Osh

Osh

Suleiman Mountain (Bara-Kukh)

Bazaar in Osh

The Osh region is the largest region of Kyrgyzstan, with a multiethnic population consisting of 1.4 million people. It lies in the southern part of Pamir-Alai and includes the hilly lowlands of the Ferghana Valley. The geography of the region is one of contrasts. At one edge of the Ferghana Valley gentle hills turn into mid-sized mountains and then gradually rise into high altitude ranges.

The climate of the Osh region is defined by its geographical location. Osh is far away from major bodies of water and immense deserts lie nearby. All of this results in a climate that is continental or arid, depending on the time of the year. There are more than 150 rivers in the Osh region. More than 100 lakes and waterfalls are hidden within mountain gorges and valleys. The mountainous area surrounding the Osh region is well known for its many beautiful caves.

Many centuries ago the territory of the Osh region was the part of the powerful and highly cultured kingdoms of Davan, Kushan and Karakhanid. Large cities and fortresses were strewn about the region. It is believed that the first inhabitants appeared here about 500,000 years ago, at the beginning of the epoch of primitive communal society. The stone utensils from the early Palaeolithic period found in this region confirm this.

Osh is one of the oldest towns in Central Asia, located on the southern edge of the Ferghana Valley at the northern foot of the Pamir-Alai mountain range, at an altitude of 940-1070 m above the sea level. The population of Osh is about 250,000 people. Osh fills the role of southern Kyrgyzstan’s political and cultural center.
The earliest manuscripts about Osh date back to the 9th century AD. However the archaeologists have proved that it was populated long before this date. The archaeologists have discovered in the center of the town, on Suleiman Mountain a settlement with the rock drawings and inscriptions dating back to the end and the beginning of the 1st millennium BC. Radiocarbon analysis of the coal taken from the Osh settlement confirms that Osh has indeed existed for 3000 years.

Geographically located at the foot of the Pamir mountain range, Osh held a special position on caravan routes that made up the Silk Road. Osh was located at the crossroads of several branches of caravan trails, and was an important staging post in transit trade.

The legends of Osh are the evidence of its ancient origin. According to one of the many stories concerning its origin, the city was founded by Alexander the Great, another states that the prophet Solomon founded the city, while yet another says that Osh was founded by Adam. The most popular legend however, is that of Solomon, of the Bible, drove oxen hitched plow in front of his advancing army, and when the oxen came to the famous mountain, Solomon said: “Khosh!” (“That’s enough!”), and hence the origin of Osh.

A Bronze Age settlement was discovered on the slopes of Suleiman Mountain located in the centre of Osh. The settlement existed from the end of the 2nd century BC until the beginning of the 1st century BC. These ancient settlements encircle the central summit of the mountain. Until the 16th century the Suleiman Mountain was called Bara-Kukh (beautiful mountain). Takht-I-Suleiman (Throne of Suleiman) was the name given to the mountain when the Moslem prophet Suleiman was buried at the foot of the mountain; since that time people have considered the mountain a holy place. In the caves of the mountain there is the Museum of History, which has collected unique articles of culture and every day life of the ancient inhabitants.

The main trading place in Osh has always been the market, which has changed over its more than 2000 years of existence, though always remaining in the same locale. Tourists are attracted today to the bazaar in Osh with its distinct oriental colours and the aromatic smells of spices and fruits. This is one of the Central Asia’s best open markets, teeming with Uzbek, Kyrgyz and Tajik dealing in everything from traditional hats and knives to horseshoes, Chinese tea-sets, plus abundant seasonal fruit and vegetables.