What is the capital of Kyrgyzstan? Since 1936 - Bishkek. Over its history, the city twice changed its name: until 1926 - Pishpek, and then until 1991 - Frunze. Modern Bishkek has all the features characteristic of the capital city. It is the administrative, industrial and cultural center of Kyrgyzstan. An extensive trolleybus network operates in the city; a shallow metro is planned to be built.
As we said above, from 1926 to 1991, Bishkek was called Frunze. He received his name in honor of the military leader M. Frunze. Since 1925, the city has been the administrative center of the autonomous region. In 1936, Frunze was the capital of Kyrgyzstan in the USSR. And so it was until the collapse of the Union. Already in February 1991, by decision of the Supreme Council, it was decided to rename it to Bishkek.
Features
City buildings and streets are located in non-overlapping projections, providing for the free circulation of mountain air. Its purity can be felt even in the city center, and with minimal winds. But fresh air in a developed industrial city is a very rare occurrence.
Relief and inland waters
Bishkek is located at the base of the Kyrgyz mountain range, two tens of kilometers from the channel of the Chu River. This is the largest watercourse that crosses Kyrgyzstan. The capital (see photo in the article) is supplied with water from canals and canals, fed from this river.
The Kyrgyz ridge is very popular with tourists, as it is convenient to get to the foot of the mountains. In the Ala-Archa gorge, there is a camp of climbers. From this point, tourist routes diverge along the inner Tien Shan, to which the Kyrgyz Range belongs. Gorges with a convenient access Alamedin and Issyk-Ata became just as popular. Mountain spurs are covered with ice caps; they are similar in landscape to alpine landscapes.
Tourism development
In the winter season, for lovers of outdoor activities, a ski resort "Chon-Tash" is open. On its territory, not too high snow depth was noted, which makes this place unsuitable for training professional skiers. But for ordinary citizens, Chon-Tash is attractive, as the capital of Kyrgyzstan is located in close proximity, and there is also a convenient transport interchange. Having traveled a little further from Bishkek, vacationers can stop at other ski resorts that have long ski slopes and higher snow cover.
In the summer season, tourists can relax near the suburban ponds. These are urban reservoirs and tributaries of the Chu River. In the valleys of these watercourses, warm springs with mineral waters were discovered.
On the coast of the stormy river Issyk-Ata is the balneological sanatorium of the same name. You can recover in it with the help of mud and hydrotherapy, physiotherapeutic procedures, mountain air, a picturesque landscape.
The territory of the Ala-Archa mountain river basin is occupied by a state park of the same name. The healing air of junipers and fir trees creates a unique microclimate of the entire mountain zone. In Bishkek itself, as well as in the district, there are many parks and green spaces.
City center
The capital of Kyrgyzstan has a lot of beautiful places, but Ala-Too Square is considered central. On its perimeter are museums, art galleries, shops, cafes, restaurants. Also, administrative capital buildings are concentrated here: the city hall, the government house, business centers, and state universities. A ten-meter bronze sculpture rises to the hero of the Kyrgyz epos Manas the Magnanimous and the national flag.
Museums
There are 11 museums in Bishkek, making the capital of Kyrgyzstan considered the largest cultural center. In the central part of the city are the main museums of Kyrgyzstan: National Historical, Fine Arts, Memorial Museum of M.V. Frunze. By visiting them, you can get acquainted with the history of the development of Kyrgyzstan.
In Bishkek, the Erkindik Gallery is constantly functioning with the work of local craftsmen. There is a unique recreated Kyrgyz village of Kyrgyz ayil, transmitting the atmosphere and national color.
Theaters
The cultural life of the capital develops on the theatrical stages of Bishkek. The most famous of them are the Opera and Ballet Theater, the State Drama Theater, the Russian National Theater, the State Puppet Theater, the Folklore and Ethnographic Theater, and the State Philharmonic.
Parks and squares
Those who wish to take a leisurely walk away from the bustle of the city or have fun on the rides are given the opportunity to implement these plans in cozy parks and squares in Bishkek. For children, the Flamingo amusement park is suitable. Park centenarian - Oak Park. This is a favorite vacation spot for citizens. Centennial trees rise along its alleys.
The more modern Friendship Park surprises with a variety of shrubs, conifers and deciduous trees. There are 75 species here. The park has a memorial to the fallen Afghan warriors.
The capital of Kyrgyzstan is rich in sculptures and monuments in honor of figures of history and politics from different periods of the country's development.