Archive sections: ‘For the Record’
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 [...]
These two terms are often used interchangeably although they have quite distinct meanings. The world’s weather patters are a dynamic system which is in a constant state of change and flux. In the past the world’s climate has changed due to natural causes, but more recently the term “climate change” has been used to refer [...]
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 … [...]
It used to be said that there were over 80 nationalities represented in the population of the Kyrgyz Republic. According to the results of the census in 1999, there were some members of 132 nationalities registered in Bishkek – including 33 “Brits”, ( … we are still waiting for the results of the 2009 census).
- (1811-1907) – was an outstanding stateswoman of the Kyrgyz Republic. She is sometimes known as “The Tsarina of Alai”, and “Queen of the South”. The word Datka means “General” and she was awarded the title twice.
Salijan Sharipov was born in 1964, into an Uzbek family in Uzgen, in the Osh oblast. He was brought up in austere surroundings along with his four brothers and two sisters. As a child he enjoyed reading and he still lists reading and playing football as amongst his favourite pastimes. Sharipov qualified as an Air [...]
