Why does our city have such a name? Bishkek. Why does our city have such a name? Where is Bishkek located on the map of Kyrgyzstan?

Many travel agencies in Russia undeservedly ignore such a destination as Kyrgyzstan. But in vain! This Asian country, the birthplace of Genghis Khan, is not inferior to others in terms of the abundance of historical and natural attractions. On its territory are the Tien Shan (translated as “heavenly mountains”). The Pamir ranges also stretch across Kyrgyzstan. Here is Issyk-Kul, a high-mountain lake with the purest water. Hot sulfur springs flow here, which restore a second youth and give health. The Asian flavor here is not diluted by depersonalizing globalization. Felt carpets, yurts, horse races, pilaf and kumiss are all features of everyday life. Holidays in Kyrgyzstan can be mountain, beach, or recreational. And it will always be exciting and comfortable. In this Asian country there are many decent hotels with a European level of service. But in this article we will consider only the capital of the state - the city of Bishkek.

Story

This blessed land was developed by people a long time ago. Archaeologists have discovered the remains of dwellings that date back to the 5th millennium BC. But the settlement on the site of modern Bishkek arose in the 7th century after the birth of Christ. It appeared at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road and the road leading from the central Tien Shan. However, the name of the settlement was not Bishkek, but Jul, and Kyrgyzstan was not yet on the world map at that time. By the 16th century it had lost its significance. The cities standing there began to vegetate, the inhabitants began to leave them. This fate befell Julie too. The entire area between the Alamedin and Ala-Archi rivers turned into pasture.

In 1825, the Kokand Khan Madali founded the Pishpek fortress here. In 1860, the Russians began a siege of the stronghold, and two years later they destroyed it to the ground. However, barracks for the garrison were built in its place, and people continued to settle under the protection of the citadel. The settlement received city status in 1878. In 1926, Pishpek was renamed Frunze, in honor of the Soviet military leader and a native of the city. But with independence in 1991, the city was returned to its old, at least slightly changed, name.

Where is Bishkek on the map of Kyrgyzstan

The city of Frunze did not immediately become the capital. It acquired this status only in 1936. Before that, it was the administrative center of the Kyrgyz Autonomous Region. Why does the city have such a name - Bishkek? The capital of Kyrgyzstan, according to one version, is named after the legendary hero who lived in this area in the 18th century. Bishkek-Batyr gained fame as the Kyrgyz Robin Hood. And the word “bishkek” itself is translated as “a club for beating kumiss.” Now it is almost a million-plus population - in 2014 its population was 901 thousand inhabitants. The city is located in the north of the country, just twenty-five kilometers from the Kazakh border. Even in summer there is no heat here. After all, the city is located in the foothills of the Tien Shan at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level. Forty kilometers to the south lies the majestic Kyrgyz ridge.

How to get there

Regular flights operate daily from Moscow to Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan). Airplanes of Kyrgyzstan Airlines take off from Domodedovo, and Aeroflot from Sheremetyevo-F. In addition, you can fly to Bishkek from Novosibirsk on board S7. The international airport of the capital of Kyrgyzstan is called Manas. It is located twenty-three kilometers from the city. The most convenient way to get from the airport is by taxi - this type of transport is relatively inexpensive. Bishkek is also a developed railway junction. You can get here by train from Kazakhstan. This is a convenient transit point to then get to other cities of the country: Kar, Osh, Balykchy, Naryn or Karakol.

Public transport

Small minibuses with 10-12 seats run around the city itself. All you have to do is wave your hand in front of the approaching car, hand over the money to the driver and name your drop-off point. You can rent a car, including with a driver. Even more budget-friendly transport is trolleybuses and buses. But they stop running at nine in the evening. It is important to know that after independence, the street map of Bishkek is very outdated. You need to know the new name of your destination. But the people in Bishkek are responsive, and if you are lost, do not hesitate to ask passers-by for directions. With the hospitality characteristic of Eastern people, they will not only tell you the right path, but will also guide you to the right place. Although it is difficult to get lost in the city - the streets are laid out in a checkerboard pattern for better ventilation and irrigation ditches.

Climate

Kyrgyzstan is a mountainous country, and it is also located far from large seas, so the climate here is continental. The off-season doesn't last long. You can admire the spring, the flowering of mountain poppies and tulips for just a couple of weeks. located in the foothills, protected from cold northern winds. It's not too cold here in winter. Even in January - the coldest month of the year - the average here is +2°C during the day. The mountain sun and cloudless weather make the city a real climatic resort. But with the onset of dusk, the air begins to rapidly become colder. Even in summer, in a couple of hours the thermometer can drop from +31 to +14°C. Therefore, when going out in the evening, do not forget to take warmer clothes with you.

Bishkek city map

Back in 1938, three administrative districts were established in the capital: Sverdlovsky, Pervomaisky and Proletarsky. In 1962, the latter was renamed Leninsky. Twelve years later, the capital acquired a fourth territorial unit - the Oktyabrsky urban district. After the declaration of independence of Kyrgyzstan, the management system changed radically. Now the mayor is in charge. His power is balanced by the kenesh. This local government body can be compared to our city council. The Kenesh and the mayor appoint akims - these are the heads of districts. They form and head the executive authorities - akimiats. Currently, the number of administrative units of the city has not increased. There are still four of them. But the districts of Bishkek have grown greatly. Thus, Leninsky includes the urban-type settlements of Chon-Aryk, Orto-Sai and Manas.

Attractions

Whatever the purpose of your stay in the country: trekking in the mountains, rafting on rivers, horseback riding, healing in mud baths or mineral water resorts, stay for a couple of days in the city of Bishkek. is an attraction in itself. You can simply wander through the avenues and squares of the city to see for yourself. You will probably be surprised by the European appearance of Bishkek. The fact is that the city plan, with a checkerboard-clustered arrangement of streets, was invented by the Russian military command, and the Czechoslovak artel Intergelpo was actively involved in development in the 20s of the last century. Therefore, many buildings were built in the Art Nouveau style popular at that time. Over the past two decades, the city has been decorated with new monuments. In the central square of Ala-Too, Lenin was replaced by the original Statue of Liberty. You need to see the Opera House, the Parliament building, the Manas sculptural group and attend the changing of the guard of honor at the State Flagpole.

Museums and parks

Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, is not only the largest city in the country. It is also the main cultural center. There are many museums, theaters, and an art gallery. We recommend visiting the Historical Museum. Its exhibition contains a rich collection of Bronze Age artifacts, ancient coins that were in circulation on the Silk Road, household items and jewelry of the nomadic Kyrgyz tribes. Runic inscriptions from Talas and rock paintings from the Saimaluu-Tash camp deserve special attention. The Museum of Fine Arts, in addition to paintings by Kyrgyz, Russian and Uzbek masters, contains in its collection an interesting ethnographic collection. Here you can see a complete reconstruction of a traditional yurt with interior decoration, shyrdak carpets, national clothes and shoes, and richly decorated horse harness. And those who are nostalgic for a bygone era will find a lot of interesting things for themselves in the Museum of the City of Frunze. The residents themselves call Bishkek the Green City. Even in the hottest heat, you can hide in the dense shade of Molodaya Gvardiya Boulevard and Erkindik Avenue, lined with silver poplars and ancient oaks. You can see rare plants in the Botanical Garden, relax among the cool alleys of Oak Panfilov, Chingiz Aitmatov or Kemal Ataturk.

Shopping

The largest store in the city - TSUM - is located on Chui Avenue. However, the shopping process should not be limited only to it. There are cute boutiques and art galleries scattered throughout the city where you can buy wonderful souvenirs at reasonable prices. However, most of the points of interest to the shopaholic tourist are concentrated in the center, in the square of Chui, Manas and Bokonbaev streets. Antique shops, jewelry workshops, fashion boutiques, shops with traditional embroidery and ceramics alternate with each other. Mostly beautiful felt carpets “shyrdaks”, national headdress “kalpak”, trousers, “ichken” robes, jewelry, and leather goods are brought from Kyrgyzstan. Markets should not be ignored. The bazaars of Osh, Dordoi and Ak-Emir are very colorful. Even if you don’t buy anything, a trip there can be considered a full-fledged excursion into the world of the East.

What to try

Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) is characterized by the fact that in the local restaurants and teahouses you can try dishes from all regions of the country. Get ready to drink a lot of tea - this drink begins and ends your meal. It is always served with dried fruits or baked goods. Pork is not eaten in a Muslim country, but lamb, poultry, beef and horse meat are eaten in abundance. You should definitely try the most important Kyrgyz dish - beshbarmak - special large noodles with young lamb meat. The name of the dish translates as “5 fingers” because it is eaten with the fives. Also, the hallmark of Kyrgyzstan’s gastronomy is chuchuk. Some dishes of the national cuisine can shock a Slav. Thus, sheep's eyes, brains and cheeks are delicacies. Kumis - fermented mare's milk - is a traditional drink of nomads. Shoro is also sold everywhere. This drink resembles kvass, but is made from unripe wheat grains. The Kirghiz have borrowed many dishes from neighboring Uzbekistan, giving them their own flavor and sound. So, you need to try the local shurpa and Osh pilaf.

Neighborhood

What should a tourist arriving in Bishkek know? Relaxation at the highest standard is guaranteed to you in the hotels “Hyatt”, “Dostuk”, “Ala-Too”, “Zhannat”, “Ak-Keme”, “Issyk-Kol” and others. In the vicinity of Bishkek, you should visit the “Khan’s Graves” (an ancient cemetery), the Chon-Aryk nature reserve, and climb Mount Boz-Peldek. If the purpose of your visit is to improve your health, then you need to take a course of body wraps in a mud bath, which is located in the village of Kamyshanovka. And an hour or a little more from the city, lovers of active recreation will find mountain gorges against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks.

Story

Its advantageous geographical position Bishkek city obliged to the Great Silk Road. Since ancient times, caravans have passed from China along two routes. The eastern branch of the road in a convenient place in the Trans-Ili Alatau (via Kurdai) went out into the Chui Valley and here it met with another road leading through the Central Tien Shan, past Lake Issyk-Kul. Since ancient times, at the intersection of these paths there was a caravan barn, a resting place for merchant people. Historically, it has been established that this site has long belonged to the Solto tribal family of Kyrgyz. There was usually a lively trade along the roads in these places.

However, this tasty piece of land always attracted conquerors and caused the temptation to take possession of it. There is a legend that when countless hordes approached the intersection of two roads, local residents were forced to flee to the mountains.

Travelers of the 17th-18th century claimed that people settled in the interfluves of wayward mountain streams of the Alamedin and Ala-Archa rivers in ancient times. On the territory of modern Bishkek, the remains of three cities were found, the life and prosperity of which were provided by the Great Silk Road.

One of the largest medieval cities was the so-called Pishpek settlement (7-12 centuries), which occupied an area of ​​about 25-30 km. had a complex layout and a developed system of fortifications. Another significant ancient city, called the fortress "Forge", was located in the river basin. Alamedin occupied the territory, judging by the distribution of the cultural layer, between the current streets of Kirov, Orozbekov, Karagacheva Roshcha and the river. Alamedin. However, its original area was much larger. The city center was located in the area of ​​the former Pishpek fortress.

Among the finds discovered on the territory of the settlement are 4 bronze trunks decorated with geometric, floral and epigraphic ornaments, a bronze figurine depicting a figure with the head of a man and the body of an animal, a large amount of pottery, burnt bricks and other items. The city existed in the 8th - early 13th centuries, during the invasion of the Tatar-Mongols it fell into decay, after some time life in it resumed (but not throughout its entire territory) and continued until the 15th century. Then the city falls into complete desolation.

Both cities, located on the caravan route that passed through the Chuya Valley since ancient times, were visited by merchants from various countries of the East and West. City residents were engaged in trade, various crafts and agriculture. The names of these cities were not preserved in medieval written sources.

But it so happened historically that by the 16th century, trade and cultural ties between two civilizations - the West and the East - were completely interrupted. The legendary “Silk Road” ceased to exist, cities disappeared. Wars, plagues, and earthquakes finally turned the once flourishing Chui Valley into a desert. City life was replaced by a different way of life - the way of life of nomads who did not need to settle in one place. Once beautiful palaces and mighty castles, cheerful and noisy trade and craft caravans turned into swollen hills or were completely razed to the ground. The Chui valley in the area between the Ala-Archa and Alamedin rivers became the winter pasture of the Solto tribe, one of the forty Kyrgyz tribes, for centuries. Rare trade caravans from Central Asia to China through the Semirechensk Kyrgyz and Kazakh nomadic camps enlivened this rocky area.

The area between the Alamedin and Ala-Archa rivers is considered in many sources to be a holy place. Springs with life-giving and healing water are mentioned, and other interesting facts are given. And maybe that’s why this area became especially valuable and tempting for many peoples. Therefore, outposts, caravanserai, and fortresses arose here from ancient times. One well-known name before the emergence of the Kokand fortress, a settlement or aul, was called Jul.

After the 15th century On the territory of modern Bishkek, in the interfluve Alamedin - Ala-Archa and the surrounding area, there were Kyrgyz nomads. Sedentary, but relatively short-lived, life was revived here in 1825 after a centuries-long break.

However, as depicted in written sources, at times the Kokand Khanate captured the territory of the interfluve and, by order of Khan Modali, the Pishpek fortress was built here in 1825. The Pishpek fortress served as a stronghold of the khan-feudal oppression over the Kyrgyz and a constant threat to the Verny fortress in the so-called. Zachuysky region. The Pishpek fortress housed a garrison and Khan's tax collectors

The Kokand people needed control over the movements of traders and nomads. Pishpek fortress. stood at the junction of the nomads’ routes from winter to summer pastures and along the road to Issyk-Kul and Semirechye. Here, in the fortress, the Kokand people collected customs taxes from all caravans. The freedom-loving people of Soltin, led by their leader Baytik-Baatyr, tried more than once to take and destroy the Pishpek fortress... But there was not enough artillery. The Kokand people were not only strong, but also treacherous. In the fortress, for example, relatives from noble Kyrgyz families, including the son of Baytik Kanaev, were held hostage. In September 1862, the supreme leader of the Solto tribe, Baytik Kanaev, raised an uprising against the Kokand people, destroyed the commandant of the fortress, Rakhmatullah, and his convoy of 60 people, and sent a messenger to the city of Verny for help from Russian artillery.

As tsarism advanced deeper into Central Asia, during clashes between Russia and Kokand, the fortress was stormed on September 4, 1860 by a military detachment that came from Verny. After his departure, the Kokand people again settled in Pishpek, strengthening the fortifications. In September 1862, part of the Chui Kyrgyz opposed the Kokand people. They besieged Pishpek and turned to the Russian authorities of Verny for help. In October (24), the Pishpek fortress was taken a second time by Russian troops with the active assistance of the surrounding Kyrgyz and destroyed. In 1863, with the liquidation of the power of the Kokand Khanate in the Chui Valley, its population voluntarily became part of Russia.

On October 13, 1862, the head of the Alatava district, G. A. Kolpakovsky, with a detachment of 1,400 people and artillery, began a complete siege of the fortress. On October 24 of the same year, the Kokand people surrendered. On November 2, the Russian detachment left the remains of the fortress and went to the city of Verny. By order of Baytik-baatir, in revenge on the Kokand people, the Kyrgyz completely destroyed the remains of the fortress. One of the central streets of our capital (part of Sovetskaya Street) is now named after Baytik-Batyr.
In 1863, the Kyrgyz all the way to Alai joined Russia. In Omsk, the General Government, the Treaty of Accession to Russia was signed. Self-government is established in the region. In the Chui Valley and near the ruins of the Pishpek fortress, a number of urban and agricultural settlements appeared under the control of the tsarist administration.

In 1868 - p. Lebedinovka, Novo-Pokrovka and 50 families settle on the postal route in the Pishpek tract. So the Tashkent road became the first street of the future county town of Pishpek. Pishpek is the Kyrgyz name for the area Bishkek, misheard by Russian topographic officers. The first Russian peasant families from the Penza, Samara, Voronezh and Tambov provinces chose for themselves estate plots along the highway, building dugouts and huts at first. The first settlers were joined by Uzbek traders from Tashkent, Namangan and other areas of Uzbekistan. Along the Alamedin River there were already impoverished Kyrgyz, no livestock and Uzbek gardeners, as well as families of the former garrison of the Kokand fortress of Bishkek. By 1876, 58 families lived in Pishpek - 182 people of both sexes, including 94 women. Residents were divided by nationality as follows: there were 9 Russian families, 48 ​​Uzbek families and 1 Tatar family.

The then Pishpek differed only in its very favorable location and the presence of a post office from the bulk of Russian-Ukrainian villages in the region. The Pishpek fortress itself was destroyed, and its buildings on the ancient hill were razed as unnecessary. There was no need for military strengthening on the lands of the Kyrgyz, since the relationship between the two peoples was established on a peaceful basis. The first settlers dismantled clay from the walls of the fortress for their buildings, and this is how the first street was formed - Tashkent. The once formidable bastion of the Kokand people turned into a peaceful hill that hid the secrets of many centuries. The Semirechensk authorities planned to establish the center of the district administration of the north of Kyrgyzstan in Kochkor or Kutymaldy (Balykchi), but the Turkestan governor-general, after a trip to Semirechye in 1870, chose Pishpek. On April 29, 1878, the district administration was located in Pishpek.
The “plan for the design location of the newly proposed city of Pishpek” - a city with European-type buildings - was approved on August 31, 1878 by the military governor of the Semirechensk region, Lieutenant General G.A. Kolpakovsky.

The fundamentally simple layout fit well into the surrounding area. Its street grid, laid out in a checkerboard pattern, favored the construction of a ditch network and natural ventilation of the streets. The compact territory of the city between the Ala-Archa and Alamedin rivers was located in such a way that it was the most favorable area from a seismic point of view. Initially, the construction base in Pishpek was extremely primitive; there was not even a brick factory. A number of houses were built from centuries-old Tien Shan fir trees, the trunks of which were rafted from gorges along mountain rivers; most of the houses were literally “molded” from clay. Russian, Ukrainian, and Moldavian settlers learned Asian house-building methods from local residents.

The city was made of clay, but its layout turned out to be progressive in nature. It was one of the first cities of the European type with an incomparably higher level of development of Russian urban planning art. And the traditions of this layout have been preserved and improved in modern Bishkek.

The only decoration in that small adobe Pishpek was the magnificent panorama of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too mountains. Its highest peaks rise as an ice ensemble above the interfluve of Ala-Archa and Alamedin. What the valley was like at that time can be seen in the small canvases of the Russian officer and outstanding artist V.V. Vereshchagin, who visited these places with an expedition of military topographers in the 19th century. These small masterpieces, witnesses of Kyrgyz history, are exhibited at the Kazan State Museum of Fine Arts. G. Aitieva.

The second decoration of Pishpek were gardens and parks. It's hard to believe now that the city was founded in a semi-desert. Here is evidence of that time: “... just a few houses scattered here and there, ... and then beyond them, into a distant space, stretched a bare, barren, dead steppe with hot sands and stones...”. F. Poyarkov.
The city administration and ordinary citizens did everything possible to turn Pishpek into a garden city. Every citizen was obliged to plant at least 25 trees next to his house along the street, every visiting merchant was obliged to allocate funds from his trade income for landscaping Pishpek. One of the best amateur gardeners was a native of Namangan, Selim Raimbaev, who had an extensive garden in the Alamedin tract since the 40s of the 19th century and subsequently supplied Pishpek new settlers with fruit tree seedlings and tallow. The pioneer of cultural gardening and artificial afforestation in the region was the Pishpek scientist-horticulturist A.N. Fetisov, founder of Karagacheva Grove in 1881. At the same time, the first layout of streets and squares was carried out, places were allocated for housing, government buildings and barracks, as well as for trade, forges and other craft establishments.
At the end of the 19th - beginning of the 20th centuries. in Pishpek there were already 40 streets (without hard surfaces or sidewalks), 6 large squares (unmaintained and dirty).

The acquisition of city status contributed to the growth of Pishpek. The first handicraft-industrial enterprises appeared in Pishpek in the 2nd half of the 19th century. In 1883, a tannery began operating, and in 1885, cheese production was organized. All power in Pishpek and the district was vested in the district chief, and since 1895, public self-government from the Pishpek bourgeoisie, dependent on the tsarist authorities, was in charge of the city’s economy. Contrary to the policy of tsarism, aimed at limiting the development of the culture of the peoples of the national outskirts, the first cultural and educational institutions, schools, and hospitals appeared in Pishpek.

Representatives of the progressive Russian intelligentsia left a memorable mark on the history of the city. Among them is the first paramedic V.M. Frunze, into whose family a son, Mikhail, a future party, state and military leader, was born on January 21, 1885; scientist gardener A.M. Fetisov, head of the Kyrgyz school of horticulture.

An economic committee was created from wealthy homeowners and merchants, headed by officials of the county administration. The volost administration of the lands adjacent to the city was headed by Uzbek Boshkoev, the nephew of the famous Baytik-baatir and a participant in the military campaigns of General Chernyaev to Tashkent. Uzbek Boshkoev was the grandfather of the ideological founder of modern Kyrgyz statehood, Abdykerim Sydykov.

The city was a trading city, but it also had its own intelligentsia: the Terentyev family, doctor F.V. Poyarkov, paramedic V.M. Frunze, gymnasium teacher K.F. Svirchevsky, irrigator Vasiliev and others, who brought the best of European civilization to this region. Outstanding travelers passed through the city and stayed here: I.V. Mushketov, N.M. Przhevalsky, Delmaz Morgan, Capu, Bonvalot, Blank. At the same time, the Kyrgyz intelligentsia was also rising. The children of major Kyrgyz merchants and industrialists were already studying at Russian gymnasiums and universities. The city acquired a permanent connection with European civilization through telegraph and mail. Pishpek joined the same historical events that governed the entire continent. And it is no coincidence that our city was one of the first to peacefully accept Soviet power. Here, on the outskirts of the Russian Empire, the significance of the October Revolution was well understood.

Immediately after the February events of 1917 in Russia, after the abdication of Tsar Nicholas I from the throne, here, in distant Pishpek, on March 31, 1917, the Pishpek Council of Soldiers, Officers and Workers' Deputies was created. The Bolshevik group was strong in the city and district. On January 1, 1918, the Bolshevik G.I. Shvets-Bazarny (the first Soviet mayor of the city) was elected chairman of the Pishpek Council, and a resolution was adopted recognizing the central Soviet government.

But by December 1917, the entire Semirechye was engulfed in a White Cossack rebellion. On December 14, 1917, armed detachments of White Cossacks and leftist Essers from the village. Belovodskoye broke through to Pishpek and occupied its western part. The White Cossacks had far-reaching plans to create an “independent Cossack Semirechensk republic” without the Bolsheviks, the Tsar, the “Golytba” and the Kyrgyz. And the peaceful city of Pishpek, lying on the way between Tashkent and Verny (Almaty) was a “stumbling block” for the implementation of these plans.
The city was defended by the 1st Pishpek Regiment under the command of Y.M. Logvinenko, who arrived from the Northern Semirechensky Front. By December 28, the entire district was cleared of counter-revolutionaries.

The first to fall in the struggle for the power of the people were buried on January 1, 1919 in the center of Pishpek, in an oak park, near the St. Nicholas Church, where a rally under the slogan “For Soviet Power” once took place. Nowadays, a 2-meter granite obelisk rises above a small mound of a mass grave with four cannons.

The entire people of Kyrgyzstan, inspired by the Revolution, rushed to a new life. Just a few days after the establishment of Soviet power, on November 16, 1917, the “Declaration of the Rights of the Peoples of Russia” was published, signed by V.I. Ulyanov (Lenin). The Declaration proclaimed the equality and sovereignty of the peoples of Russia, their right to self-determination, even to the point of secession.

With great enthusiasm, all the leading people of Kyrgyzstan perceived this opportunity to create an independent statehood. The best minds of the Kyrgyz intelligentsia took an active part in the practical implementation of this idea. A. Sydykov, I. Arabaev, D. Sooronbaev and others already in the summer of 1917, even before the October Revolution, united to concretely formalize the idea of ​​Kyrgyz statehood. Not everyone was able to see the fruits of their ideas. In the 20s - 30s, national state associations of the huge Union were created in a hidden, difficult internal political struggle. “They tragically died, every one of them, in the bloody orgy of the totalitarian regime,” A. Akaev said about these people.

The people have not forgotten their heroes. The streets of Bishkek and universities are now named after these people with a tragic but high fate. In the fall of 1996, a gallery of busts was opened near Ala-Too Square near the first government building of the former Pishpek, the oldest storey building in the city, near the House of Friendship of Peoples (former State Historical Museum, architect Zenkov, 1927).

And, most importantly, the dream of these extraordinary people came true. Gradually, with enormous efforts and at the same time great spiritual uplift, Kyrgyz statehood was created, a modern economy was formed, and Kyrgyz culture developed. From feudalism, in just a few decades, Kyrgyzstan stepped into a new society, taking its rightful place in modern civilization.
A. Orozbekov, Yu. Abdrakhmanov, Razzakov, T. Kulatov and our other contemporaries, including the first President of independent Kyrgyzstan A. Akaev, became practical implementers of this idea at the head of their people.

And the former small county town of Pishpek became the political and economic center of the great transformations.
October 14, 1924 Pishpek is the center of the Kara-Kyrgyz Autonomous Region. On February 1, 1926, Pishpek was the capital of the Kirghiz Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic. On May 12, 1926, the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee of the USSR approved the name Frunze for the city of Pishpek. Since December 5, 1936, Frunze has been the capital of the Kirghiz SSR. Frunze is a thriving region with a powerful diversified industry and highly developed mechanized diversified agriculture. The former remote province, which did not even have country roads before the revolution, was covered with a network of asphalt highways and steel highways. The routes of local and allied airlines ran in the sky, connecting the capital of the republic - Frunze with Moscow, Leningrad, Sverdlovsk, Novosibirsk and other cities of the former union.

The science and art of the Kyrgyz people have achieved unprecedented development, and their literature and cinematography have received worldwide recognition. The level of well-being of the working people of Kyrgyzstan has increased immeasurably. Deprived of basic household amenities before the revolution, former nomadic pastoralists and their descendants live in beautiful modern cities and villages, enjoying all the benefits and achievements of civilization. The majestic transformations that the working people of the republic are making reveal new qualities of people, new phenomena characteristic only of socialist reality, which add up to a multicolored picture of the current existence of the republic, where representatives of more than 80 nations and nationalities of our country live and work as one family, where they develop and bear wonderful fruits the best, carefully preserved national traditions, enriched by the experience of fraternal international community.

In accordance with the Constitution adopted on May 5, 1993, the Kyrgyz Republic is a sovereign unitary democratic republic, built on the principles of a legal secular state. The city of Bishkek is its capital.
In April 1991, the Supreme Soviet of the SSR decided to rename the city of Frunze. The city was returned to its ancient original name.

Bishkek today

City symbols: Flag Coat of Arms

The city is built on an orthogonal plan, which facilitates its ventilation with mountain air. There are 938 streets in Bishkek. The main streets of the city: Manas Avenue, Chui Avenue - st. Den Xiao Ping, Abdrakhmanov, Alma-Atinskaya, Pravdy, Zhibek Zholu (Silk Road) streets, Baytik Batyra (formerly Sovetskaya) - Baku, Moscow. There are many children's playgrounds and outdoor cafes on Erkindik and Molodaya Gvardiya boulevards. Residential areas are located in the south: microdistricts 3 to 12, Asanbay district; in the east: “Alamedin-1”, “Vostok-5”, “Vostok-6”; in the southeast: “Kok-Zhar”, “Ulan”; in the central part - "South-2".

Transport

Railway

Railway communication is provided by three railway stations: Pishpek, Bishkek and Alamedin. The main flow of passengers and cargo is oriented to Russian cities through the territory of Kazakhstan. Local intercity and commuter trains are also available

Electric

The city's public transport system includes a trolleybus system. Trolleybuses are also used in the cities of Osh and Naryn.

Automotive

The main type of public transport is automobile: buses, minibuses, taxis

The number of passenger cars increased threefold from 2000 to 2011. The number of trucks decreased slightly from 9 thousand in 2000 to 8.7 thousand in 2011. The number of buses registered in the capital doubled.

Currently, 160,106 vehicles are registered. Of these, individuals own 145,957 cars, legal entities - 14,139. ​​In 2010, 141,433 were registered in Bishkek. Of these, 127,168 vehicles belonged to individuals and legal entities - 14,265.

The city began construction of the first ring road, and also, through a grant from the Japanese government, the city's bridges were reconstructed. The length of roads is more than 1.2 thousand km. Repairs of the bypass road have also begun, which should lead to a reduction in traffic jams on the streets of the capital.

Airport

On the administrative territory of Bishkek, 23 km from the city limits, there is the Manas International Airport, named after the hero of the Kyrgyz epic of the same name. Today, one of the US Air Force air bases is located in the airport area. According to the ICAO classification, Manas is a class 4E airport. Its 4.2 km long runway allows it to accommodate aircraft of all types, including in adverse weather conditions. The total area of ​​the apron is 242 thousand m². The airport has 38 parking lots and two telescopic bridges. Construction of a new terminal is underway.

Economy

Bishkek is the economic center of the country.

In 2011, the city produced industrial products worth 28,108.4 million soms, an increase of 117.2%. Of the total volume of services provided throughout the republic, Bishkek accounts for 58.7%. The average monthly salary for January-November 2011 was 12,035 soms, which is 1.4 times higher than the republican level. Bishkek is a donor for other regions of the republic. The expected contribution to the country's GDP will be 36.1% in 2012. In the vicinity of the capital there is a free economic zone "Bishkek".

Industry

All branches of industrial production are available. Among them, the main ones are: mechanical engineering and metalworking, light and food industries, and energy. Large industrial enterprises in Bishkek include: Thermal Power Plant, JSC "Reemtsma-Kyrgyzstan", Corporation "Dastan", Plain Cloth Factory, Coca-Cola Bishkek Bottlers, "Bishkek Dan-Azyk"; joint-stock companies: "Bishkeksyut", Bishkek Machine-Building Plant, "Kyrgyzavtomash", "Kyrgyzshampanes", reinforced concrete plant "Bishkek", "Keramin", enterprise associations "Bulgars", Zhyldyz "Baypak", etc.

Industrial enterprises are located in the west and east of Bishkek. Among them: the Akun flour mill, the Kyrgyz Konyagy cognac factory, Kyrgyzmebel JSC, the producer of national drinks Shoro, Severelectro, and a thermal power plant.

Trade

The city of Bishkek is a regional center of trade, being a hub between the PRC, Kazakhstan and Russia. In Bishkek there is the largest wholesale and retail market in Central Asia: "Dordoi", the largest auto market: "Azamat", as well as a number of other markets: "Osh" (market), "Alamedin" (market), "Orto-Sai" ( market), "Ala-Archa-2" (market), "Kudaibergen", etc.; There are large shopping centers: “Vefa”, “Bishkek-Park”, “Dordoi-plaza”, “Tash-Rabat”, “TSUM-Aichurek”, “Caravan”, “Children’s World”, “Beta-Stores”, etc. The city has representative offices of such large international companies as Mercedes-Benz, Audi-VW, Sumitomo, Federal Express, DHL, UPS, LG-Electronics, Daewoo, Phillips, Siemens, Panasonic, Reemtsma, Coca-Cola, Samsung, Toyota, Kia and etc.

Finance

The head offices of the banks are located in Bishkek: "RSK-Bank", "Aiyl-Bank" (both state-owned), "Demir Kyrgyz International Bank", "Dos-Credobank", "Bank-Asia", "Rosinbank", "Eco-Islamic Bank" ,Bakai-Bank" and others.

Internet and cellular communications

The city has a significant concentration of Internet and mobile communications users. The Internet is provided via an optical line, ADSL and Wi-Fi technology. There are more than 10 Internet providers, the largest: Asia-Info, Kyrgyztelecom, ElKat, Aknet, Megaline, Homeline, Saima-Telecom. Internet coverage covers almost 90% of the city.

Cellular communications in the city are represented by 6 large companies, under the brands "Beeline", "MegaCom", "O!", "Fonex", "Katel", "Nexi". On average, every resident of the capital has a cell phone.

Mass media

Newspapers

Magazines

  • Premium men's intellectual magazine "One Magazine"
  • Fashionable women's magazine "FEMME"
  • Glossy magazine for smart and successful "for Woman"
  • Blife magazine in Russian and English
  • Magazine for parents "Little Joy"
  • Magazine "Holiday Cocktail"
  • Glossy women's magazine in Russian and Kyrgyz languages ​​"Bishkekchanka"
  • glossy magazine "BiStar" - in Russian

News agencies

  • Inform kg
  • AKI press
  • 24 kg
  • "Cabar"
  • News Agency "KANT kg"
  • kloop kg

Science and education

Bishkek is the largest scientific and educational center in Kyrgyzstan. In Bishkek there are:

  • Kyrgyz State Institute of Arts named after B. Beishenalieva (KGII)
  • National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic
  • Scientific station of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Bishkek
  • Kyrgyz National University named after Zhusup Balasagyn
  • Kyrgyz State Technical University named after Isak Razakov (formerly Frunzensky Polytechnic Institute)
  • Kyrgyz Economic University named after M. Ryskulbekov
  • Kyrgyz State University of Construction, Transport and Architecture (KGUSTA)
  • Kyrgyz Agrarian University named after K. Scriabin (formerly Agricultural Institute named after K. Scriabin)
  • Kyrgyz State Medical Academy named after I.K. Akhunbaev
  • Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University
  • American University of Central Asia
  • International University of Kyrgyzstan
  • Kyrgyz-Turkish University "Manas"
  • Bishkek Academy of Finance and Economics
  • Kyrgyz Academy of Tourism
  • Higher Military Institute of the Armed Forces of the Kyrgyz Republic
  • International Academy of Management, Law, Finance and Business
  • Kyrgyz Academy of Physical Culture and Sports

The following are also located in Bishkek: research organizations:

  • National Surgical Center of the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic

There are two large libraries

  • Library named after V.I. Lenin
  • Republican Public Library named after N.G. Chernyshevsky



Attractions

  • Forge Fortress (hill and parts of the fortress)
  • Memorial complex "Ata-Beyit"
  • State Circus
  • Hippodrome
  • Republican Center for Children and Youth "Seytek"
  • South Gate

Squares

  • Ala-Too Square is the central square of Bishkek. Here is the monument to “Manas the Magnanimous”
  • Old Square
  • Victory Square and Victory Monument
  • station Square
  • University Square
  • theatre square
  • Sovetskaya Square - Architectural complex, between the City Hall building and the Philharmonic building.

Clockwise from top: Ala-Too Square, State Historical Museum, Bishkek City Hall, Jogorku Kenesh, Resurrection Cathedral, Kyrgyz Opera and Ballet Theater named after A. Maldybaev, Manas statue

42°52′ N. w. 74°34′ E. d. A country Status capital Internal division 4 districts
(Leninsky, Oktyabrsky, Pervomaisky, Sverdlovsky) Mayor Aziz Surakmatov History and geography Based 1825 First mention 1860 Former names

until 1926 - Pishpek

until 1991 - Frunze

City with 1878 Square 160 km² Center height 750-900 m Climate type sharply continental Timezone UTC+6 Population Population ↗ 1,027,200 people (2019) Density 6420 people/km² Agglomeration more than 1,500,000 Nationalities Kyrgyz - 73.69%
Russians - 16.64%
Uighurs - 1.57%
others - 8.10% Confessions Muslims, Christians, etc. Digital IDs Telephone code +996 +996 312 Postcode 720001-720083 Vehicle code B, E And 01 Other Awards meria.kg
(Kyrgyz) (Russian)

Bishkek(Kyrgyzstan) - the capital and largest city of the country. It constitutes a special administrative unit and is a city of republican significance. Former names - Pishpek, Frunze (named in honor of M.V. Frunze).

The city was founded by the Russians on the site of the destroyed Kokand fortress.

The city is located in the north of Kyrgyzstan in the Chu Valley at the foothills of the Tien Shan, 40 km north of the Kyrgyz ridge at an altitude of 700-900 m above sea level, 25 km from the border with. The city's territory is 127 km² or 160 km².

Physiographic characteristics

The Ala Archa River near the Osh Market after spring showers

Bishkek is located in the center of the Chui Valley, at the foot of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too ridges, at an altitude of 760 meters above sea level.

In terms of climatic conditions, Bishkek occupies the extreme southern position in the continental climate region of temperate latitudes.

The monthly duration of sunshine is greatest in July - 322 hours, least in December - 126 hours.

Climate

The climate of the city is sharply continental. The average annual temperature is +11.3 °C. Precipitation is 450 mm per year. With an average summer temperature of about 25 °C and an average winter temperature of about −2 °C, it is not uncommon for summer heat to exceed 40 °C, and winter temperatures down to −30 °C. The coldest month is January (-2.6 °C), the warmest is July (+24.9 °C). The average monthly relative humidity increases from 44% in June and July to 74% in March, the annual average is 60%. The Ala-Archa and Alamedin rivers flow through the city, flowing down from the southern mountains; the Great Chui Canal (BCC) flows through the north of Bishkek from east to west.

Bishkek Climate
Index Jan. Feb. March Apr. May June July Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. Year
Absolute maximum, °C 19,2 25,4 30,5 34,7 36,7 40,9 42,1 39,7 37,1 34,2 29,8 23,3 42,1
Average maximum, °C 3,2 4,8 11,1 18,4 23,5 28,9 31,7 30,9 25,3 17,9 11,0 5,0 17,6
Average temperature, °C −2,7 −1 5,2 12,2 17,2 22,5 25,0 23,9 18,5 11,1 4,5 −0,8 11,3
Average minimum, °C −7,2 −5,3 0,4 6,3 11,1 15,6 17,9 16,4 10,9 4,9 −0,3 −5,2 5,5
Absolute minimum, °C −31,9 −34 −21,8 −12,3 −4 3,9 7,4 5,1 −2,8 −11,2 −32,2 −29,1 −34
Precipitation rate, mm 27 34 52 71 63 33 21 14 18 42 44 33 451
Source: Weather and Climate

Administrative division

Main article: Administrative divisions of Bishkek

Administratively divided into 4 districts. Population - according to the 2009 population census of Kyrgyzstan:

  • Oktyabrsky district - 242,382 (2009)
  • Pervomaisky district - 175,894 (2009)
  • Sverdlovsk region - 231,801 (2009)
  • Leninsky district - 201,626 (2009)
    • urban-type settlement Chon-Aryk - 9724 (2009)
    • village (village) Orto-Sai - 4100 (2009)

Subordinate to the Leninsky district is the Chon-Aryk village kenesh, which includes the urban-type settlement of Chon-Aryk, the village of Orto-Sai, as well as part of the village of Manas (Aviatown) near the airport.

If the area of ​​the city of Bishkek itself is 127 km², then together with the settlements subordinate to the city it is 160 km².

The heads of districts are the heads of municipal administrations of the districts, who are appointed by the mayor.

Population

Main article: Population of Bishkek

Commemorative plaque on the Deutsches Haus in Bishkek. According to the 1989 census, 13,619 Germans lived in Frunze.

Population - 1027.2 thousand (permanent), 1042.3 thousand (current) as of January 1, 2019. Within the boundaries of the territory subordinate to the city administration, which, in addition to the city itself, also includes the urban-type settlement of Chon-Aryk (10.1 thousand inhabitants), as well as the village of Orto-Sai (according to the aiyl okmotu, 2.7 thousand inhabitants, according to According to the National Statistical Committee of the Kyrgyz Republic 4.4 thousand inhabitants) the permanent population is 1027.2 thousand inhabitants, the actual population is 1057.0 thousand inhabitants. From the formation of the city until the 1990s, the main population of Bishkek were Russians; the Kyrgyz became the majority in the city only after the collapse of the USSR.

The population of Bishkek is characterized by rapid growth due to the influx of migrants from other regions of the republic, as well as relatively high natural growth of the Kyrgyz population. The share and absolute number of European peoples, who 50 years ago made up over 80% of the city’s population, during the years of independence of Kyrgyzstan, sharply decreased due to emigration and low birth rates in these categories of the population.

National composition

Ethnic composition of the population according to 1989 censuses - 2009 and estimated for 2018:
Number

in 1989

 % Number

in 1999

 % Number

in 2009

 % Number

in 2018

 %
Total 619903 100,00 % 762308 100,00 % 835743 100,00 % 1 002 146 100,00 %
Kyrgyz 141841 22,88 % 398000 52,21 % 552957 66,16 % 738 526 73,69 %
Russians 345387 55,72 % 252831 33,17 % 192080 22,98 % 166 742 16,64 %
Uyghurs 10977 1,77 % 13143 1,72 % 13380 1,60 % 15 714 1,57 %
Uzbeks 10390 1,68 % 12393 1,63 % 11801 1,41 % 13 763 1,37 %
Koreans 10043 1,62 % 12710 1,67 % 12014 1,44 % 12 372 1,23 %
Tatars 16984 2,74 % 15817 2,07 % 12712 1,52 % 11 828 1,18 %
Kazakhs 8943 1,44 % 12064 1,58 % 9013 1,08 % 10 102 1,01 %
Dungans 2618 0,42 % 3558 0,47 % 4040 0,48 % 5 171 0,52 %
Ukrainians 34321 5,54 % 16125 2,12 % 7987 0,96 % 4 831 0,48 %
Turks 908 0,15 % 2277 0,30 % 3149 0,38 % 3 676 0,37 %
Azerbaijanis 2166 0,35 % 2454 0,32 % 2142 0,26 % 2 684 0,27 %
Germans 13619 2,20 % 5228 0,69 % 2554 0,31 % 2 432 0,24 %
Tajiks 709 0,11 % 1828 0,24 % 817 0,10 % 1 035 0,10 %
Turkmens 369 0,06 % 132 0,02 % 703 0,08 % 782 0,08 %
Armenians 1218 0,20 % 726 0,10 % 512 0,06 % 488 0,05 %
Belarusians 4119 0,66 % 1341 0,18 % 638 0,08 % 410 0,04 %
Jews 4822 0,78 % 1293 0,17 % 498 0,06 % 389 0,04 %
other 10469 1,69 % 10388 1,36 % 8746 1,05 % 11201 1,12 %

Story

Ancient and medieval settlements on the territory of the modern city

The sites of primitive people in the area of ​​modern Bishkek date back to the 5th-4th millennia BC. e. The city owes its geographical location to the Great Silk Road. The eastern branch of the route passed through the Chu Valley and here it met another road leading through the Central Tien Shan. On the territory of modern Bishkek in the 7th-12th centuries there was a settlement called Dzhul.

Pishpek

In 1825, on the territory of the modern city, by order of Madali Khan, the Kokand fortress Pishpek was founded, which housed the largest garrison in the Chui Valley. The fortress stood in the center of the nomads’ routes from winter to summer pastures and along the road to Issyk-Kul and Semirechye.

The first documentary mention of the settlement of Pishpek is given in the book “Description of military operations in the Trans-Ili region in 1860 and the journal of the siege of the Kokand fortress Pishpek”:

The constantly hostile plans of the Khokands, revealed in inciting the Zachuya Kirghiz to predatory incursions into our borders, forced the corps commander of the Separate Siberian Corps and the Governor-General of Western Siberia, Infantry General Gasford, to submit to the Highest review no assumption about an expedition across the river. Chu for the destruction of the Khokand fortresses of Tokmak and Pishpek. These fortresses, which were a thunderstorm for the Kirghiz, wandering outside our borders, served as the main points from which the influence of the Khokand people spread to the region: they contained a garrison of Khokand soldiers, used to collect zyaket from the Kirghiz, to incite them against the Russians, and for support capture of predatory parties in small detachments.

Twice (September 4, 1860 and October 24, 1862) the fortress was taken by Russian troops. In November 1862, the remains of the fortress were destroyed by the Kirghiz of the Solto tribe, and in its place two years later a Cossack picket was established, then a bazaar began to gather here.

In 1868, the Russian settlement of Pishpek was founded. On April 29, 1878, in connection with the transfer to Pishpek, the center of the Pishpek district received the status (see Semirechensk region), this date is officially celebrated as the date of the founding of the city.

On April 24, 1924, the Czechoslovak cooperative “Intergelpo” arrived in the city, which actually made Pishpek a modern European city by the standards of that time.

Since October 1924, it became the administrative center of the Kara-Kyrgyz Autonomous Region. Since May 1925 - the administrative center of the Kyrgyz Autonomous Region.

Frunze

On May 12, 1926, Pishpek was renamed Frunze in honor of a native of the city, Soviet military leader Mikhail Frunze. Since 1936, Frunze has been the capital of the Kyrgyz Soviet Socialist Republic.

In 1938, 3 administrative districts were created in the city of Frunze: Proletarsky (now Leninsky), Pervomaisky and Sverdlovsky. In 1962, the Proletarsky district of the city of Frunze was transformed into Leninsky. In 1974, the Oktyabrsky urban district was formed.

On February 5, 1991, by decision of the Supreme Council of the Kirghiz SSR, the city was renamed Bishkek. On March 23, 2005, events associated with the Tulip Revolution took place in the capital, and on April 7, 2010, with the second revolution.

Awards

  • Order of Manas, 1st class (June 12, 2003) - for a special contribution to the socio-economic and cultural development of the Kyrgyz Republic, strengthening friendship and interethnic harmony, a leading role in the implementation of democratic reforms and in connection with the 125th anniversary.

Economy

Bishkek is the economic center of the country.

In 2011, the city produced industrial products worth 28,108.4 million soms, an increase of 17.2%. Of the total volume of services provided throughout the republic, Bishkek accounts for 58.7%. The average monthly salary for January-November 2011 was 12,035 soms, which is 1.4 times higher than the republican level. Bishkek is a donor for other regions of the republic. The expected contribution to the country's GDP will be 36.1% in 2012. In the vicinity of the capital there is a free economic zone "Bishkek".

Industry

All branches of industrial production are available. Among them, the main ones are: mechanical engineering and metalworking, light and food industries, and energy. Large industrial enterprises in Bishkek include: Bishkek Thermal Power Plant, JSC Reemtsma - Kyrgyzstan, Dastan Corporation, Worsted Cloth Factory, Coca-Cola Bishkek Bottlers, Bishkek Dan-Azyk; joint-stock companies: “Bishkeksyut”, Bishkek Machine-Building Plant, “Kyrgyzavtomash”, “Kyrgyzshampany”, reinforced concrete plant “Bishkek”, “Keramin”, enterprise associations “Bulgari”, “Zhyldyz”, “Baypak”, etc.

Industrial enterprises are located in the west and east of Bishkek. Among them: the Akun flour mill, the Kyrgyz Konyagy cognac factory, Kyrgyzmebel JSC, the producer of national drinks Shoro, Severelectro, and a thermal power plant.

Trade

TSUM-Aichurek

"Vefa" center (right)

The city of Bishkek is a regional center of trade, being a hub between the PRC and Russia. In Bishkek there is the largest wholesale and retail market “Dordoi”, the largest car market “Azamat”, as well as a number of other markets: “Osh” (market), “Alamedin” (market), “Orto-Sai” (market), “Ala- Archa - 2 (market), Narboto, Kudaibergen, etc. There are large shopping centers: Vefa, Biskek Park, Dordoi-plaza, Tash-Rabat, TSUM-Aichurek, "TAC Vesna" (formerly "MEC Rakhat Palace"), "Caravan", "Children's World", "Tabylga", "MOTO", "BETA STORES", "BETA STORES 2".

The city has representative offices of such large international companies as Mercedes-Benz, Audi-VW, Sumitomo, Federal Express, DHL, UPS, LG-Electronics, Daewoo, Phillips, Siemens, Panasonic, Reemtsma, Coca-Cola, Samsung, Toyota, Kia and etc.

Finance

The head offices of the banks are located in Bishkek: RSK Bank, Aiyl Bank (both state-owned), Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank, Demir Kyrgyz International Bank, Rosinbank, OptimaBank, BakaiBank, Dos -KredoBank" and others.

Employment

Bishkek is the central city where the bulk (up to 70%) of the country’s specialists and taxpayers are concentrated. Promising ones, according to the Ministry of Labor and Social Development, include it, mining and construction professions. The state is actively involved in organizing jobs in the country and supports private and non-profit organizations for the employment of specialists with secondary and higher education, as well as people with disabilities.

  • Employment Center for Citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic under the Ministry of Labor
  • Youth Labor Exchange of the Ministry of Labor and Social Development of the Kyrgyz Republic
  • Electronic labor exchange USTALAR.KG
  • Center for Training and Employment of Persons with Disabilities

Hotels

Hotel "Zhannat"

There are large hotels in Bishkek: “Zhannat”, “Hyatt”, “Ak-Keme”, “Dostuk”, “Damas”, “Sayakat”, “Issyk-Kol”, “Semetey”, “Bishkek”, “Ala-Too” ", "Eldorado", etc.

Internet and cellular communications

The city has a significant concentration of Internet and mobile communications users. The Internet is provided via an optical line. There are more than 10 Internet providers, the largest: AsiaInfo, Jet, ElCat, Megaline, FastNet, Aknet, Saima-Telecom, Homeline, Transfer. Internet coverage covers almost 90% of the city.

Mobile communications in the city are represented by 3 telecom operators under the brands “Beeline”, “MegaCom”, “O!”

Transport

Railway

Bishkek-2 railway station

Railway communication is provided by three railway stations: Pishpek, Bishkek and Alamedin. The main flow of passengers and cargo is oriented to Russian cities through the territory of Kazakhstan. There are also local intercity and commuter trains.

Electric

The city's public transport system includes a trolleybus system.

Trolleybus of route 4 on the ring near the Dordoi market

It is planned to create a light metro and an urban electric train.

Automotive

The main type of public transport is automobile: buses, minibuses, taxis.

The number of passenger cars increased threefold from 2000 to 2011. The number of trucks decreased slightly from 9 thousand in 2000 to 8.7 thousand in 2011. The number of buses registered in the capital doubled.

Currently, 160,106 vehicles are registered. Of these, individuals own 145,957 cars, legal entities - 14,139. ​​In 2010, 141,433 were registered in Bishkek. Of these, 127,168 vehicles belonged to individuals and legal entities - 14,265.

The city began construction of the first ring road, and also, through a grant from the Japanese government, the city's bridges were reconstructed. The length of roads is more than 1.2 thousand km. Repairs of the bypass road have also begun, which should lead to a reduction in traffic jams on the streets of the capital.

Intercity communication from Bishkek

Western (New) Bus Station

In the Issyk-Kul direction from Bishkek, especially in the summer holiday season, there is a significant flow of buses, minibuses and taxis. From Bishkek to Issyk-Kul you can also get by train to the city (formerly Rybachye) at the beginning of the coast of Issyk-Kul, and then by road to the city - the resort center of the northern coast of Lake Issyk-Kul, where there are many boarding houses, as well as to the city (formerly Przhevalsk ) is the administrative center of the Issyk-Kul region, located 10-12 km from the eastern coast of the lake.

Private intercity taxi is a common way to travel around the republic: between Bishkek and regional centers, Batken, as well as in other directions. There are two bus stations in the city: Western (new) and Eastern (old).

The road to and may involve crossing the borders of neighboring countries; There are internal routes, but some sections are not always satisfactory (in Batken) or represent high mountain passes (in Talas).

Airport

Manas 2 terminal at Bishkek airport

On the administrative territory of Bishkek, 23 km from the city limits, there is the Manas International Airport, named after the hero of the Kyrgyz epic of the same name. According to the ICAO classification, Manas is a class 4E airport. Its 4.2 km long runway allows it to accommodate aircraft of all types, including in difficult weather conditions. The total area of ​​the apron is 242 thousand m². The airport has 38 parking lots and two telescopic bridges. A new terminal has been built.

Science and education

Kyrgyz State Technical University named after Ishak Razzakov

Bishkek is the largest scientific and educational center in Kyrgyzstan. In Bishkek there are:

  • International University of Innovative Technologies (UIIT)
  • Kyrgyz State Institute of Arts named after B. Beishenalieva (KGII)
  • National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic
  • Scientific station of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Bishkek
  • Kyrgyz National University named after Zhusup Balasagyn
  • Kyrgyz State Technical University named after I. Razzakov (formerly Frunze Polytechnic Institute)
  • Bishkek Humanitarian University. K. Karasaeva
  • Kyrgyz Economic University named after. M. Ryskulbekova
  • Kyrgyz State University of Construction, Transport and Architecture (KGUSTA)
  • Kyrgyz Agrarian University named after K. Scriabin (formerly Agricultural Institute named after K. Scriabin)
  • Kyrgyz State Medical Academy named after. I. K. Akhunbaeva
  • Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University
  • American University of Central Asia
  • International University of Kyrgyzstan
  • International University "Ataturk-Ala-Too"
  • Kyrgyz-Turkish University "Manas"
  • Bishkek Academy of Finance and Economics
  • Kyrgyz Academy of Tourism
  • Higher Military Institute of the Armed Forces of the Kyrgyz Republic
  • International Academy of Management, Law, Finance and Business
  • Kyrgyz Academy of Physical Culture and Sports
  • International Medical University

The following research organizations are also located in Bishkek:

  • National Surgical Center of the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic

There are two large libraries

  • National Library named after Alykula Osmonova
  • Republican Public Library named after. N. G. Chernyshevsky

Culture

Theaters

Museums

  • Kyrgyz State Historical Museum
  • National Museum of Art named after Gapar Aitiev
  • Museum of the National Academy of Arts. T. Sadykova
  • Zoological Museum of the Biological and Soil Institute of the National Academy of Sciences
  • Archaeological Museum of the National Academy of Sciences (specialized)
  • Museum of Mineralogy
  • Geological Museum of the Institute of Mining and Mining Technologies
  • Memorial House-Museum named after. M. Frunze
  • Memorial House-Museum named after. I. Razzakova
  • Memorial House-Museum named after. Aaly Tokombaeva
  • Memorial House-Museum named after. Semyon Chuikova
  • Memorial House-Museum named after. Olga Manuilova

Cinemas

The Kyrgyzfilm film studio is located in the capital. And:

  • Kyrgyz National Philharmonic named after. T. Satylganova
North side of the Opera and Ballet Theater National Library In the historical museum Kyrgyz Philharmonic

City symbols

Main article: Coat of arms of Bishkek

The azure shield contains a silver belt, burdened with three azure plowshares in a row. There is one golden bee at the top and bottom of the belt. In the free part is the coat of arms of the Semirechensk region. The shield is crowned with a silver tower crown with three teeth and is surrounded by two golden ears of corn, connected by an Alexander ribbon. Complete collection of laws of the Russian Empire No. 30174

The coat of arms of the city of Frunze was approved on September 22, 1978 by the city Council of People's Deputies. The drawing of the coat of arms, created by Frunzegorproekt employees G. Mulyavin and A. Sogonov, won an open competition for the 100th anniversary of the city. Colors - white, red, ultramarine, green, bronze. Existed from 1978 to 1994. In 1991, after the city was renamed, the inscription “Frunze” was replaced by “Bishkek”.

The initiative to create the modern coat of arms of the city of Bishkek belonged to the former mayor of the city, Felix Kulov. The option provided by the graphic artist M. Asanaliev and candidate of philosophical sciences S. Iptarov was chosen.

Coats of arms of the city from 1908 to the present.

Religion

Islam

Main article: Islam in Kyrgyzstan

There are 50 mosques in Bishkek. There are more than 10 Islamic religious foundations and societies, and one Islamic University. The Central Mosque, the Dungan Mosque are working, a new Central Mosque for 20 thousand parishioners was built with funds from Turkey and Jordan.

Christianity

Main article: Christianity in Kyrgyzstan

Resurrection Cathedral

The Russian Orthodox Church has 4 churches. In the city there is a community of the Russian Orthodox Old Believer Church, a community of Old Orthodox Christian Pomeranians (Old Believers Pomortsians). There are Protestant churches.

Attractions

Park at the South Gate

  • Forge Fortress (hill and parts of the fortress)
  • Memorial complex "Ata-Beyit"
  • State Circus
  • Hippodrome
  • Republican Center for Children and Youth "Seytek"
  • South Gate

Squares

  • Ala-Too Square is the central square of Bishkek. Here is the monument to “Manas the Magnanimous”
  • Old Square
  • Victory Square and Victory Monument
  • station Square
  • University Square
  • theatre square
  • Sovetskaya Square - Architectural complex, between the City Hall building and the Philharmonic building.

Boulevards

  • Erkindik Boulevard (formerly Dzerzhinsky Boulevard)
  • Boulevard of the Young Guard
  • Chui Avenue

Parks and gardens

  • Elm Grove
  • Park named after Fuchika
  • Victory Park
  • Botanical Garden
  • Ataturk Park (formerly Friendship Park)
  • Park named after Panfilova
  • Oak Park is the first park on the territory of Bishkek, founded in 1890. The Oak Garden (currently Oak Park) is decorated with sculptural compositions that symbolize the idea of ​​peace, reason and goodness; there is also an 11-meter granite stele dedicated to the fighters of the revolution. The eternal flame was lit in memory of those who fell during the Great Patriotic War.
  • Youth Park
  • Ala-Archa National Park
theatre square Ala-Too Square Chui Avenue Erkindik Boulevard

Monuments

Main article: List of monuments in Bishkek

The city has many monuments in honor of various historical figures. Bishkek is the only capital of the countries of Central Asia where a large monument to V.I. has been preserved. The Kyrgyz government declared the monument part of the country's history and adopted a special law to protect it.

Sport

The flagship of Bishkek is the Alga football club - a 5-time champion and 9-time winner of the Kyrgyz Cup. Various types of martial arts are very popular.

  • Sports Palace named after. Kozhomkula
  • stadium "Spartak"
  • National Hippodrome
  • Equestrian school
  • School of Olympic reserve
  • Institute of Physical Education

Name

On the official website of the Bishkek mayor's office, the following legendary justification for the name of the city is given: the pregnant wife of one batyr (hero) lost the whorl (Kirg. Bishkek) for whipping kumis. While searching for “Bishkek,” she suddenly went into labor and gave birth to a boy, who was given the name Bishkek. He became a hero, and after his death he was buried on a hillock near the bank of the Alamedin River, where the Gumbez-Bishkek tombstone was erected. It was this structure that was seen and described by travelers of the 17th-18th centuries.

Policy

Authorities

The system of public administration and local self-government of the city is formed by the city state administration, the city kenesh, district executive authorities and local self-government. The city kenesh is the highest representative body of local government. The parliament of the Jogorku Kenesh is located in the capital.

Architecture

Before the revolution

Surgical building of the national hospital. Pre-revolutionary building

The “plan for the design location of the newly proposed city of Pishpek” - a city with European-type buildings - was approved on August 31, 1878. The street grid was laid out in a checkerboard pattern, facilitating the construction of a ditch network and natural ventilation of the streets. Some of the buildings in the city were built of wood, but most were made of adobe. Despite the semi-desert, the townspeople built gardens. By the beginning of the twentieth century, there were 40 unpaved streets and 6 squares in Pishpek.

The building of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the KSSR, 1936.

House of the Central Executive Committee of the Kirghiz Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, 1927.

Central Bank of the Kirghiz Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, 1927

The first stage of construction in Kyrgyzstan was associated with the ideas of constructivism that came in the 1920s. At that time, little consideration was given to local peculiarities. At the end of the 30s, professional architects came to Bishkek. During the war, evacuated enterprises were located here, and new ones were built. In the post-war years, urban planning developed rapidly, a series of standard projects appeared, and prefabricated structures were introduced. Decorativeism and pomp prevail. Since the second half of the 50s, mass construction has been carried out according to standard designs. In 1970, a new general plan for the city was approved.

The following buildings are striking examples of the architecture of that time:

  • The building of the Frunze City Executive Committee (now the Bishkek City Hall)
  • House of the Government of the Kirghiz SSR
  • Hotel Kyrgyzstan (now the Hyatt Hotel)
  • Palace of Sports
  • Opera and Ballet Theatre
  • Polytechnic College
  • Cinema Manas

Modern period

The city is built on an orthogonal plan, which facilitates its ventilation with mountain air. There are 938 streets in Bishkek. The main streets of the city: Manas Avenue, Chui Avenue - st. Den Xiao Ping, Abdrakhmanov, Alma-Atinskaya, Pravdy, Zhibek Zholu (Silk Road), Baytik Batyra (formerly Sovetskaya) streets - Baku, Moscow. There are many children's playgrounds and outdoor cafes on Erkindik and Molodaya Gvardiya boulevards. Residential areas are located in the south: microdistricts 3 to 12, Asanbay district; in the east: Alamedin-1, Vostok-5; in the southeast: “Kok-Zhar”, “Ulan”; in the central part - “South-2”. There is also active construction of new microdistricts and individual multi-storey residential buildings and shopping centers.

Stalinka and a modern building on Frunze Street Zero kilometer in Bishkek Construction of modern buildings near Victory Square

Mass media

Newspapers

Advertising newspapers

"What? Where? How much?”, “Showcase”, “Buy and Sell”

Magazines

  • Men's intellectual magazine “#ONE MAGAZINE”
  • Business analytical magazine "Business Interlocutor"
  • Women's magazine BISHKEKCHANKA
  • Glossy magazine for smart and successful “for Woman”
  • Blife magazine in Russian and English
  • Magazine for parents “Little Joy”

News agencies

  • News Agency "K-News"
  • UNIpress
  • pravda.kg
  • AKIpress
  • 24.kg
  • "Cabar"
  • "KANT.kg"
  • JEBE news
  • Kloop.kg
  • Sputnik Kyrgyzstan
  • IP Russia in Kyrgyzstan
  • Kaktus.media

International relationships

Twin Cities

  • , (since December 12, 1997)
  • Nur-Sultan, (since 2011)

At the foot of the snow-white mountains of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too, at an altitude of 750 m above sea level, 25 km from the border with Kazakhstan. This is the soul and heart of the republic in the full sense of the word, its political, economic, scientific and cultural center, the main transport hub.

The population of the city according to 2010 data is 846.5 thousand inhabitants. Unlike the southern regions of the republic, a high percentage of the population is made up of Russians and Russian-speaking residents.

In terms of climatic conditions, Bishkek occupies the extreme southern position in the continental climate region of temperate latitudes. The monthly duration of sunshine is greatest in July - 322 hours, least in December - 126 hours. The climate in Bishkek is sharply continental, the average annual temperature is +10.2°C. The coldest month of the year is January (-4°C), the warmest is July (+24.7°C). Average monthly relative humidity increases from 44% in June and July to 74% in March. The rivers Ala-Archa, Alamedin and the Great Chui Canal flow through the city.

The capital of Kyrgyzstan is a unique young city in a unique and mysterious mountainous country. Yes, perhaps there are no ancient or medieval historical monuments here, but this is absolutely no reason to consider this city boring and uninteresting. You can’t blame, for example, a child for being still small. As for Bishkek, the city was founded only in 1825, and this is no more than a second in history. Therefore, due to the lack of a past, the Kyrgyz capital accordingly has no monuments of the past. Where do they come from? And yet, the city is quite interesting, beautiful and unusually friendly. And completely special and unique emotions arise at the sight of the majestic and alluring ridge of the Kyrgyz Alatau. Therefore, while in the city, it is quite difficult not to succumb to temptation and rush to the mountains at any convenient opportunity.

An individual feature of the city is the strict layout of the streets, which intersect only at right angles. Residents of the capital are always proud that these streets are densely planted with trees and shrubs, which creates a special comfort and invigorating coolness. Therefore, it is not without reason that they say that Bishkek is one of the greenest cities in the world.

Bishkek is the center of national culture of Kyrgyzstan. Visitors are always welcome to the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum named after. M.V. Frunze, Opera and Ballet Theatre, Russian and Kyrgyz Drama Theatres, Bishkek City Drama Theatre, building of the State Philharmonic named after. T. Satylganova and other places for fun leisure activities.

Science and education in the capital are represented by the National Academy of Sciences and a large number of secondary specialized and higher educational institutions. Among them are 18 universities, 20 institutes, 9 academies, which annually graduate up to 5.5 thousand qualified specialists.

Name
A variety of legends have circulated about the name of the city for hundreds of years. According to one version, “Bishkek” is the name of a local hero, Bishkek-Baatyr, who did a lot of useful things for the common people; he lived here in the 18th century.

In general, the word “Bishkek” from Kyrgyz means “stirrer for whipping kumis (a drink made from mare’s milk).”

But, in addition, according to some historians and writers, the word “Bishkek” means “the front, front part of a happy, beautiful mountain (Mount Baytik), as well as a five-walled fortress.”

City `s history
The city of Bishkek (or rather the territory on which the modern city is located) has been known since the 7th century as the ancient settlement of Dzhul (Forge Fortress).
However, it was only in 1825 that the Kokand fortress Pishpek was formed on the territory of the Chui Valley, which housed the largest garrison. Twice - September 4, 1860 and October 24, 1862 - the fortress was taken by Russian troops. In November 1862, it was destroyed, and in its place two years later a Cossack picket was established, then a bazaar began to gather here. Later, already in April 1878, in connection with the transfer of the county center to Pishpek, the village received the status of a city.

Since October 1924, the city became the administrative center of the Kara-Kyrgyz Autonomous Region, then the administrative center of the Kyrgyz Autonomous Region. In 1926, Pishpek was renamed Frunze in honor of a native of the city, a Soviet military leader. Since 1936, Frunze had the status of the capital of the Kirghiz SSR. And after gaining independence, on February 1, 1991, by decision of the Supreme Council of Kyrgyzstan, the city was renamed Bishkek.

Tourism
Bishkek, being the center of international tourism in Kyrgyzstan, often serves as a transit point and resting place on the way to or and at the same time can offer tourists a large number of attractions.

The main and favorite place for recreation and walking of guests and tourists of the capital is the center of Bishkek. Most of the museums, galleries, shops, parks, squares, squares, restaurants and cafes are concentrated here. By the way, Bishkek is the only city in Central Asia where a monument to Lenin still stands to this day. True, now it is located not on the main square, but behind it, but even this is a striking difference from other cities in the Central Asian region.

The city has 20 national parks, 4 artificial reservoirs, 6 swimming pools, 10 theaters, 5 open-air memorial museums, 8 specialized museums, as well as other cultural and recreational parks.
One of these objects is the oak park, where it is always cool under the dense crowns of trees, and fluffy, frisky squirrels scurry along the trunks, peering into the faces of vacationers in anticipation of getting a treat. Oak Park is a kind of open-air sculpture museum. Sculptures made in stone, metal and wood are located here alone and in groups along park alleys, paths, and some simply among trees on green lawns.

Adjacent to the oak park is the so-called “Bishkek Vernissage” - the Erkindik Gallery, where you can admire the work of local craftsmen and artists.

Behind the gallery opens the main square of the country - Ala-Too. Ala-Too Square is fraught with great tourism potential - the white marble Government House is located here. The square is decorated with fountains, and a stage has been built where mass concerts and discos are held. It is here that people flock en masse during holidays and celebrations. Military parades and demonstrations also take place here.

The capital's attractions include the Art Museum, which displays exhibits of Kyrgyz folk art and modern Russian and Soviet art. Some paintings and exhibits try to combine Kyrgyz images and European technology. There are also examples of elegant traditional Kyrgyz wall carpets (tushkiis, bashtiyks) of various sizes.

The Bishkek Philharmonic Society hosts concerts of classical and modern Western music, as well as concerts of Kyrgyz traditional and popular music. The Philharmonic consists of two halls, the larger of which is usually used for concerts of Kyrgyz music and various shows.

Shops in the capital can offer tourists a variety of souvenirs and folk art products produced in such large organizations as “Kyyal”, NPO “Zengi-Baba”, “Altyn-Beshik”, “Shaarbek”, which constantly hold exhibitions and fairs of souvenirs and decorative products. applied art in city squares.

Also, tourists here in Bishkek will not only be able to relax in yurts, get acquainted with the applied arts of the nomadic Kyrgyz people, gain impressions of national customs, cooking, games, try Kyrgyz cuisine, buy souvenirs of folk crafts, but also get information about tourist routes along the entire republic.
In Bishkek, as in any other Central Asian city, one of the most striking attractions is the oriental bazaar, where generous gifts of the earth and goods from all over the world are presented in abundance at any time of the year, and you can also admire the beauty of mosques and Orthodox cathedrals.

Attractions in the surrounding area
The Baytyk Valley stretches behind the counters that line the southern outskirts of the city. The valley is named after its former owner - the manap of the Kyrgyz Orlto tribe - Baytyk Kanaev, who at one time contributed to the voluntary entry of Kyrgyzstan into Russia. Part of the slopes of the valley are planted with pistachio, while the other is in a natural state. There are many species of birds found here. South-west of VDNKh Kyrgyzstan is Mount Boz-Peldek (1395 m), which can be reached by city buses. From its top, like a plan on paper, you can see the entire city.

"Khan's Graves" is a Kyrgyz cemetery located at the southern foot of Mount Boz-Peldek. The former ruler of the Baytyk valley and his son Uzbek are buried here, over whose grave a magnificent forged lattice tower with a dome was erected.

Chon-Aryk State Botanical Reserve - located southeast of the city in the Besh-Kungey tract. Plants such as Alatava saffron, Kolpakovsky iris, Kumakevich juno, several types of tulips and others are strictly protected here. The surrounding areas of the city are rich in mineral springs.

The deposit of peat medicinal mud is located near the village of Kamyshanovka. Therapeutic mud is used here to treat support organs, the peripheral nervous system, respiratory organs, gastrointestinal tract, and gynecological diseases.

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Bishkek was founded in 1825 on the ruins of the ancient Pishpek settlement and the Kokand fortress of Pishpek, which from the 7th to the 13th centuries were county trading cities on the caravan route. After the 13th century, settlements of nomadic Kyrgyz tribes appeared on the sites of the fortress and settlement, which existed until 1825, when the ancient city of Pishpek was revived. At this time, taking advantage of civil strife among the Kyrgyz, Pishpek was conquered by the Kokand military leader. The city became the place where Kokand tax collectors, traders and artisans were located. In 1862, during clashes between Russia and Kokand, the city was conquered by Russian troops. After the defeat of the Kokand Khanate, the population of Pishpek and the Chui Valley voluntarily became part of Russia. Peasants from various Russian provinces began to move to the city and valley. They shared their farming experience with local residents and built European-style houses.

The rapid development of the city began after 1917. In 1926, in honor of the revolutionary and statesman, Pishpek was renamed Frunze. During the Soviet period, Frunze developed according to trends common to all union capitals. Architects and engineers from Moscow and Leningrad took part in the planning of the city. During this time, a significant number of educational institutions, theaters, museums were erected on the territory of Frunze, a philharmonic society, a central department store, and a central city registry office were built.

After Kyrgyzstan became a sovereign country in 1991, the capital was renamed Bishkek. Despite the fact that the decision to change the name of the capital was made relatively recently, no one knows a clear interpretation of the name Bishkek. Some sources claim that the city is named after a special wooden spoon for preparing kumys in the ancient way - a symbol of the ancient nomadic Kyrgyz, other sources say that the capital is named after one of the forty bravest and bravest warriors of Manas.

Modern Bishkek

Bishkek is located in the north of Kyrgyzstan in the Chui region, at the foot of the Kyrgyz range, which is part of the large Tien Shan mountain range. Two rivers flow through Bishkek - Alamedin and Ala-Archa, which flow down from the southern mountains. Throughout the entire territory of the Chui region, from east to west, the “Big Chui Canal” has been laid. It passes through the northern part of the city.

The population of Bishkek is more than 1 million people. About 90 nations live in the city. The interethnic language of communication is Russian.

The city has an orthogonal structure. This ensures that the streets are well ventilated with clean mountain air. In total, there are 938 streets in Bishkek, many of them are named after prominent Kyrgyz and Russian figures of culture, art, science and politics. The main business streets of the city are Manas Avenue, Chui Avenue, Abdrakhmanova Street, Baytik Batyra Street and Moskovskaya Street. The Erkindik and Young Guard boulevards, where children's playgrounds and outdoor cafes are located, are considered a city landmark.

The main residential complexes are concentrated in the southern part of Bishkek. These are microdistricts 3 to 12 and the Asanbay microdistrict. In addition, large residential neighborhoods are located in the east - “Alamedin”, “Vostok-5” and “Vostok-6”, in the south-eastern part - “Kok-Zhar” and “Ulan”, in the central part of the city - “Yug- 2".

Industrial enterprises are located mainly in the western and eastern parts of Bishkek. In the west there are such enterprises as the Akun Flour Mill, the Kyrgyz Konyagy Cognac Factory, and Kyrgyzmebel JSC; in the eastern part there are the Shoro National Beverage Production Company, Severelektoro, and a thermal power plant.

The center of Bishkek from north to south is considered to be the section from Zhibek-Zholu Street to the bridge, from east to west - from Almatinskaya Street to Belinsky Street. In the center of Bishkek there are large public and private companies, embassies and diplomatic missions, and jewelry stores. In addition, banks, shopping centers, shops and restaurants are concentrated in the central part of the city.

There are more than ten theaters in the capital, among them those that have long won the love of their audience. This is the State Opera and Ballet Theater,
Russian National Theater of Kyrgyzstan and Kyrgyz National Academic Theater. The Kyrgyz State Circus is located in the city center, next to Victory Square. Near the Kyrgyz State National Philharmonic there is the “Alley of Youth” and the Kyrgyz National University. In total, there are more than 25 higher educational institutions in Bishkek. The most prestigious universities providing quality education are the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University, the Kyrgyz National University, the American University of Central Asia, and the Kyrgyz Technical University. I. Razzakova, Bishkek Humanitarian University and International University of Kyrgyzstan.

There are more than 10 museums in Bishkek. The main museum of the country is considered the Kyrgyz State Historical Museum, located on the main square of Bishkek - Ala-Too, not far from the government building of the Kyrgyz Republic.

In the city there is a monument to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War in the “Oak Park”, a monument to “Erkindik”, translated into Russian as “Freedom”, on Ala-Too Square, a monument to Manas, located opposite the Philharmonic. Bishkek is the only capital city among the CIS countries in which the monument to V.I. Lenin has been preserved.

The diversity of nations in Bishkek determined the presence of different religious buildings. Orthodox Bishkek residents visit the Orthodox Christian Church and the Temple of St. Equal Apostles Grand Duke Vladimir. Muslims go to the city's central Mosque on Fridays. In addition, the city has a Catholic Prayer House, an Evangelical Lutheran Church and a Synagogue.

Bishkek is considered one of the greenest cities in the CIS. It is believed that there is one tree for every resident here. There are many park areas with attractions in Bishkek. Popular parks are the Flamingo World entertainment complex, located on the territory of VDNKh, Panfilov Park, and Druzhba Park. There are more than 10 swimming pools in the city. The most well-equipped swimming pools are “Karven”, “Kalipso”, “White Sail”, “Eldorado” and “Monte Carlo”.

Among the large sports complexes in Bishkek one can highlight the Sports Palace named after. Kozhomkula", stadium "Spartak", "National Hippodrome" and an equestrian sports school. There are about 30 fitness clubs and gyms in the city.

About 20 shopping centers have been built in Bishkek, the largest of which are Vefa, TSUM, Dordoi Plaza, Karavan, Taatan and Beta Stores. Bookstores with the richest assortment are Raritet and Odyssey. Souvenir shops “Asahi” “Iman” and “Cleo” offer Kyrgyz ethnographic products made of fiber, leather and metal.

As in any eastern country, in Kyrgyzstan there are a large number of markets that are an integral part of the retail trade in Kyrgyzstan. In Bishkek, “Oshsky”, “Alamedinsky” and “Orto-Saisky” markets are visited by thousands of people every day. Here you can buy food, clothing, household appliances and household goods.

The capital has a large number of restaurants and cafes. Among them are the restaurants “Aristocrat”, “Golden Dragon”, “Consul”, “Continental”, “Monarch” and “Monte Carlo”. The most popular bars among residents of Bishkek are “Old Edgar”, “Metro-bar” and “Bar@191. Here visitors have the opportunity to relax beautifully to the sounds of live music.

Over the past few years, modern hotels that meet all international standards, with swimming pools, beauty salons and saunas, have begun to appear in Bishkek. For guests of the capital, Bishkek offers 5-star hotels “Hyatt Regency Bishkek”, “Golden Dragon”, and 4-star hotel “Ak Keme”.

The capital has a well-developed urban transport system. More than 20 taxi services in Bishkek operate around the clock. The main means of transportation in the city is minibus. In addition, buses and trolleybuses are used as urban transport.

Since Kyrgyzstan gained independence, Bishkek has undergone many changes. Every year the appearance of the city changes. More and more modern buildings and large shopping centers are appearing. Old buildings are reconstructed or demolished, and new ones appear in their place: with modern facades and beautiful interiors. Bishkek is getting younger, while maintaining the Soviet-era features remaining in the urban architecture built during the existence of the USSR.

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