Kyrgyzstan Local Customs

  Reading newspapers in Bishkek
by Eish
 
  • Reading newspapers in Bishkek
      Reading newspapers in Bishkek
    by Eish
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    by Eish
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  •   Local Customs
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Russian Language Immersion in Kyrgyzstan

by brookevstheworld

I lived in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan for over 4 months last year. I participated in a Russian Language Immersion program with the London School in Bishkek, spending half of my time with a Russian family.The Russian lessons are cheap ($4/hr for 1-on-1) and the locals speak Russian. I learned more Russian in my 4 months there than I would in over 2 years of University study. Most people are quick to associate Russian studies with Russia alone and forget about the former Soviet republics, where Russian is still an official language in some.

pack animals

by altyn

I am from Osh. And I can exactly say that there aren't any caravans or pack animal. Nomads already had changed pack animals to cars. So they moves by cars. It is very hard to find nomads on their pack animals. However some people prefer it.

Bread is Sacred

by His_Beloved

People here highly respect bread so you should never set it upside down or throw it on the ground. I've been scolded for throwing old stale bread away, so if you have to do it, make sure no locals are looking (or give it to a dog, which seems acceptable).

Men shake hands....

by His_Beloved

When meeting new people, men should always shake hands with all the men, while women should just stand and wait for the hand shaking to end. Women only shake hands if a local man extends his hand first - which is rare, in the 9 months I've been here I can count on one hand how many times I've shaken hands with a local man. Also, don't shake hands (or kiss) over a door way - always step inside or outside to shake hands.

Don't be shy - visit some locals!

by Travelchili

When you travel through the mountainous areas of Kyrgyzstan, you often feel like you've never been so far away from any civilizastion (well, that's at least how I felt!!). However, this is not entirely true. Once in a while you can notice a Yurta or two by the road or on the mountain side. They may look deserted at first, but when you stop your car, someone usually comes out of the Yurta. Well, usually the women are 'at home' and they welcome any guests. Of course it helps to speak their language, so you can ask questions about their life, but even if you don't, you'll be most likely offered some bread and kumys and asked to sit down for a while. Don't think it is strange when all the people who are at home sit around and stare at you. After all, they hardly see any people around, not to mention travelers from far-away countries. So, don't be shy and visit the locals!!

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The last day of school

by Travelchili

It was a fun experience to see all schoolkids - younger and older - dress up in black skirts/pans and white shirts on their last day of school. It is definitely an old Soviet custom that they've decided to maintain ever since their independence.

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Kyrgyz epos "Manas"

by Travelchili

Manas is considered the Kyrgyz national pride and is often referred to as "the epos-ocean." Rightly so - Manas is the longest epos in the world. It consist over million (yes!!) lines and is many times bigger than the Oddisey and Illiad together!!

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Don't take the photos

by babar_1

Don't take the photos of women without their permission. Usually Kyrgyz people are very open & friendly but it is considered against etiquettes to take photos without permission.When entering a yurt, remove your shoes. Always respect the culture and traditions of the local people.

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Knife addiction

by Tipper

In most cases it will not happen to you but you should be aware about one custom of Kyrgyz people. They can steal your knife. I know that it sounds strange but it is not a sin for kyrgyz to take somebodies knive. It is not really a stealing but just a custom that you have to agree with and always carry your pocket knives with you. It is especially important while dealing with shepherds. I hope you don't want to stuck opening your canned food with a spoon somewhere in the mountains.Also don't be surprized if you recieve money back for giving away your knive as a present as some people believe that a gifted knive will be lost or stolen soon and must be bought at least for symbolic summ of money.

A felt roof over your head

by MrRandMcnally

If you are lucky enough to get to know a family grazing their heards in the high pasture you can go to their portable home, the Yurt. Unchanged since before Gengis Kahn counter Kyrgyz amongst his soldiers, the yurt is built of felt and wood. There is a removable roof flap to trap heat or to release smoke. The floors are well padded with Shyrdak rugs. Very comfortable to sit for a meal or rest for a night.

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Local traditions and culture in Kyrgyzstan

Top 3 Hotels in Kyrgyzstan

Hyatt Regency Bishkek  Bishkek

 6 Reviews and 54 Opinions  Very nice hotel, but very expensive. Its location is best in the city. They don't have metal room... 

 Hotels in Bishkek

The Castle Hotel  Cholpon-Ata

 2 Reviews and 1 Opinions  Not exactly cheap compared to homestay or 'local accommodation", but if you enjoy your creature... 

 Hotels in Cholpon-Ata

Hotel Dostuk  Bishkek

 1 Review and 20 Opinions  The hotel has preserved a lot of its Soviet heritage but it is all functional but clearly overpriced... 

 Hotels in Bishkek

11 Hotels in Kyrgyzstan
 
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Local Customs: Cities in Kyrgyzstan
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  2. Ozero Issyk-Kul' Local Customs
  3. Osh Local Customs
  4. Sary-Tash Local Customs
  5. Kara-Kol Local Customs

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Questions and Answers

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Q:  The 7 Ones... This is Jeff from Texas. I'm coming to Kyrgyzstan the first and second weeks of July and one thing I always try... 

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A: My knowledge on Kyrgyiztan is very limited, but I can help you on your first question - find one on Tshengiz Aitmatov´s books! He is dead now, but was called "the voice... 

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