1. Number One in Central Asia
Kyrgyzstan has the distinction of being the first Central Asian country to become a democratic republic. This occurred in 2010 after a revolution overthrew its second president due to corruption. Throughout the region, Kyrgyzstan is still often seen as a paragon of democracy and a guiding light for its neighbors.
2. A Nation of Nomads
Kyrgyzstan's people were historically nomads. They roamed the vast stretches of Central Asia, primarily in family groups, with their livestock. The traditional yurt, a portable and sturdy tent-like dwelling, is a significant emblem of this nomadic heritage reflected in the country's flag.
3. Walnut Kingdom
Arslanbob, a village in Kyrgyzstan, is home to the largest walnut forest in the world. Covering an area of over 60,000 hectares, the forest produces over 1500 tons of walnuts each year. According to legend, it was from this forest that Alexander the Great brought walnuts back to Greece, hence spreading them throughout Europe.
4. Manas - The National Epic
Kyrgyzstan is home to the Epic of Manas, one of the world’s longest epic poems - 20 times longer than Homer's Iliad and Odyssey combined. The epic tells the story of the titular hero Manas and his descendants, reflecting the history, philosophy, and customs of the Kyrgyz people.
5. Land of Beautiful Lakes
Kyrgyzstan boasts roughly 2000 glittering high-altitude lakes. Its crown jewel is Lake Issyk-Kul, the second biggest alpine lake globally, with crystal-clear water that never freezes, despite being surrounded by the snow-capped Tien Shan mountain peaks.
6. A Mountainous Marvel
More than 90% of Kyrgyzstan's land lies at elevations above 1500m. In fact, the country's lowest point is higher than the highest points of 30 countries worldwide. The Tian Shan range, also known as "Heavenly Mountain," occupies about 80% of the national territory.
7. City of Victory
Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, was previously known as Pishpek and then Frunze, changing to its current name in 1991 with Kyrgyz independence from the USSR. "Bishkek" means a churn used for making fermented mare's milk, a popular drink in the country.
8. Burana Tower's Historical Significance
Kyrgyzstan is home to the Burana Tower, a 25-meter tall minaret and all that remains of the ancient city of Balasagun, established by the Karakhanids at the end of the ninth century.
9. Horses Hold High Importance
In Kyrgyzstan, horses play a significant role in daily life and culture. From transportation to a source of milk and meat, they're even used in traditional games like Buzkashi or Kok-Boru, a team sport where players on horseback aim to score by shooting a goat carcass at the opponent's goal.
10. Mysterious Stone Warriors
Dotting the country's landscape lie ancient “Balbals,” stone markers erected mostly during the Middle Ages in the honor of fallen warriors and important people. Many of these mysterious stone figures hold cups or dishes, which were symbolic tributes to the dead.
11. Compelling Coffeconomics
Despite being a nation largely of tea drinkers, Kyrgyzstan's Bishkek has more coffee shops per capita than Seattle, Washington, which is often thought of as the coffee capital of America! Espresso bars and coffee houses are significant elements of the local culture.
12. Falconry as a Cultural Heritage
The art of falconry, dating back to the 6th century, is an essential part of Kyrgyzstan's cultural heritage. The Golden Eagle Festival, held every February, celebrates this ancient practice, with hunters competing to demonstrate their birds' speed, agility, and accuracy.
13. Land of Tulips
Wild tulips originated in Central Asia and specifically Kyrgyzstan. These beautiful flowers cover the country's meadows and grasslands, especially during spring, offering a breathtaking spectacle.
14. Fondness for Fermented Dairy
Kumis, a traditional beverage made by fermenting mare's milk, holds a special place in the menu of Kyrgyzstan. The mildly alcoholic drink supposedly has numerous health benefits and is consumed with great fervor in the country, often produced traditionally in leather sacks by nomadic families.
15. Ancient Petroglyphs in Abundance
The area around the city of Cholpon-Ata is famous for its open-air ‘museum,' a magnificent field of boulders and rocks adorned with enigmatic petroglyphs. These ancient rock drawings, dating back up to 3000 years, depict hunting scenes, animals, and daily life of that era's inhabitants.
16. Unique Traditional Hat
The national traditional Kyrgyz hat, called 'Kalpak', is made of four symmetrical flaps symbolizing the four elements: fire, earth, water and air. It is usually white, representing the purity of thoughts and symbolizing the snow-capped peaks of the country's numerous mountains.
17. Home to Snow Leopards
The rugged, mountainous terrains of Kyrgyzstan provide a natural habitat for endangered snow leopards. It's among the twelve countries participating in the Global Snow Leopard conservation program aimed at preserving this magnificent creature.
18. National Game with a Goat's Carcass
The national sport Kok-Boru, which literally means 'grey wolf,' involves two teams of horsemen competing to throw a goat carcass into the opponent's goal. This dramatic and sometimes brutal game is a highlight at public holidays and festivals.
19. Interesting Traditional Rituals
Residents of Kyrgyzstan still follow customary practices like 'Nazar Aloopom,' touching a person lightly, whom they haven't seen for a long time, and then touching their own face. They believe this ritual protects them from taking on the other person’s negative energy.
20. A Trio of UNESCO Sites
Kyrgyzstan is home to not one, but three designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Silk Road Routes in Tian-Shan Corridor, the Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain in Osh, and the Western Tien-Shan, each of them holding unique cultural or natural importance.