География
Kyrgyzstan is positioned in the region of Central Asia. It borders with Kazakhstan on north, with Tajikistan on south, with China on east and with Uzbekistan on west. Almost whole territory is covered with massif. It is stretched for 250 miles from north to south and for 560 miles from west to east. Two large range of mountains as Pamir-Alay and Tien-Shan are placed on the territory of the country. These systems are divided by Fergana valley, which is spread far beyond the territory of Kyrgyzstan. In the centre of Chui valley and near the northern foothill of Tien-Shan situated the capital of the country Bishkek. In the eastern part of the country positioned the highest part of the territory on the border with China – Victory Peak, which is 7439 meters in height and it is the highest point of Tien-Shan.
On the border with Tajikistan positioned Chon-Alai ridge with the second highest point – Lenin Peak, which is 7134 meters in height. A well-known lake Issyk-Kul is placed inside the Tien-Shan Mountains. It is situated in the tectonic basin on 1mile above the sea level. The lake is surrounded by Kungey Ala-Too and Ala-Too mountains. The system of mountain glaciers is 8 thousand sq. km. There is a large reservoir of water resources on the territory of the country. There are seven large watersheds and 28 thousand rivers, 90 percent of which are longer than 6 miles. The largest river of the country is Naryn River.
Климат
A great part of the territory is placed in a moderate climatic zone; southern regions are placed in a subtropical climatic zone. In general there may be distinguished 4 climatic zones, which differ between each other:
Valley-piedmont climatic zone (from 500-600 m to 900-1200 m) is characterized by hot summer (to 28̊ C), moderately cool and snowless winter with a big deficit of precipitation. Average temperature in July is 20̊-25̊ C, in January - -4̊, -7̊ C. The highest temperature in summer is about 44̊ C; the lowest temperature in winter is about -22̊, -30̊ C, occasionally -40̊ C.
Mid-mountain climatic zone (from 900-1200 m to 200-2200 m) has typical moderate climate with warm summer and moderately cold snowy winter. Average temperature in July is 11̊-16̊ C, in January -7̊, -8̊ C, in December and February is -3̊, -5̊ C. In upper part of the territory frostless period lasts about 6-7 months.
High-mountain climatic zone (from 2000-2200 m to 3000-3500 m) is cool in summer and cold snowy in winter. Average temperature in July is 11̊ – 16̊ C, in January -8, -10 C. Winter is continuous (November-March). Frostless period lasts less than 3 or 4 months on the upper part. Sometimes in summer time temperature may fall lower than 0̊ C.
Nival climatic zone (from 3500 m and higher) is characterized by very cold climate. There are a lot of glacier reservoirs, cliffs and glaciers. In lower part average temperature in July is 4̊ - 7̊ C, in January -10̊, -22̊ C.
- Янв
-22°C
- Фев
-11 °C
- Мар
+1 °C
- Апр
+10 °C
- Май
+15 °C
- Июн
+22 °C
- Июл
+25 °C
- Авг
+20 °C
- Сен
+15 °C
- Окт
+10 °C
- Ноя
+1 °C
- Дек
-5 °C
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Clothes
Traditional clothes of Kyrgyz people are very important part of culture. They have special features which are inherent for nomad’s wear. Clothes of ordinary people differed from clothes of rich people only by quality and number of women’s jewelries. Sources of 18th century say that elders wore clothes made of brocade, felt hats with fur ornaments, silk sashes and shoes made of red leather. Main ethno marking wear of Kyrgyz people – is men headdress – “kalpak”, which is probably was borrowed from ancient south Siberian Kyrgyz tribes.
Menswear consisted of under wear and outer wear. Under wear included swing shirt – “koinok” and trousers – “shim”. There were several types of trousers mad of leather or suede – “djargak shim”, “kandagai” and “chalbar”. Lower part of the trousers made of suede was ornamented with colored silk threads. Rich people wore such trousers. Outerwear consisted of felt robe without lining – “kementai”, various types of quilted robe – “chepken”, (too chepken, tempe chepken made of camel’s or handicraft wool material), with linings and without it. Fur coats – “ichik”, covered with dark cloth were types of winter wear. Coats made of animal fur like wolf, fox, lynx etc. were especially valued. Men’s headdress consisted of skullcap - “topu”, felt hat – “kalpak”, fur hat without lapels – “malakai”, fur hat – “tebetei”. The belt “kemer” and “ilgych” were finishing the ensemble of man’s outerwear. Footwear consisted of leather boots – “otuk”, leather galoshes on heels – “kepych” and soft inverted boots – “maasy”.
Women’s clothing is also consisted of under wear and outer wear. Dress-shirt – “koinok” and trousers were under wear. Women shirts were decorated with colored embroidery. The unique elements of women’s clothing were traditional skirt – “beldemchy” and headdress – “elechek”. These types of clothing were dressed by married women. Headdresses were decorated by bird feathers and various jewelries: silver, pearls, coral etc. There were such types of headdresses like skullcap – “topu”, fur hat – “tebetei”. They wore short or long vests – “chip tama”, camisole with short sleeves – “kem-sel”, robe – “chapan” and quilted robe – “chep ken”. Winter wear included fur coats – “ychyk”. Depending on categories women wore various silver jewelries and amulet: - “chach uchtuk”, “chach monchok”, earings – “soiko”, “soiko djelburooch”, lapel – “tumar”, “boi tumar”, bracelets – “bilerik”, rings – “shakek” etc. Clothes for children and girls were decorated by silver buttons and corals – “topchu”, “buchuluk” and “shuru”.
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Food
Traditional Kyrgyz food and customs connected with preparing food have specific features. Food of dairy origin is the main component of Kyrgyz cuisine: sour milk – “djurat”, “airan”, “suzmo”; curd made of boiled milk – “bish tak”; balls made of pressed and dried curd – “kurut”, its varieties – “kainatkan kurut” and “tuzdatkan kurut”; cheese – “ish”; curd cheese made of sheep and goat milk – “adjigei”; cream – “kaimak”; oil – “mai”; melted butter – “sary mai” etc. A well-known drink “kumys” is made by the way of milk fermentation; meals made of camel and yak milk.
Kyrgyz people use lamb, horse meat, beef, camel meat, goat meat and yak meat in their food. The most valuable are lamb and horse meat. Lamb dishes consist of 2 types: dishes prepared from innards – lungs and stomach – “djorgom”; dishes made of finely granulated liver and fat with blood – “byzhy”; food made of boiled sheep lungs and filled with milk – “olobo” or “kuigan opko”. Vegetable food consist of wheat, corn, sorghum, rice, millet and oat. “Kamyr ” is a dish made of dough, which is also a traditional dish and it is met in following types:”kesme kojo”, “gulcho”, “gjaima ash”, “”kesme atala” etc. Breadstuffs “tokoch” or “nun” consist of following types: bread made of sour dough – “komoch”; puff thin bread (looks like a flapjack) – “kattama”; puff bread made of fresh dough – “chabaty”; fried bread and its types: “mai tokoch”, “chelpek” and “chozmo”. Besides Kyrgyz people have a good practice in harvesting of food products for the future. Meat which they prepare for harvesting called “sogum” or “kyshky sogum” and was stored in dried smoked form.
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Holidays
New Year
The celebration of New Year is similar to celebration in other CIS countries. Sometimes people celebrate this holiday without snow and in warm weather. On New Years Eve everyone comes to central Ala Too square to enjoy the beauty of big New Year Tree which has been brought to the capital from Tien-Shan Mountains. The first New Year tree was brought in Bishkek city on December 28th in 1895.
Christmas Eve
As in the whole world a lot of orthodox Christians of Kyrgyz Republic celebrate Christmas. Festive Christmas church services are held in all temples of Republic. Metropolitan of Bishkek and Central Asia congratulate all religious people in a Sunday Cathedral of Bishkek according to the traditions. Holy days are coming to an end the day before holiday on January 5th. The fasting is over on Wednesday and Friday. Evening on the Christmas Eve is called so, as it was supposed to serve especially dish – soaked grains. Wheat or rice grains were tenderized and poured by honey, for preparing soaked grains. The fasting was finished by this dish.
“Nooruz” national holiday
The 21th of March is the day of vernal equinox – eventful astronomic and celebrated all over the world annually date. Kyrgyz people call March month as Nooruz. In a day of Nooruz holiday every family sets “dastorkhon” with various viands on the table. They prepare traditional brown flour soup – “sumelek”. On the Eve of the Holiday people clean their houses, pay debts and put up with those who were in a quarrel. In midday whole ail gathered for walking. They cut the bull in certain place near the settlement and cooked “Nooruz or chon kedje” – “a large soup” – one of the ancient ritual dishes. After common repast there were started “aikish-uykish” games, what means “towards each other”, and “audaryspek”, where young fellows were pulled their opponents over the saddle. The day was coming to an end with performance of two “akyns” (singers), who competed in poems and songs. Since the early morning on the main squares of all region centers start various theatrical performances, walks in parks and squares, competitions and horserace on racetracks. Usually people treat each other to traditional orient dish – pilaf.
The day of national revolution
On March 24th in 2005 the national (Tulip) revolution took place in Kyrgyzstan, in a result of which the first President Askar Akaev left the country with his family. The reason of revolution was deputies’ election fraud. The president of Kyrgyzstan and members of government were supported by Parliament in announcing the 24th of March as the state holiday.
Victory Day
May 9th of 1945 is the day of victory over the fascist Germany in a great Patriotic war. In the morning of the 9th of May it starts laying of wreaths and baskets with flowers to the eternal light, then after a minute of silence the Honor Guard make a triple volley of salute. The president of Kyrgyz Republic and veterans of Patriotic war are openly speaking on the meeting. All veterans and guests are invited to tables of “On a halt” soldier’s cuisine. Celebrations on occasion of Victory day are culminating in a celebratory concert and salute.
Orozo Ait
Id Al-Fitr holiday is known as a Turkic name “Uraza Bairam” (Orozo Ait). This holiday adumbrates the end of posting in a month of Ramadan. A great posting during the month of Ramadan is mandatory for all adult, healthy and ritually clear Muslims. On Orozo Ait there are established common mandatory prayers, which may take place in mosques as well as special open air platforms – Namazkan. People do all purification ceremonies and wear celebratory clothing in the morning before attending prayer. It is recommended to taste Tamarinds or other sweets.
Kurman Ait
“Kurman Ait” is the official state holiday of Kyrgyzstan. “Kurman Ait” – “Kurban Bairam”, “Id-Al-Adkha”, - the greatest Muslim holiday. It is celebrated from 10th to 13th of the month Zul-Khidja of Muslim calendar. “Kurman Ait” completes the “Khadja” rite - the pilgrimage to the Shrines of Islam – to Mecca (Saudi Arabia). The main rite of this day is the immolation of the animal for the sake of Almighty. The meat of this sacrificial animal is divided into three parts: the first part must be given to poor people; the second goes to relatives, neighbors and friends; the third part may be left to Muslim himself. “Kurman Ait” is usually widely celebrated in all mosques and old square of Bishkek as well as “Orozo Ait” holiday.
Constitution Day
The constitution of Kyrgyzstan was adopted by Supreme council on 12th session in the 5th of May in 1993. Beginning from this moment Kyrgyzstan was named as Kyrgyz Republic. From the moment of its adoption constitution was edited four times. Finally in 2007 on October 21 according to the president’s decree there was held a referendum, on which there had been adopted a new edition of Constitution. This edition came into force after publication in “Erkin-Too” newspaper.
Independence Day
A special session of Supreme council of the Kyrgyz Republic adopted a resolution about Declaration of Independence of Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan was declared as independent sovereign democratic republic. On this holiday in the capital of Kyrgyzstan Bishkek start festive events, which are held in the central square. Festivities begin from the theatric performances where take part creative teams of the republic. Equestrian sport games are held on hippodrome, concerts with participation of singers and amateur talent groups are held in parks of Bishkek. Celebration of Independence Day ends with salute.
Women’s Day
In 1910 on the second International conference of women socialists in Copenhagen on the proposal of Clara Zetkin there were established an International Women’s Day - March 8th. It was decided to hold this holiday every year as a day of solidarity of women in a struggle for the rights all over the world. In 1911 it was celebrated the first time. On this day women have a possibility to remember the tradition, which impersonates at least nine decades of struggle for the equality, justice, peace and development.
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Wedding customs of Kyrgyzstan
Wedding customs represent a unique manifestation of Kyrgyz culture. Kyrgyz people attitude to wedding very seriously and responsibly. They try to intermarry with noble families, clans – “tektuu el menen”. Relations – “kuda soek” of bride’s and groom’s relatives vary by respect and emphasis. According to the custom there are early forms of matchmaking – “kudalashuu” of not yet born children – “bel kuda” and infants – “beshik kuda”. Thus they swear an oath to become related for evermore – “soekteshuu” and they confirmed it by ritual actions. If somehow wedding go wrong, so they remain as sworn friends – “antuu dos”. According to the custom – “beshik kuda” groom’s parents put silver earrings on future bride’s ears – “seike saloo”.
There is a custom “kuyeleo” or “uidun zhanyna baruu” – it is a premarital rendezvous of bride and groom. There is also set a special yurt with all decorations and arranged various youth games – “kyz oinotoor” for the rendezvous of newlyweds. Before entering the yurt, where the bride is waiting for him with her female friends, the groom has to knock down her headdress through the small opening – “shokule” – “takiya sayuu”. If he isn’t succeed at first time he had several attempts. Everything is accompanied by funny jokes. Then rendezvous of the bride and groom is arranged – “zhar korushuu” and it lasts till the morning.
On the day of groom’s parents arrival to ail bride’s father arranges a grand feast – “kyz uzatuu”. The day before arrival the bride visits her relatives and says good bye to them, then she made a bachelorette party. The celebrations of wedding are accompanied by spectacle and entertainment, which are containing a lot of games, songs and contests. The main ritual actions take place at home of bride’s father: a special woman openes gifts (kurdzhun), which were brought by groom’s relatives – “kurdzhun soegu”.
After some time all brought wear are given to bride’s close relatives – “kiyit”. At this moment there was a ritual transfer of the whole summary of ransom for bride – “kalym”. It includes mainly cattle, thus the number of animals must be nine - “toguzdan”, as this number was sacral. Small items, clothing and ritual dishes are brought on nine wood bowls. Also there is a custom of dedication – “otko kyrgyzuu”, when each kindred family invites newlyweds by turn and introduces with relatives. They cut the cattle and put a white headscarf on bride’s head – “ak dzhooluk”. According to the custom bride’s parents prepare dowry – “sep”, which is given to groom’s party in a day of wedding. Besides dowry mustn’t be less than ransom “kalym”.