Kyrgyzstan / People and life in rural areas

posted in: Central Asia

Although real nomadic culture where people constantly move from one location to another disappeared from the area long ago, Kyrgyz people still take their cattle to summer pastures. Horses remain an intrinsic part of the culture in Kyrgyzstan, and mare milk (milk produced from female horses) is highly popular, as it contains an abundance of nutritious elements.

The Kumis is a fermented drink made of mare milk, popular in central Asia. It is sold everywhere, either by children beside a remote dirt road near their summer yurt camp,

or by this lovely girl on a small shop along the main road to Naryn.

The yurt is the multipurpose traditional Central Asian shelter. Easy to erect, dismantle and carry, it is used by shepherds in seasonal summer pastures and as a popular space to sleep overnight by tourists.

Naan is the typical bread of central Asia. Here it is made in a “service tent” by the yurt.

In many villages across Kyrgyzstan, running water in houses is still a dream. Families have to go to the village well to fill up water containers and carry them home.

During the summer, children spend time with their parents on the pastures. When visitors arrive and take their picture with a big phone, they show they can call as well

These children are puzzled by a souvenir I gave them, containing photos I’ve taken at home.

This shepherd I met above Altyn Arashan was so inspiring, I decided to share two photos of him with you.

In the tiny town, Lada is not only a common means of transportation, but also a mobile playground

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