Walking around Bishkek, you’ll see a lot of Russian influence simply because the city was built during Soviet times. Buildings are blocky and imposing.
Parliament of Kyrgyz RepublicNational State Museum and Statue of Manas at the Ala Too square.Manas, a national hero who united all 40 Kyrgyz clans.Giant flagpole in the square
Changing of the guard happens every hour on the hour.The philharmonic hall has its own Manas statue.Claimed by pigeons
Prominent Russian and local Kyrgyz figures dot the parks and city center. One gets the feeling that the majority of Kyrgyzs hold no animosity towards Russia, and our hiking guide confirmed this. Central Asians, under Russian reign, enjoyed economic stability in the region with access to education and healthcare. Of course, Russian rule wasn’t always benevolent, as 120,000 Kyrgyz were killed during a revolt against mandatory requisition of men for noncombatant workers during WWI. An equal number of Kyrgyz subsequently fled eastward into China.
This Vladimir Lenin statue used to sit in the prominent Ala-Too square, but has since been moved to the smaller plaza behind the National State Museum.Karl Marx and Friedrich EngelsKyrgystan writer Aaly TokombaevKyrgyz actor Cholponbek BazarbayevStella of Friendship of Nation between the Soviet and Kyrgyz peopleBishkek BaatyrKyrgyz folk singer and poet Toktogul Satylganov .Kilometer Zero where everywhere in Kyrgyzstan is measured fromThe Gapar Aitiev National Museum of Fine Arts is a nice place to check out works by Russian and Kyrgyz artists. The various artworks give you a glimpse into Kyrgyz history.Amongst the utilitarian Soviet architecture, are slightly more ornate buildings such as the Opera and Ballet theater.As well as the International University of Kyrgyzstan
An interesting relic from the Soviet era is the amusement park. Unlike the US where amusement rides are only concentrated in major theme parks like Six Flags or Disneyland, the amusement rides here are scattered across the city in public parks. These installations built back in the days were outlets for people to enjoy after a long day’s work.
The parks look abandoned during the dayBut come to life at nightRides cater to toddlersAs well as young adults.
Makes me wish I had grown up in a place where amusement rides were so readily accessible.
I love the video of the changing of the guard! I wonder how long they practice before they actually do it on the stairs without looking down and staying perfectly in line with the carpet edging.
I’m following this with great interest because I’m planning a trip myself to the ‘stahns. I really appreciate your inclusion of photos as well as your descriptions. By any chance did you see opportunities for people to study Russian language in Bishkek or other cities?
We didn’t really pay attention to and Russian language offerings, but having spoken with the locals, you’re best bet to find a class would be in Kazakhstan, as the other countries are “moving away” from Russia. Kazakhstan seems to still have an affinity towards Russia.
Thank you! I am planning to take lessons in the Baltics (Tallinn perhaps), but thought it might be possible to take some someplace like Almaty or Bishkek, so that tip re: Kasakhstan is helpful.
FIRE'd @ 47 
I love the video of the changing of the guard! I wonder how long they practice before they actually do it on the stairs without looking down and staying perfectly in line with the carpet edging.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m following this with great interest because I’m planning a trip myself to the ‘stahns. I really appreciate your inclusion of photos as well as your descriptions. By any chance did you see opportunities for people to study Russian language in Bishkek or other cities?
LikeLiked by 1 person
We didn’t really pay attention to and Russian language offerings, but having spoken with the locals, you’re best bet to find a class would be in Kazakhstan, as the other countries are “moving away” from Russia. Kazakhstan seems to still have an affinity towards Russia.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I am planning to take lessons in the Baltics (Tallinn perhaps), but thought it might be possible to take some someplace like Almaty or Bishkek, so that tip re: Kasakhstan is helpful.
LikeLiked by 1 person