Discover Kyrgyzstan: 9 Amazing Fun Facts You Never Knew About This Hidden Gem

1. Horseplay and Dead Goat Polo

Why did the horse cross the steppes? To grab a drink and play some polo, of course! In Kyrgyzstan, horses are the mane event: The country's national symbol, the horse, holds center stage in Kyrgyz culture, with locals routinely showcasing their equestrian expertise through a unique game called Dead Goat Polo and relishing in the delights of fermented horse milk as a cherished beverage.
Source => journalofnomads.com

2. Cosmic Tunduk Decor

Who needs a skylight when you've got a tunduk? Kyrgyz home décor is as cosmic as it gets: The tunduk, a wooden circle perched atop Kyrgyz yurts, is a symbol of the family and universe combined. This crowning glory of traditional Kyrgyz architecture is often adorned with dazzling designs inspired by nature and even holds a special place on their national flag.
Source => advantour.com

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=> Fun Facts about Kazakhstan

3. Mutton Manners and Sheep's Head

Looking for the ultimate power move in Kyrgyzstan? Make sure you know your mutton manners – because the battle for the best bite is all about the head: In Kyrgyzstan's traditional feasts, sweet rice with cream and sliced mutton is served to honor guests, with the highest honor being the offering of sheep's head mutton first. A gracious guest then shares their portion with women and children at the table to show respect.
Source => factsanddetails.com

4. Bishkek's Churning Stick Hero

Lost your kumis-churning stick, too? Don't worry, you're in great company: Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan, was actually named after a folk hero who was born when his mother went searching for her lost kumis-churning stick in the area. Nowadays, Bishkek is a lively city with history to spare, featuring wide boulevards, Soviet-era apartments, and privately built houses, as well as historical sites like the Frunze House Museum, the State Museum of Applied Arts, and the Kyrgyz State Historical Museum in Ala-Too Square.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

5. Sapphire-Like Mountain Lakes

In a land where commoners reside more than a mile high, the lakes are blue enough to rival the Queen's sapphires: Kyrgyzstan, a mountainous nation with over 2,000 lakes, boasts the world’s second-largest mountain lake, Issyk-Kul – fondly dubbed the "Pearl of Kyrgyzstan" – with water so clear and warm, it would make your mama's bathtub jealous.
Source => tien-shan.com

6. Kyrgyzstan's Flag Party

Picture the sun rays crashing into a party hosted by 40 clans, a legendary hero named Manas, and a red-hot yurt: In Kyrgyzstan's flag, a yellow sun with 40 rays surrounds a tunduk - an emblem of the Kyrgyz yurt - embodying the nation's unity, heritage, bravery, and valor as symbolized by Manas' successful rebellion against the Mongols.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

7. Jengish Chokusu: Mountain Celebrity

In a world where peaks are pushing to break the 7,000-meter glass ceiling and glaciers are sliding their way to the top, there can only be one star that steals the limelight on the frozen red carpet: Jengish Chokusu! Straddling the border between Kyrgyzstan and China, this mountainous celebrity struts its stuff at 7,439 meters (24,406 feet) above sea level and flaunts an icy train courtesy of the sixth longest non-polar glacier in the world, the 60.5-kilometer long South Engilchek Glacier and its side-glaciers.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

8. Four-Elements Kalpak Fashion

In Kyrgyzstan, they don't just wear hats, they go on a four-elements fashion world tour: The traditional Kyrgyz hat, the kalpak, symbolizes air, water, earth, and fire with its four-sided shape, and can be found in over 80 styles, each indicating a man's age and status. These cultural crowns can only be passed down from father to son and are treated with great reverence, removed with two hands and placed in a designated spot or kept within arm's reach.
Source => kyrgyzstantravel.com

9. Ear-Piercing Wedding Shenanigans

In the wild world of Kyrgyzstani wedding shenanigans, where blushing brides are treated to an ear-piercing experience and family bank accounts magically shrink: the Soiko Saluu ceremony includes the groom's mother gifting the bride earrings, followed by days of extravagant celebrations, guests bestowing monetary "extras," and various traditional rituals ensuring everyone witnesses a matrimony marathon.
Source => trvlland.com