected areas is an ancient cemetery dating back to 1870, which local clergy and historians consider an architectural and spiritual heritage site. For years, residents have voiced concerns to local media about the deteriorating condition of the cemetery. They claim that the site, located in the city center, has been neglected, misused for cattle grazing, and subjected to unauthorized construction. “Many graves here are not only examples of architectural art but also serve as a historical record of the diverse peoples of Kyrgyzstan,” local residents stated. The cemetery has been closed to new burials since the 1980s, but it contains mass graves of World War II veterans and other individuals who played a significant role in the development of Kyrgyzstan and Osh. Orthodox Bishop Savvatiy of Bishkek and Kyrgyzstan formally requested that the Osh City Hall preserve the cemetery, emphasizing its cultural and historical significance. He stressed that economic considerations should not take precedence over heritage preservation. “In many countries, old cemeteries are transformed into memorial complexes and historical landmarks,” Savvatiy noted. “For example, Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, Highgate in London, and Recoleta in Buenos Aires attract visitors from around the world and serve as places of remembrance and respect. The Russian cemetery in Osh is also part of the city's cultural heritage and should not be lost.” As of now, city officials have not issued an official response to the bishop’s appeal.
