Central Square
May Day is one of the major public holidays celebrated in Kyrgyzstan. In the days of the Soviet Union, of course, International Workers’ Day was celebrated wit large parades through the center of every major city … including Frunze, the capital of the Kirghiz Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic.
For over fifty years, the venue for such a parade was the main Central square of the city – laid out in 1936 – but which now called Staraya Ploshad – the Old Square, (but also sometimes known as Central Square), and lies behind the Historical Museum.
Along the Northern edge of the square runs Abdumomunova Street.
To the North of the square, on the other side of Abdumomnova Street, are two impressive buidlings – the Parliament building (the home of the Jogorku Kenesh) and the American University of Central Asia.
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East |
South |
West |
On the Southern side of Abdumomunova, to the West is Oak Park, with the Russian Drama Theatre, the Martyrs’ Memorial, Open Air Sculptural Museum, and St. Nicholas’s Church.
One of the sculptures in Oak Park In the North Western corner of the square is a small two storey building, which is currently part of the American University – but at one time Housed the city’s Children’s Library. There is a statue of Marx and Engels, sitting on a bench, deep in conversation. 
Marx and Engels deep in discussion |
The Historical Museum at night To the South of the square is the Historical Museum. This used to be called the Lenin Museum – and some older residents still refer to it as such. The ground floor houses temporary exhibits but the permanent exhibits depict natural and political history of the country and the Soviet heritage. There is a statue of Lenin leading the revolutionary masses a ceiling painting of a wedding party attended by the melting pot of the nationalities of the Soviet Union. The historical museum began life in 1926 in the “boyhood home” of Mikhail Frunze now preserved in the Frunze Museum – in 1937 it was transferred to what is now the Friendship building before moving to it’s present home in the 1980’s. 
Lenin still stands - pointing to the future In the center of the square stands the statue of Lenin – which used to stand the other side of the Historical Museum, pointing towards the mountains. It was relocated here in 2002 after the Kyrgyz Statue of Liberty (Erkindik) replaced it as a symbol of the changing times. Flanking Lenin, to the East and West, are two steles with medallions which used to be part of the Monument which once stood on the spot where Lenin now stands. |
In the distance – over the trees you can see the top of the White House.
The White House at night On the Eastern side of the square, to Lenin’s left is the Kyrgyz Drama Theatre. This plans for this building were also used later to erect an identical building in Osh. 
The Kyrgyz Drama Theater An avenue of trees runs along Abdumomuna Street to the West – leading to the entrance to Panfilov Park. In the distance, over the trees, can be seen the top of the Ferris Wheel – one of two in Bishkek. |
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Abdumomunova |
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The building that now houses the American University was built in 1957 used to be the headquarters of the Central Committee of the Communist Party. It was also known as the “Council of Ministers” building.The building is leased by the University but work has begun on a new campus on the Southern outskirts of the city.Further to the West is a small house in which Ilya Terentiev, the first Mayor of Pishpek, lived. It is now the home of the UNICEF offices in Bishkek.
Terentiev's House |
The Parliament building was built in 1936 and served as the Government House – until the current Government House (The White House) was built in 1984. In 1964 it underwent a considerable renovation following a visit by the then General Secretary, Nikita Khrushchev, who declared that the building was in a bad state of repair and did not a suitable building to house the government of one of the republics of the Soviet Union. It has undergone further renovation also in recent years. |
An open park area where, in summertime, people often stroll, sit or play chess. |
| Behind the American University, on Frunze Street, is the Frunze Museum. | ||
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North |
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Bishkek