Ala-Too Square, Bishkek (must see)
Ala-Too Square is a central square that holds great historical and cultural significance. Originally built in 1984 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic, the square was initially known as Lenin Square and featured a monumental statue of Lenin at its center.
However, with the independence of Kyrgyzstan from the USSR in 1991, the square underwent a transformation. In 2003, the statue of Lenin was relocated to a smaller square within the city, making way for a new statue called Erkindik, meaning "Freedom," symbolizing the nation's newfound independence. Subsequently, in 2011, the statue of Erkindik was replaced by a statue of Manas, a legendary hero from Kyrgyz folklore. This change was made to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Kyrgyzstan's independence, paying homage to its rich cultural heritage.
Ala-Too Square serves as a significant venue for various state events and celebrations, reflecting the country's historical milestones and achievements. The square has witnessed numerous gatherings, rallies, and memorial ceremonies, including a memorial ceremony in 2008 to honor the renowned Kyrgyz writer Chinghiz Aitmatov.
One of the notable events that took place at Ala-Too Square was the first Victory Day military parade in 2015, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. This momentous occasion was attended by the Prime Minister and served as a demonstration of national pride and remembrance.
Beyond its historical and ceremonial significance, Ala-Too Square also holds a symbolic place in the hearts of the people of Bishkek. It serves as a public gathering space and a central meeting point for locals and visitors alike. The square's open design, with its wide pathways and surrounding green spaces, invites people to stroll, relax, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
However, with the independence of Kyrgyzstan from the USSR in 1991, the square underwent a transformation. In 2003, the statue of Lenin was relocated to a smaller square within the city, making way for a new statue called Erkindik, meaning "Freedom," symbolizing the nation's newfound independence. Subsequently, in 2011, the statue of Erkindik was replaced by a statue of Manas, a legendary hero from Kyrgyz folklore. This change was made to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Kyrgyzstan's independence, paying homage to its rich cultural heritage.
Ala-Too Square serves as a significant venue for various state events and celebrations, reflecting the country's historical milestones and achievements. The square has witnessed numerous gatherings, rallies, and memorial ceremonies, including a memorial ceremony in 2008 to honor the renowned Kyrgyz writer Chinghiz Aitmatov.
One of the notable events that took place at Ala-Too Square was the first Victory Day military parade in 2015, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. This momentous occasion was attended by the Prime Minister and served as a demonstration of national pride and remembrance.
Beyond its historical and ceremonial significance, Ala-Too Square also holds a symbolic place in the hearts of the people of Bishkek. It serves as a public gathering space and a central meeting point for locals and visitors alike. The square's open design, with its wide pathways and surrounding green spaces, invites people to stroll, relax, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bishkek. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Ala-Too Square on Map
Sight Name: Ala-Too Square
Sight Location: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (See walking tours in Bishkek)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (See walking tours in Bishkek)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Create Your Own Walk in Bishkek
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bishkek is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Soviet Era Architecture and Monuments Tour
While nomadic communities of yurt-living, horse-riding sheep herders are still thriving in the most remote valleys of Kyrgyzstan, the capital city of Bishkek shows a different facet of this Central Asian nation.
Built practically from scratch during the Soviet era, Bishkek experienced significant transformation in terms of urban planning and is packed to the rim with a well-preserved... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Built practically from scratch during the Soviet era, Bishkek experienced significant transformation in terms of urban planning and is packed to the rim with a well-preserved... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Bishkek Introduction Walking Tour
The capital city of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, is set against the picturesque backdrop of the snow-capped Tian Shan mountains at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level.
Compared to other major cities in Central Asia, Bishkek has a relatively short history. It was founded in 1825, as the Pishpek fortress, during the Russian colonization of the region. The fortress served as an administrative... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Compared to other major cities in Central Asia, Bishkek has a relatively short history. It was founded in 1825, as the Pishpek fortress, during the Russian colonization of the region. The fortress served as an administrative... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles