Archive: May, 2010
Mikhail Vasilievich FRUNZE is renowned as the Red Army General who “subdued” Central Asia Mikhail Vasilievich Frunze was supposedly born in Bishkek – which was then called Pishpek – in 1885. “Supposedly”, because there are some suggestions that he might have actually be born in Belevodsk – a little to the West of the city. [...]
“Seven Days in May” was a 1964, Oscar nominated, film staring Kirk Douglas, Burt Lancaster, and Frederic March with Ava Gardner adding the “female” interest. It tells the story of how US military leaders, (led by Chief of the Defense Staff, Burt Lancaster), plot to overthrow an increasingly unpopular President, (Frederic March), because he supports [...]
The “Krasnaya Gvozdika”, (“Red Carnation”), choir of Second World War and Labour Veterans as established in 1987 in Frunze Officers’ House by members of the veterans’ concert group, “Go time!”, which consisted of10 people and was headed by the honoured artist of Kyrgyz Republic, veteran of Baltic front, Valerii Shakhov.
When I was young I learned that the Second World War started on September 1st, 1939 as the result of the German invasion of Poland. (For the record, it was a joint invasion by both Germany and the Slovak Republic, a small “puppet” state created in March that year. The Slovak Republic contributed 50,000 to [...]
One of the message which dropped into my mailbox last week was an Press Release from the Bishkek Meria, (the local, municipal, authority) about preparations for City Day – Dehn Goroda.
Shortly after the Easter Revolution the Interim government made a somewhat controversial decision to change the Mayor of Bishkek.
One of the results of the Easter Revolution was that the Interim Government promised constitutional reform. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the declaration of Independence – Kyrgyzstan continued to operate under the auspices of the existing Soviet document. It was on May 5th, 1993, that a new constitution was finally adopted, thus [...]
I was told a funny story the other day. An American consultant was asked if he had experienced any difficulties or problems as a result of the recent upheavals following the events of April 7th, The Easter Revolution. He replied: “No, not really. Well, yes there was one incident.” His questioner was interested, what was [...]
In the west, the “May Day” holiday is associated with the Labour movement, and the former Soviet Union – with images of parades in Red Square. It may not seem surprising then that a former Soviet Republic decided to keep with tradition and commemorate this day as a national holiday.
This week has been like trying to solve a gigantic jigsaw puzzle. It seems as if I have left the land of reality and have settled to live in a land of rumour and counter rumour, speculation and supposition, ambiguity and indecision, doubt and uncertainty. There is a constant stream of News reports, gossip and [...]
