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Kyrgyzstan Daily: Issyk-Kul cleanup ordered, Alay resort stabbing, and Russia may expel 91k Kyrgyz

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Diplomacy

Russia May Expel 91,000 Kyrgyz Nationals Listed in Monitoring Registry from September

Published: 2025-08-17

Russian authorities may deport around 91,000 Kyrgyz citizens starting in September after they were added to a federal monitoring registry, according to Azattyk. Some Kyrgyz migrants report that their children are also facing related restrictions, suggesting potential spillover effects on family members’ legal status and access to services. The scope of the registry and the criteria for inclusion were not detailed in the report, leaving uncertainty over the legal recourse available to those affected. For Kyrgyzstan, mass removals could strain consular support, remittance flows, and labor market planning, while families in Russia risk sudden disruption of schooling and residency arrangements. Employers in Russia relying on Kyrgyz labor may also face workforce gaps if expulsions proceed on this scale. No official response from Russian or Kyrgyz authorities was cited in the article.

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Published: 2025-08-17

An international forum titled “New Era – New Routes” will convene in Moscow on August 20–21 under the Eurasian Cooperation International Organization, centering on the “Greater Eurasian Partnership” initiative proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Organizers expect over 1,000 delegates from 55 countries and more than 120 speakers across 18 sessions. Discussions will span integration strategies involving EAEU, BRICS, and SCO formats; new financial instruments such as cryptocurrencies, digital assets, cross‑border settlements, and international leasing; industrial digitalization and AI; SME support; high‑tech and logistics corridors; and legal protections for business including sanctions adaptation, anti‑corruption, regulatory harmonization, and arbitration. Representatives of Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Uzbekistan plan to sign a memorandum to establish an International Leasing Development Council as an integration hub under the forum’s framework, signaling a push to formalize cross‑border leasing cooperation.

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Infrastructure

Draft Plan Seeks Faster Driver’s License Issuance and Home Delivery

Published: 2025-08-17

Kyrgyzstan’s state vehicle agency “Unaa” has proposed cutting the time to issue and replace driver’s licenses to 1–2 days, down from a minimum of four. The draft resolution, now open for public consultation, would introduce online applications and eliminate paper certificates by pulling required data directly from government electronic databases. The plan also contemplates home delivery of licenses, signaling a broader push to digitize and streamline citizen services. For residents and foreign professionals, the changes could reduce administrative wait times and in-person visits to service centers. If adopted, the new procedures would align with regional e-government trends and potentially improve service reliability, though implementation timelines and logistical details, including delivery coverage and fees, remain to be clarified.

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Osh Clears Building Encroachments to Reopen Protective Zones Along Seven Canals

Published: 2025-08-17

Osh city authorities are dismantling structures built along the banks of seven canals and the Ak-Buura River to restore protective zones and public access. The canals—long fenced off by adjacent properties—were largely unknown to many residents, according to local reporting. City Hall has indicated that individuals, including some officials, had occupied or encroached upon canal and river banks, signaling possible future accountability measures and tighter enforcement of waterway buffer regulations. The move suggests a broader urban management push to reduce flood risks, improve drainage, and reclaim public corridors along waterways. Developers and property owners bordering these channels may face demolition orders or mandatory compliance steps as the municipality reasserts control. No timeline or detailed enforcement framework was disclosed in the report, and specific officials allegedly involved were not named.

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Bishkek Schedules 14-Hour Potable Water Shutdown for Pipeline Repairs on Aug. 19

Published: 2025-08-17

Bishkek city authorities announced planned maintenance that will cut potable water to parts of the capital on 19 August from 10:00 to 24:00. The outage will affect areas near the intersection of Masaliev Avenue, including Toktonaliev, Gshliesser, Mingzhylkiyev, and Sagyndykov streets, according to the mayor’s press service (sputnik.kg). Residents are advised to store sufficient water ahead of the works. The shutdown is linked to pipeline repairs, a routine measure in Bishkek’s aging utility network that often bundles with road upgrades and seasonal infrastructure checks. A parallel update from City Hall signals continued focus on transport corridors, noting Deng Xiaoping Avenue roadworks are slated for completion in November. Businesses and residents in the impacted streets should plan around the 14-hour disruption, particularly for food service, healthcare, and facilities dependent on uninterrupted water supply.

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Jalal-Abad Identifies 2,262 Illegal Land Occupations as Construction Spending Jumps 163%

Published: 2025-08-17

"If warnings are not heeded, cases will be transferred to law enforcement" - Regional authorities, Jalal-Abad (turmush.kg)

Jalal-Abad region reported 2,262 illegal land occupation cases in the first half of the year, according to a regional collegium briefing. Authorities said 1,109 occupants vacated plots voluntarily; 328 cases were cleared through administrative procedures, 20 are in court, and 287 were handed to relevant agencies. Warnings were issued in 1,677 cases, with potential escalation to law enforcement for noncompliance. The update coincides with strong construction activity: 20.3 billion som invested in new projects—up 163.2% year-on-year—accounting for 17.4% of national construction output. Water supply projects continue across 21 villages and three cities, signaling ongoing infrastructure expansion that may shape land-use enforcement and future urban development in the region.

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Naryn Transfers Military Land to City Control for Planned Residential District

Published: 2025-08-17

Naryn city authorities plan to build a new residential district after securing 33.5 hectares of land previously held by national security and defense institutions. The area includes 11.49 hectares from the State Committee for National Security’s Border Service and 22.03 hectares from Defense Ministry unit No. 93546, now transferred to municipal control. The project is driven by the regional leadership with support from State Committee for National Security Chairman Kamchybek Tashiev, according to the mayor’s office. While no timeline, budget, or housing mix has been disclosed, the move suggests a reallocation of strategic land for urban development, potentially expanding housing supply in a city with limited available plots and harsh climatic constraints that complicate construction schedules.

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Eki-Naryn Bridge Repairs to Finish in 21 Days After Safety Concerns Raised

Published: 2025-08-17

"The bridge repairs have begun and will be fully completed and opened within 21 days." - Absattar Syrgabaev, Minister of Transport and Communications (turmush.kg)

Authorities met residents of Eki-Naryn village in Naryn Region on 16 August 2025 to address infrastructure issues after a recent accident at the Kuyush bridge over the Naryn River, where a truck fell into the water and the driver went missing. Regional governor Nurbek Satarov, Transport Minister Absattar Syrgabaev, and Emergency Situations Minister Boobek Ajikeev attended the meeting, where the bridge’s critical condition dominated discussions. The transport ministry has initiated repairs with a clear 21-day completion timeline, signaling a rapid response to restore connectivity between Eki-Naryn and Tash-Bashat. The accelerated schedule suggests short-term mitigation for transport and logistics while underscoring ongoing infrastructure vulnerabilities in rural corridors vital for local commerce and access to services.

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11.3 km of Jiydelik–Ak-Kiya Road Resurfaced and Widened in Kadamjay

Published: 2025-08-17

Road works on the two-lane Jiydelik–Ak-Kiya route in Kadamjay district have been completed, with 11.3 km fully resurfaced and narrowed sections eliminated to widen the carriageway. The Transport and Communications Ministry said the project was financed through the Capital Investments budget line. The upgrade improves safety and traffic flow on a key local connector in Batken region, which has faced periodic disruptions due to terrain and cross-border sensitivities. Better road geometry and new asphalt are expected to reduce travel times and vehicle wear, supporting local agriculture and trade links to district centers. No additional phases were announced, and the ministry did not disclose contractor details or total project cost.

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Society

Stabbing at Alay resort leaves one dead; two teens detained on murder charges

Published: 2025-08-17

A dispute between guests and staff at a resort in Alay district, Osh region, escalated into a fatal stabbing on 14 August. Local media report a 2005-born man was killed after being stabbed twice, while two others sustained knife wounds and were hospitalized. Regional police have opened a murder case under Criminal Code Article 122 and detained two suspects—born in 2007 and 2008—who are confirmed as resort employees. Investigators say operational and investigative measures are ongoing, with both detainees held in a temporary facility. The involvement of underage suspects underscores rising scrutiny on safety and oversight at private leisure sites during the peak summer season, as authorities work to clarify liability and prevent further violence.

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Published: 2025-08-17

"Some judges’ unlawful and unethical behavior is casting a shadow over the entire court system." - Mederbek Satybaldiyev, Supreme Court Chair (azattyk.org)

Kyrgyz authorities opened criminal cases for “coercion to sexual acts” against a Bishkek district judge and the head of a forensic unit in Özgön, highlighting entrenched workplace harassment in public institutions. A Ministry of Emergency Situations employee alleged repeated harassment by supervisors and retaliation after she complained, reflecting a culture of impunity and fear of reporting. The Ombudsman’s office said only two women reported workplace sexual harassment in the past 18 months, citing social stigma and legal gaps. Deputy Ombudsman Aichürek Nazaraliyeva noted that harassment remains undefined in law but reforms are underway. Lawyer Atyr Abdyrahmatova emphasized new labor code protections effective July 2025 and urged victims to file police complaints and seek Ombudsman support. Lack of official statistics persists despite prior research indicating one in four women face harassment.

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Two Killed, Two Injured in Collision on Ala-Bel Pass of Bishkek–Osh Highway

Published: 2025-08-17

A serious road accident on the Bishkek–Osh highway at the Ala-Bel Pass left two people dead and two injured on 17 August around 16:00, according to local reports. Witnesses said a silver Toyota and a black vehicle were involved; emergency services transported two injured individuals to hospital. The Ala-Bel Pass is a high-altitude, weather-prone segment of the country’s main north–south corridor, where traffic volumes surge in summer and road conditions can change rapidly. Authorities typically increase patrols during peak travel periods, but accident data and official causes for this crash were not immediately available. The incident underscores ongoing safety challenges on mountain passes that are vital for passenger travel and cargo movement between Bishkek and the south.

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Regional Forum in Ak-Talaa Backs Ongoing National Identity Initiative

Published: 2025-08-17

A district-level forum titled “Let’s Continue the Core Path” convened in Ak-Talaa, Naryn region, bringing together nearly 600 participants—including elders, women and youth councils, officials, and district governors—to discuss ideological priorities tied to the presidential decree “National Spirit – the Core Path to Global Heights.” Organized by the Ak-Talaa El association with regional authorities, the event focused on safeguarding culture, traditions, and national values amid global pressures such as AI and geopolitical competition. State Secretary Marat Imankulov emphasized societal responsibility for cultural continuity and resilience, underscoring the roles of elders, women, and youth in this agenda. Participants adopted a resolution to institutionalize similar national gatherings on a regular basis, signaling sustained mobilization around the decree’s implementation.

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Bishkek Deputy Mayor Reports Road Rage Incident Involving City Officials’ Car

Published: 2025-08-17

"When we reached the Gorky–Manas intersection, he flashed his headlights from behind. That’s his right, but a pedestrian was crossing ahead—I couldn’t just drive through." - Deputy Mayor Ramiz Aliev (sputnik.kg)

Deputy Mayor Ramiz Aliev said a driver cut off and blocked the car carrying him and the mayor at a pedestrian crossing in Bishkek, escalating into a brief roadside confrontation captured on video. Aliev recounted that the trailing driver signaled with headlights before allegedly squeezing their vehicle near the crosswalk. He later spoke with the driver, who reportedly said the maneuver was accidental. The incident underscores ongoing tensions over traffic discipline and pedestrian priority in the capital, where enforcement and driver behavior remain public concerns. Authorities did not indicate further action, but the episode highlights the visibility of senior officials’ movements and potential reputational risks tied to road conduct in Bishkek.

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Published: 2025-08-17

An eight-year-old boy drowned in a small pond in Lenin village, Alamedin district (Chüy region) on 17 August 2025, according to the Emergency Situations Ministry (MES). A rescue call was received at 14:34, with three rescuers dispatched by specialized vehicle. The child—identified as K.N., born in 2016 and residing in Bishkek’s Dordoi neighborhood—was located at 16:29 and handed over to police. The incident underscores seasonal water-safety risks around informal and unguarded ponds near settlements, where supervision and signage can be limited. Such areas often lack lifeguards, and response capacity hinges on rapid local reporting and access for rescue teams. Authorities typically open investigatory procedures in child drowning cases to verify circumstances and potential negligence. No further details on family notification or funeral arrangements were provided by officials.

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Man Detained for Impersonating Police Officer After Assault in Sokuluk

Published: 2025-08-17

A man in Sokuluk district, Chüy region, was detained after a social media user reported an assault involving a visibly intoxicated individual who allegedly claimed to work for the Interior Ministry’s Internal Investigations Service. Police identified the suspect as a 1975-born citizen, T.A., and transferred the case to the Sokuluk district investigative unit for legal assessment. Authorities emphasized that the individual is not affiliated with law enforcement and that no Interior Ministry representatives were involved in the altercation. The Interior Ministry urged the public to refrain from spreading misinformation that undermines trust in law enforcement institutions, signaling ongoing sensitivity to public confidence and the role of social media in shaping perceptions.

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Batken Native Builds Life and Business in Sweden, Plans Return After Language Studies

Published: 2025-08-17

"I didn’t earn a lot as a migrant, but I found life’s most important values." - Nuriza Salimzhanova (turmush.kg)

Nuriza Salimzhanova, a 1995-born native of Batken, has settled near Stockholm since 2017, balancing hotel housekeeping work with a growing custom cake business. She married in Sweden, held a traditional wedding in Kyrgyzstan, and now has two daughters. Salimzhanova secured legal residency and recently moved into a new home after navigating Sweden’s queue-based systems. She notes cultural contrasts—minimalist social life, high civic culture, and reliance on rule of law—while pointing to tougher migration procedures. English suffices for daily life, but Swedish is required for official matters. Her near-term goal is to master Swedish and pursue further education, with a long-term plan to return to Kyrgyzstan and apply acquired skills. > "We plan to go back to Kyrgyzstan; we miss our homeland." - Nuriza Salimzhanova (turmush.kg)

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Environment

President Urges Cleanup at Issyk-Kul; Eco-Police Clear Beach After Inspection

Published: 2025-08-17

President Sadyr Japarov publicly called for stricter stewardship of Issyk-Kul after personally walking a one-kilometer stretch and filming trash-lined shores and vehicles driven up to the waterline, a violation of the 100-meter buffer rule. His post framed the problem as widespread and locally driven, urging citizens to clean up after themselves and consider long-term environmental impacts.

"There isn’t a single clean meter of shoreline... We use nature only for today; remember the next generations also need it." - President Sadyr Japarov (kabar.kg)

Following his earlier inspection of a beach near the Cholpon-Ata hippodrome, the Issyk-Kul tourist-ecology police stepped in to remove accumulated waste after municipal cleanup lapsed. Authorities reiterated appeals for proper disposal and adherence to public order, signaling increased attention to environmental compliance at popular recreation sites.

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Naryn Logs 14 Fires in 2024, Posting KGS 2.28 Million in Damages While Preserving Assets

Published: 2025-08-17

Naryn city and district recorded 14 fires since the start of 2024, resulting in KGS 2,275,841 in damages, according to the mayor’s office, while authorities report KGS 16.8 million in assets were saved. Emergency services also conducted 10 rescue deployments during the period. The city maintains 131 fire hydrants, and fuel stocks have been procured and stored to support prevention and response operations. The data underscores ongoing fire risk in the region and suggests municipal readiness measures are in place, including infrastructure and logistical support for emergency services. For businesses and residents, the figures indicate both exposure to fire incidents and the current capacity of local responders to contain losses, which may influence insurance planning, safety investments, and operational continuity assessments.

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Small-Scale Raspberry Farming in Batken Becomes Stable Income Source for Returning Migrants

Published: 2025-08-17

"My children used to work in Russia, but jobs were scarce, so they came back. They saw raspberry cultivation was profitable and brought seedlings. For three years we've grown the Polka variety; this year yields rose sharply." - Alima Tashkozhoeva (turmush.kg)

A resident of Buzhum village in Batken district reports turning raspberry cultivation into a steady family income after relatives returned from Russia. Using seedlings sourced from Dagestan and biogumus produced on-site with earthworms, the family harvests up to 40 kg per day from 5 sotkas, selling at 160–170 KGS/kg locally and in Batken city. Harvesting runs from early July with two pickings, conducted in cooler hours with neighbor assistance. Earnings cover household needs and helped fund her son’s studies in Turkey. Local experts note Batken district cultivates varieties including Maroseyka, Patricia, and Terentiy across a total of 3 hectares, indicating modest but organized berry production.

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Hunters Cull Nine Wolves After Attacks on Horses in Naryn Region

Published: 2025-08-17

Local hunters from Kochkor, Ak-Talaa, and At-Bashy districts coordinated a four-day operation in the Uzun-Bulak area, killing nine wolves following reported attacks on herders’ horses in Ak-Kyya and Kök-Zhar villages (Naryn region). The joint response underscores persistent human–wildlife conflict in highland pastures as winter approaches, when predation risks typically rise. According to the hunters, an adult male and female accompanied by pups emerged from a forested area and were neutralized, with individual tallies credited to marksmen from each district. While authorities were not cited, the cross-district mobilization suggests an ad hoc mitigation approach reliant on local hunting networks rather than formal wildlife management protocols, raising questions about long-term strategies for livestock protection, compensation mechanisms, and ecological impacts in Kyrgyzstan’s mountain rangelands.

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Innovation

Over 2,600 Students Expelled in Jalal-Abad After Probe Into Fake Enrollment for Absentees

Published: 2025-08-17

Kyrgyzstan’s State Committee for National Security (GKNB) reported that 2,606 students were expelled from universities in Jalal-Abad after an inspection uncovered cases of students being kept on rolls and “taught” despite not attending classes or being outside the country. The security service said university staff had failed to enforce oversight, leading to dismissals of certain officials, though names and institutions were not disclosed. Authorities also convened meetings with university leaders and faculty to address corruption risks and propose regulatory changes, including amending university charters and distance-learning rules, and expanding the powers of practical, inspection, and academic departments to conduct pre-acceptance checks of practical reports. The move signals tighter scrutiny of higher education compliance and potential reforms to curb fraudulent enrollment practices.

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National Education Forum in Osh to Debate 12-Year Schooling, STEM and TVET Reforms on Aug. 18–19

Published: 2025-08-17

Osh will host a nationwide education forum on August 18–19, bringing together over 400 participants from schools, vocational lyceums, universities, ministries, local governments, and international partners. Organized by the Ministry of Education, the “Altyn Kazyk – Education that Transforms an Era” forum features a high-level opening, a symbolic laptop handover, showcases of STEM/STEAM innovations, digital platforms, and inclusive practices. Panels will examine the transition to a 12-year school system, expansion of early childhood education, new textbook production, the role of supplementary education, and modernization of vocational lyceums. Site visits to Osh education institutions will demonstrate implementation on the ground. Attendance by the ADB, UNICEF, World Bank, and the Aga Khan Foundation signals donor engagement as authorities align policy, curriculum, and digitalization efforts across the sector.

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Osh Mayor Orders 10,000 New Desks and Chairs After Pre-School-Year Inspections

Published: 2025-08-17

Osh Mayor Jenishbek Toktorbaev conducted early-morning inspections of city schools ahead of the new academic year, criticizing poor conditions and directing an immediate upgrade of classroom furniture. Following visits where he highlighted wobbly desks and uncomfortable chairs, Toktorbaev tasked the mayor’s office social sector to improve oversight and procurement. He announced that the city will purchase 10,000 desks and chairs, emphasizing quality over low cost. The move signals tighter municipal scrutiny of education infrastructure and a push to standardize learning conditions across schools.

"You don’t look at the work. You sit in the office playing cards without going out," - Jenishbek Toktorbaev, Osh Mayor (sputnik.kg)

The mayor instructed relevant departments to avoid cheap, low-quality options, indicating a potential shift to more rigorous procurement standards and accountability ahead of the school year.

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Kara-Balta School Leaders Join Moscow Forum to Align Teaching Methods and Training

Published: 2025-08-17

Two school principals from Kara-Balta—Svetlana Krasnoborodkina (School No. 5) and Rysbek Ryskulov (Taldy-Bulak school)—are attending the second Eurasian “Educational Transformation” forum in Moscow from August 15–21. Nearly 200 teachers from Russia and Kyrgyzstan are participating. The program focuses on unified approaches, integrating best-practice pedagogy, and developing a shared Russia–Kyrgyzstan education space, with sessions on modern teaching technologies, AI in the classroom, parental engagement psychology, and leadership skills for educators. Practical workshops, interactive trainings, and business games address real-world school challenges, while cultural visits include Moscow educational institutions and the Victory Museum. The forum culminates with a “Parade of Mentors,” where each participant delivers a master class to demonstrate trainer readiness. > "This forum creates a unique opportunity to exchange experience in education and shape the future together." - Pavel Shevtsov, Deputy Head of Rossotrudnichestvo (turmush.kg)

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Health

Italian Climber Dies on Victory Peak as Rescue Helicopter Makes Hard Landing; Evacuations Continue

Published: 2025-08-17

An Italian mountaineer died and two climbers from Germany and Russia were injured while descending Victory Peak on 16 August, according to the Defense Ministry via SUPER.KG. A Mi-8MTV helicopter dispatched with six rescuers from Ak-Sai Travel made a hard landing due to mountainous terrain and worsening weather; crew and rescuers survived with non-life-threatening injuries. A second Mi-17VM helicopter reached the site at 12:52 and transported all injured to Karakol airport for hospital transfer, while 13 rescuers were moved to the Char-Kuduk camp. Flights and evacuations were paused late on 16 August as weather deteriorated and night fell; operations resumed on 17 August. Officials will investigate the incident’s causes and assess the helicopter’s technical condition. The case underscores the operational risks of high-altitude rescues on 7,439-meter Victory Peak near the Kyrgyz–Chinese border.

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Sports

U-20 World Wrestling Opens in Bulgaria with 9 Kyrgyz Freestyle Contenders

Published: 2025-08-17

No eligible quotes were provided in the source.

The U-20 World Wrestling Championships begin in Samokov, Bulgaria, running 17–24 August and drawing 650 athletes across freestyle, Greco-Roman, and women’s divisions. The event starts with freestyle, where 233 wrestlers compete, alongside 231 in Greco-Roman and 186 in women’s wrestling. Notably, 186 athletes return from last year, including defending champions and multiple medalists across all styles, signaling a highly competitive field. Kyrgyzstan fields a nine-athlete U-20 freestyle squad under head coach Almazbek Askarov. For Kyrgyz sports stakeholders, the tournament offers a benchmark of youth development and depth against elite global peers, with early results in freestyle likely to shape momentum and visibility for the program through the week-long competition.

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Arts

Veteran Educator Leads Initiative to Revive Traditional Crafts and Values in Issyk-Kul’s Ak-Suu

Published: 2025-08-17

Zarylkan Sonoeva, a 73-year-old educator and craftswoman from Kerege-Tash in Ak-Suu district, has launched a community effort to preserve Kyrgyz traditional crafts and social values. A graduate of the Mayakovsky Women’s Institute (now I. Arabaev KSU), Sonoeva spent decades in early childhood education and higher education before focusing on cultural work. In March 2025, she helped create “Descendants of Kydyr Ake – Ak-Suu Artisans,” now involving 17 women producing embroidery, patchwork, and felt rugs, alongside mentorship for younger learners. She links her activism to national emphasis on heritage.

"Our goal is to spread national traditions and customs; we teach children crafts and traditional games so both mind and hands work." - Zarylkan Sonoeva (turmush.kg)

"The president’s decree on values and the Mothers’ School inspired me to get more active in crafts and community education." - Zarylkan Sonoeva (turmush.kg)

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