Country Spotlight: Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan, the country of mountains. Incredibly stunning, culturally rich, and ethnically diverse, famous for its massive walnut-fruit forests, complex history, and commonly nomadic way of life. 

Located in Central Asia beside Kazakhstan, China, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, this country has a highly distinct geographic appearance from the deserts and plains of adjacent areas. With 80 percent of the country covered by the Tian Shan mountain range—roughly translated to Heavenly Mountains in Mandarin Chinese—Kyrgyzstan is a beautiful blend of deep valley gorges and rugged mountains. 

Seasons are quite extreme in higher elevations, with warm summers and snow-filled winters. However, lower elevations are characterized by warm summers and snowless winters, with nearly zero precipitation year-round. These harshly contrasting climates create the gorgeous landscape and ecosystems we see today: woodlands and forests host brown bears, wild pigs, lynxes, gray wolves, and ermine, while mountain goats, deer, and snow leopards can be found in the lower ravines and valleys. 

Agriculture is fundamental to Kyrgyzstan. Despite the harsh terrain, increased mechanisms of agriculture have brought many opportunities for raising livestock, the cultivation of cotton, fruit, vegetables, cereal grains, and tobacco, and wool production. Advanced irrigation systems supply these industries, and much of the land is used for pasture and growing hay for sheep, goats, and cattle. 

Kyrgyz cuisine is highly dependent on various forms of meat, which are most commonly stewed, boiled, made into sausages, or roasted. Onions, bread, noodles, and tea complement hearty dishes such as Besh Barmak, soupy noodles with boiled meat and onions, and Oromo, a steamed pie made from ground meat, onions, and dough. 

The people of Kyrgyzstan are characterized by a mostly nomadic and deeply traditional lifestyle. Families stay in circular, portable tents, otherwise known as yurts. Horses, symbols of prosperity, are commonly bred for equestrian games and used as a staple source of meat, milk, and transportation. Traditional attire include koyeonok, harem pants; beldemchi, long swing skirts; and elechek, white cotton turbans. 

However, relationships between minority groups (primarily the Uzbek people) and the Kyrgyz people have remained tense, leading to deep ethnic divides. Violence and heated conflicts sparked by government mistreatment of minority groups became increasingly frequent since 2010, appearing generally in the south. Over 400 people were killed in violent ethnic clashes in the span of a single month in Osh, the second largest city in Kyrgyzstan. The Uzbek people are often reported as victims of illegal detentions, abuse, social ostracization, and deprivation of healthcare and basic rights, which have all been only magnified by the intense nationalistic beliefs in the country. 

Kyrgyzstan, the country of mountains, beautiful scenery and ecosystems, agriculture, delicious food, complex history, and most importantly, deep traditions and flourishing culture.