Osh, Kyrgyzstan

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Osh, Kyrgyzstan

Region: Osh


Geographic Coordinates: 40.533300, 72.783300
Temperature Range: -40.0°C to 35.0°C (-40°F to 95°F)
Climate: Cold winters and hot summers with significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year.
Population: 322164
Language: Kyrgyz

Osh, Located in southern Kyrgyzstan near the Uzbekistan border, Is one of Central Asia’s oldest cities with a history dating back over 3, 000 years. The city is an essential agricultural center surrounded by mountains and fertile land. Suleiman-Too or Solomon’s Mountain, A sacred place for both Muslims and ancient pagan beliefs, Is one of Osh’s most iconic landmarks. Visitors can climb up to the top of the mountain for stunning views of Osh and its surroundings.

Osh also boasts an impressive collection of historical monuments such as Rabat Abdul Khan Mosque built during the 16th century by one of Kyrgyzstan’s most famous rulers; Asaf ibn Burhiya Mausoleum dedicated to an Islamic saint who lived during the 10th century; Alymbek-Datka Madrasa – one of Central Asia’s oldest Islamic schools; Tash-Rabat Caravanserai – a historic inn along the Silk Road route between China and Europe; Uzgen Minaret – another UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring three ancient mausoleums.

The bazaar in Osh has been around since ancient times and offers everything from fresh produce to traditional crafts such as felt carpets and embroidered textiles. It is a vibrant hub where locals come to shop, Socialize, And enjoy delicious street food. Outdoor activities like hiking or horseback riding through nearby valleys or visiting hot springs like Arslanbob or Altyn-Arashan are popular in Osh. Additionally, It is home to the Osh State University that attracts students from all over Kyrgyzstan and neighboring countries.

In terms of cuisine, Traditional dishes such as plov (a rice pilaf dish), Lagman (noodle soup), Shashlik (grilled meat skewers), Green tea, Black tea, Herbal infusions are famous in Osh. Overall, Osh offers travelers looking to discover Central Asia’s hidden gems an insight into Kyrgyzstan’s rich history and culture with its ancient monuments, Vibrant bazaar, Stunning natural scenery, And delicious cuisine.



Important Landmarks

  1. Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain
  2. Osh Bazaar
  3. Rabat Abdul Khan Mosque
  4. Alymbek Datka Park
  5. Lenin Statue and Museum
  6. Jayma Bazaar
  7. Asaf ibn Burkhiya Mausoleum
  8. National Historical and Archaeological Museum Complex Sulayman
  9. Abshir Ata Waterfall
  10. Ton Murun (Stone Gate)

Primary Industries

  • Osh, Kyrgyzstan has a diverse range of major industries and businesses.
  • The city is known for its fertile soil which allows it to produce a variety of crops such as fruits, vegetables, cotton, and tobacco.
  • Osh has a thriving textile industry that produces traditional Kyrgyz clothing like kalpak hats and shirdaks (felt rugs).
  • The city has numerous markets selling goods ranging from food to clothing.
  • Osh serves as an important transportation hub connecting Kyrgyzstan with neighboring countries like Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
  • The region around Osh is rich in mineral resources such as gold, coal, and other minerals which have led to the development of mining activities.
  • Osh has seen an increase in hospitality businesses including hotels, restaurants, and cafes catering to tourists visiting historical sites such as the Sulaiman-Too mountain complex.

  • Noteable History

    1. The Battle of Osh in 1918 was a significant event during the Russian Civil War. The Red Army emerged victorious, securing control over Osh and defeating the White Army.
    2. Kurmanjan Datka, a legendary Kyrgyz queen from the 19th century, played a crucial role in resisting Russian colonization.
    3. Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain is located in Osh and is considered one of the holiest places for Muslims in Central Asia.
    4. Babur, born near Osh in 1483, founded the Mughal Empire.
    5. Yakub Beg was a military leader who established an independent kingdom called Kashgaria (modern-day Xinjiang) during the late Qing dynasty era.
    6. The Ferghana Valley earthquake struck this region in 1966, killing more than 200 people and causing significant damage to infrastructure.
    7. Sadyr Japarov is currently serving as President of Kyrgyzstan since January 2021 after winning elections following political turmoil that led to multiple changes of government within months.
    8. Osh has been an important stop on the ancient Silk Road trade route for centuries, facilitating cultural exchange between different civilizations along its path connecting China with Europe.

    Museums and Things To See

    1. Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a significant pilgrimage site in Central Asia.
    2. Osh Bazaar is a lively market where visitors can find fresh produce and traditional Kyrgyz crafts.
    3. Alymbek Datka Square is a central square in Osh with a statue of Alymbek Datka, who fought against Russian colonization.
    4. The Museum of History and Regional Studies showcases the history and culture of Osh and its surrounding region.
    5. The Lenin Statue is an iconic monument located in the center of Osh, reflecting the city’s Soviet-era history.
    6. Rabat Abdul Khan Mosque is an ancient mosque built during the 18th century that locals still use for prayer and worship.
    7. Art Gallery Tumar features contemporary art from local artists, including painting, sculpture, photography, and more.
    8. The Palace of Culture named after Kurmanjan Datka is a cultural center that hosts various events such as concerts, exhibitions, conferences etc., named after Kurmanjan Datka who was an influential political figure in Kyrgyzstan’s history.


    Sports Teams

    1. FC Alay – Founded in 1938, FC Alay is a professional football club based in Osh. The team has won several national championships and has participated in international competitions such as the AFC Cup.
    2. BC Jalal-Abad – A professional basketball club based in Jalal-Abad city near Osh. The team was founded in 2000 and competes in the Kyrgyzstan Basketball League.
    3. FK Ak-Bura – A football club established in 2015 that plays its home matches at the Ak-Bura Stadium located on the outskirts of Osh.
    4. HC Barsy-Arysh – Founded in 2017, HC Barsy-Arysh is a handball club that represents Osh region at national competitions.
    5. VC Tumar – A volleyball club that was established more than two decades ago and has been participating successfully at various levels of national competitions ever since.
    6. Taekwondo Club Khan – One of the oldest martial arts clubs founded by local enthusiasts before Kyrgyzstan’s independence from Soviet Union times; it continues to produce talented athletes who participate both nationally and internationally.


    Cultural Events

    1. Osh City Day is an annual celebration that commemorates the founding of Osh. The festivities include parades, concerts, and other cultural activities.
    2. The Suleiman-Too Festival takes place in June and celebrates the UNESCO World Heritage site of Suleiman-Too Mountain with traditional music, dance performances, and a bazaar.
    3. The Kurmanjan Datka Festival is a tribute to the legendary Kyrgyz queen Kurmanjan Datka that features traditional games, horse racing competitions, and folk music performances.
    4. The Alay Mountains Festival occurs in August or September and highlights the unique culture of the Alay region through traditional dances, songs and food.
    5. Navruz (New Year) Celebrations are held in springtime to mark the beginning of a new year in many Central Asian countries including Kyrgyzstan. Festivities include food festivals and traditional dances.
    6. The Ata-Beyit Memorial Ceremony is an annual event held on May 31st at Ata-Beyit memorial complex for victims killed during Stalin’s purges in 1930s -1940s.
    7. Oimo (Osh International Music Festival) is a week-long event taking place every summer featuring musical performances from local as well as international artists across various genres such as jazz, rock, classical etc.

    Cuisine

    • Lagman House – a restaurant that serves traditional Kyrgyz lagman (noodle soup) and other Central Asian dishes.
    • Chuchuk Restaurant – specializes in chuchuk, a spicy meat dish made with horse meat or beef.
    • Navat Tea House – offers a variety of teas and snacks, including samsa (meat-filled pastries) and manty (steamed dumplings).
    • Jibek Jolu – known for its plov (rice pilaf), which is a staple dish in Central Asia.
    • Ashlyanfu Cafe – serves ashlyanfu, a cold noodle soup made with vinegar, radish, cucumber, and other vegetables.
    • Kebabistan – offers various types of kebabs made with lamb or beef.
    • Sary-Chelek Cafe & Bar – located near the Sary-Chelek Nature Reserve, this restaurant serves fresh fish from the nearby lake as well as other local dishes.
    • Arzu Cafe & Restaurant – offers a mix of Kyrgyz and Uzbek cuisine including shashlik (grilled meat skewers), lagman soup, and somsa pastries filled with pumpkin or meat.
    • Beshik-Jon Guesthouse & Restaurant- has traditional Kyrgyz yurts where you can enjoy authentic food like beshbarmak(a pasta dish served with boiled meat).

    • Parks and Recreation

      1. Ala-Archa National Park: This park provides opportunities for hiking, camping, and rock climbing in the stunning Tien Shan Mountains.
      2. Victory Park: Located in the heart of Osh, this park features a large statue of Lenin, as well as a Ferris wheel and other amusement rides.
      3. Ak-Buura River: A popular spot for fishing and picnicking.
      4. City Park: Situated near the city center, this park has walking paths, benches, and playgrounds for children to enjoy.
      5. Osh Zoo: Home to over 200 animals from around the world including lions, tigers, bears, monkeys and birds.
      6. Sulaiman-Too Mountain Museum Reserve: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes ancient ruins of religious buildings dating back to the 9th century AD
      7. Lenin Peak Base Camp Trekking Route – A challenging trek through some of Kyrgyzstan’s most breathtaking mountain scenery with views of Lenin Peak (7’134m).
      8. Kok-Jar Recreation Area – A recreational area located just outside Osh with picnic areas and swimming pools for families to enjoy on hot summer days.
      9. Kurmanjan Datka Memorial Complex – A tribute to one of Kyrgyzstan’s most famous female leaders with a museum showcasing her life story along with traditional Kyrgyz art exhibits.
      10. Sary-Chelek Biosphere Reserve – Home to several rare species such as snow leopards & brown bears plus it offers trekking routes through forests & mountainsides.

      Suitcase

      Let The Journey Begin.


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