Brief History of Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan

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The Kyrgyz people are one of the nomadic Turkic peoples - that have roamed Central Asia over the centuries.

After seven decades of Soviet rule, Kyrgyzstan emerged as an independent state with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. A small, mountainous country with a predominantly agricultural economy, Kyrgyzstan has been the most progressive country in Central Asia in enacting market reforms, and adopting democratic principles.

Neighbouring China, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan is a remote and mysterious land of remarkable beauty, which until a decade ago was strictly off limits to foreigners. Since gaining its independence from the Soviet Union, this country has opened its doors to tourism and is ready to welcome visitors with traditional Central Asian hospitality.

In ancient times Kyrgyzstan occupied an important place on the Silk Road particularly the town of Osh, which is Kyrgyzstan's second and oldest city, now celebrating its 3000th anniversary. The ancestors of the present day Kyrgyz people probably lived in southern Siberia until the 10th century, but under Mongol incursions began to spread southwards. Later on the area, which is now Kyrgyzstan, came under the Manchus and from the 18th century it was part of Kokand Khanate. The Russians invaded in the late 19th century and the land was then amalgamated into the Soviet Union until 1991, when Kyrgyzstan gained its independence.

Throughout their history the Kyrgyz have been a nomadic people and as a result Kyrgyzstan is renowned for the beauty of its scenery more than for its historical attractions. 94% of the country is mountainous, (Kyrgyzstan has 3 mountains over 7000 metres) and nature lovers will find glaciers, alpine meadows, semi-arid regions, forests and some 2000 mountain lakes, the largest of which is Lake Issyk Kul or "warm lake". Kyrgyzstan's unspoilt nature attracts many trekkers and mountaineers as does the exotic wildlife: wild goats, the Marco Polo sheep, lynxes, wild boar, brown bear, porcupines and the rare snow leopard.

Source: http://www.kyrgyzstan.com

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