Kyrgyz Republic — Media Gallery

Statue of Aaly Tokombaev (1904-1988) in Bishkek. Tokombaev is probably Kyrgyzstan's most famous writer. He was not only a poet and novelist, but also a composer.

A view of the massive Tien Shan Mountains.

A typical Kyrgyz yurt, a portable, bent-wood framed shelter covered by layers of fabric, typically felt.

The national game of Kyrgyzstan, Ulak Tartush, is a version of polo played with a headless goat. Note that some of the riders wear old Soviet tank helmets for head protection.

Inspecting an orchard.

Close up of a yurt.

Another view of the imposing Tien Shan mountain range.

Preparing to race at the Hippodrome in Bishkek. Colts - male baby horses usually under 18 months old - are used in these contests. Because these animals are too young to hold adults, they are raced by boys. Note that not only do they not have helmets, most do not have saddles.

A goat herder on horseback with his dogs.

A river outside of Bishkek. Note the milky color as a result of glacial sediments.

A view of the Tien Shan Mountains from an open air museum in Chopa Ata on Lake Ysyk Kol.

Statue of Mikhail Frunze, the Kyrgyz Soviet hero, in Bishkek. Frunze was the name of the capital city from 1926 to 1991.