Kyrgyzstan

Soviet Walking Tours & Articles

Discover Soviet art and history with our in-depth articles and carefully curated walking tours. These guides take you through must-see mosaics, monuments, and modernist architecture, offering historical insights and context along the way.

  • Balykchy: a gateway to Issyk-Kul and a glimpse into the Soviet past

    Balykchy: a gateway to Issyk-Kul and a glimpse into the Soviet past

    When youโ€™re driving from Bishkek towards Lake Issyk-Kul and have passed the town of Tokmok โ€“ known for the historic Burana Tower โ€“ the next town on your route is Balykchy. Located on the western tip of Lake Issyk-Kul, this former fishing town serves as an important transport hub because itโ€™s the end point of…

  • Walking Through Time: a Soviet mosaic trail through Osh, Kyrgyzstan

    Walking Through Time: a Soviet mosaic trail through Osh, Kyrgyzstan

    In the shadow of the majestic Alay Mountains and just a few kilometers from the Uzbek border, Osh might be best known for its sacred Sulayman Mountain or bustling bazaar. But for those who look beyond the usual tourist paths, this southern Kyrgyz city offers something rarer: a rich, fading tapestry of Soviet-era public art,…

  • Soviet Bus Stops on the road from Bishkek to Issyk-Kul

    Soviet Bus Stops on the road from Bishkek to Issyk-Kul

    Bus stops are more than mere functional waiting spaces as we know them. Specifically in the former Soviet Union – a region known for its concrete and standardized architectural philosophy, bus stops have been designed in very unique and colourful ways. Surprisingly, they have been designed with unique and obscure characteristics, are adorned with colourful…

Artworks and their story

Each artwork tells a story. In this section, we dive deeper into a curated selection of photographs – exploring their canvas and uncovering the artistic techniques, ideological messages, and cultural significance they hold.

Only a selection of monumental artworks is featured here. For all images of Kyrgyzstan, visit the Gallery.

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Resources & Further Reading

Want to explore Kyrgyzstan? Here, youโ€™ll find a collection of maps, websites, books, social media pages and more, dedicated to its Soviet public art and architecture. These resources will help you discover more of the artistic and historical landscape of the former Kyrgyz SSR.

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