Osh, Kyrgyzstan

Welcome to Osh, the oldest city in Kyrgyzstan and often referred to as the capital of the south. Located in the Fergana Valley in the southern part of the country, Osh has a rich history dating back more than 3,000 years. The city has an ethnically mixed population of Kyrgyz, Uzbeks, Ukrainians, Koreans, and other smaller ethnic groups. Osh is about 5 km from the Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan border, making it an important hub for trade and commerce.

One of the city’s main attractions is the outdoor activity bazaar, which has been taking place on the same spot for the past 2000 years and was a major market along the Silk Road. The bazaar is a bustling hub of activity, where visitors can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.

Osh is also home to the only World Heritage Site in Kyrgyzstan, the Sulayman Mountain. This mountain is thought by some researchers and historians to be the famous landmark of antiquity known as the Stone Tower, which Claudius Ptolemy wrote about in his famous work Geography. The National Historical and Archaeological Museum Complex Sulayman is carved in the mountain, containing a collection of archaeological, geological, and historical finds and information about local flora and fauna.

The city has several monuments, including one to the southern Kyrgyz leader Kurmanjan and one of the few remaining statues of Lenin. A Russian Orthodox church, reopened after the demise of the Soviet Union, the second-largest mosque in the country, built in 2012 and situated beside the bazaar, and the 16th-century Rabat Abdul Khan Mosque can be found here.

Osh is also a university town, home to Osh State University, one of the largest universities in Kyrgyzstan. The city has several transportation options, including daily flights from Osh Airport to Bishkek and some international destinations, mainly in Russia. Osh has two railway stations and a railway connection to Andijan in neighbouring Uzbekistan, but no passenger traffic and only sporadic freight traffic. Most transport is by road. The recent upgrading of the long and arduous road through the mountains to Bishkek has greatly improved communications.

Come and experience the rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes of Osh, Kyrgyzstan. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s ancient bazaar, hiking to the top of Sulayman Mountain, or simply soaking up the local culture, Osh has something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this hidden gem in the heart of Central Asia.