Written by Nargiza Ryskulova on June 1st, 2010
Title Image: The Ritual Begins- Rapakan Aidarkulova, a 63-year-old woman from Karakol is a traditional Kyrgyz healer.
A crowd patiently waits, snaking around the dark halls of a small office. Some pace nervously while children bounce in laps. One’s first guess of this being an underequipped doctor’s office isn’t so far off. Actually, this busy room filled with clients who quickly enter and exit a small examination room, waiting for some mysterious physician are turning to the traditional Kyrgyz practice of healing that was once forgotten during Soviet times Rapakan Aidarkulova, a 63-year-old woman from Karakol near Lake Issyk Kul is just one healer playing an active part in this countrywide resurgence of traditional knowledge within Kyrgyzstan.
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Tags: Arts & Culture, Central Asia, Cultural Institutions, Issyk Kul, Kyrgyz Cultural Practices, Kyrgyz CUlture, Kyrgyzstan, Traditional Medicine, Women
Written by D. Dalton Bennett on May 26th, 2010
Title Image: Ala-Bell Pass- On the road to Osh vendors gather to sell honey products in the lush hills of the Ala-Too range.
The road from the Kyrgz capital city of Bishkek to the country’s southern capital of Osh is an unforgetable journey that brings travelers through the Ala-Too mountain range to the lush and fertile lands of the Ferghana Valley. Among the melting snow Kyrgyz gather along the road side to sell fermented mares milk and kurut. In the south children block the road selling fresh produce, the most popular of which is rhubarb.
During this 12 hour journey through high mountain passes and sharp cut backs partially blocked by landslides, one gets a true taste of the diversity within Kyrgyzstan.
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Tags: Arts & Culture, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Landscape, Osh, Photos, Travel
Written by D. Dalton Bennett on May 24th, 2010
Title Image: Close Call- Victory Day celebrations with a match of At Ordysh
May 9th known as Victory Day marks the Soviet Union’s triumph over European fascist forces in 1945 during “The Great Patriotic War” known in the west as World War Two. This important holiday celebrated throughout the former Soviet Republics and Israel commemorates the sacrifices made by those who served during this bloody conflict, which cost the lives of over 25 million people within the Soviet Union.
Yet even after independence, Victory Day is still observed in all of the former Republics but in a country like Kyrgyzstan it has taken on a distinctly Central Asian flavor with entire communities coming together, paying homage to veterans during a day full of eating, drinking, and traditional games.
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Tags: Arts & Culture, At Ordysh, Buzkashi, Central Asia, Cultural Institutions, Kyrgyz CUlture, Kyrgyzstan, Ulark Tartesh, Victory Day
Written by D. Dalton Bennett on March 29th, 2010
Title Image: Nowruz Feast- Villagers of Kurpuldek gather to celebrate Nowruz
From the deserts of Northwestern China to the shores of the Adriatic Sea many cultures have long celebrated the ancient Persian holiday of Nowruz. This festival usually observed on the 20th or 21st March marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring. Bringing together families, friends, and entire communities, Nowruz is filled with a variety of festivities and cultural traditions that are of great importance to the peoples of Central Asia
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Tags: Arts & Culture, Central Asia, Cuisine, Cultural Institutions, nowruz, Photos
Written by D. Dalton Bennett on March 15th, 2010
Title Image: Salam- The sellers of Bishkek’s Osh Bazaar wait for potential customers, showing off their best cuts to any interested passerby.
Bazaars have long served as an important place for the exchange of goods and information. Nearly all wares ranging from electronics to clothes can be bought for a fraction of the price. The hustle and bustle of Bishkek’s Osh Bazaar offers a fascinating glimpse into this locally preferred method of commerce.
Osh bazaar is the largest of the city’s three markets, and consists of indoor and outdoor sellers. Individuals travel from distant villages selling livestock, local foodstuffs, and fresh vegetables. Fragrant spices and vibrant produce paired with calls of anxious sellers makes Osh Bazaar an unforgettable experience.
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Tags: Arts & Culture, Bishkek, Central Asia, Cuisine, Cultural Institutions, Kyrgyzstan, Photos
