Osh has a large population of devout Uzbek Muslims. I have no qualms telling people that Osh is one of my favorite cities in the world. It has this feeling that draws people to it. The people are nice, the food is good, the culture is amazing. With Islam, both the Kyrgyz and Uzbek people should be peaceful neighbors but in two occasions, this did not happen. Last year saw … [Read more...] about Osh, Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan
Manas International Airport (1999)
Manas International Airport is different today then back in 1999. Now the US military stations some of its troops the Manas Air Base. Back in 1999, Manas was a newly built airport with just one jetway. There were still many Soviet built airplanes at the airport then such as this Kyrgyzstan Airline's Tupolev 154, a really awesome airplane to fly on. I took this picture … [Read more...] about Manas International Airport (1999)
Burana Tower – Tokmok, Kyrgyzstan
Located just outside of Tokmok, Kyrgyzstan, is the famous Burana Tower. It is a must visit for those headed to Lake Issyk Kul. There is tale that explains why the Burana Tower was built: A legend connected with the tower says that a witch warned a local king that his newly-born daughter would die once she reached the age of eighteen. To protect her, he built a tall tower … [Read more...] about Burana Tower – Tokmok, Kyrgyzstan
Karakol Masjid
Karakol, Kyrgyzstan, was located at the far end of the famous Lake Issyk Kul. A large community of Dungans, Chinese Muslims, resided in Karakol. I remember the Dungans very well, they had the best Chinese restaurants in town. Here is a picture of Dungan mosque, notice the Chinese influence in the design of the building. … [Read more...] about Karakol Masjid
Kyrgyz man on a horse
Outside of Naryn with the Ala Too mountains in the distance was this man riding his horse. I was standing with an American teacher, my assistant and my Russian driver when this man rode by. Naturally, I asked to take a picture and he approved. When I think of Kyrgyzstan today, this image always pops to my head. … [Read more...] about Kyrgyz man on a horse