Archive sections: ‘Kyrgyzstan’
Traditional crafts form an essential and integral part of all cultures. In Central Asia there are many different forms of handicraft which are found both throughout the region as a whole, and others which are distinctive to one particular nationality or group.
The collapse of the Soviet Union caused economic and social crisis for many people. Elderly people were among the most heavily affected. Many of them were abandoned by their children who emigrated to seek employment abroad, or did not have children. Vulnerable, lonely people could not make ends meet and to pay for their rent, [...]
One of the podcasts I download each week is “From our own Correspondent” from the BBC. Their reporters based in different countries around the world prepare short background essays on events and life in the places where they are stationed and these are then compiled into a broadcast. As their webpage describes the programme, it [...]
The Kalpak, properly called the “Ak Kalpak” (=”white Kalpak”), is a hat usually made from four panels of white felt with traditional patterns stitched into them as decoration. It is worn by males of all ages – especially in rural Kyrgyzstan – and is a symbol of the nation. (One writer has even written that [...]
If the story of Manas is central to Kyrgyz traditional culture and character, psychology and spirit – The Manaschi holds a special place of respect in Kyrgyz Culture. The manaschi, (traditionally they are always men – although some women have taken to narrating the story as well), alternates between a rapid declamatory style when narrating [...]
“It was a long time ago, and now the eyewitnesses have gone …” With these words the Manaschi begin their songs telling of the exploits of Manas – Legendary hero of the Kyrgyz, and of a world long gone. Traditional central Asian literature took the form of songs, poems and stories performed by itinerant minstrels [...]
Plov, (pilaf), is found throughout Central Asia, but is really considered to be Uzbek in origin. There are many different types of plov – and every region seems to have it’s own distinctive traditions. Inhabitants of one region might well consider that you haven’t tasted plov until you have their own regional speciality.
Although the Constitution declares that the Kyrgyz Republic is a secular state, it may be surprising that a number of religious holidays are commemorated. As the majority of the Kyrgyz, themselves, are nominally Muslim, it is understandable that amongst the national holidays are Muslim festivals such as Orozo Ait and Kurman Ait. What might be [...]
The “tourist season” in Kyrgyzstan is traditionally in the summer months – from mid-June to mid-September. This is when most people visit – especially those from the countries of the former Soviet Union who spend their holidays on the shores of Lake Issyk Kul. The days are warm – indeed they can be hot – [...]
Christmas is not the only festival that we experience a surplus of in Kyrgyzstan – there’s also New Year. The history of the Calendar which we use is a long and complex affair. At present we tend to mark the beginning of the New Year on 1st January. It has not always been so … [...]
