Kyrgy-Standing Through Time
This mountain-ringed Central Asian country declared independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
What is Kyrgyzstan?
Kyrgyz meals often start with a warm drink poured from a pot — the same one many Americans drink at breakfast.
What is tea?
Kyrgyzstan is located in this part of the world, between China and Kazakhstan.
What is Central Asia
More than 80% of Kyrgyzstan is covered by these tall natural features.
What are mountains?
Kyrgyzstan has won Olympic medals in this grappling sport, which is also popular in the U.S. and worldwide.
What is wrestling?
The Kyrgyz trace their origins to this traditionally nomadic, portable round dwelling.
What is a yurt?
This fruit, a favorite of American vagrants, grows wild in parts of Kyrgyzstan.
What is the apple?
Kyrgyzstan was once part of this large country before becoming independent in 1991.
What was the Soviet Union?
This elusive big cat, known for its thick fur,long tail and highly endangered status, lives in Kyrgyzstan’s mountains.
What is a snow leopard?
This winter sport is growing in Kyrgyzstan, especially near the mountains, and involves sliding down snow-covered hills on boards.
What is skiing?
This ancient trade route running through Kyrgyzstan linked China with Europe.
What is the Silk Road?
This popular pastry, filled with horse or lamb meat, is a staple of Kyrgyz cuisine — and a favorite across Central Asia.
What are Samsa?
Kyrgyzstan borders this massive country to the east.
What is China?
This horned sheep, named after the famous Eastern explorer, lives high in the mountains and is a symbol of Kyrgyz wildlife.
What is the Marco Polo Sheep?
Kyrgyzstan has strong athletes in this martial art, originally from Japan, that is also an Olympic sport.
What is judo?
These fast, highly mobile fighters were a hallmark of ancient Kyrgyz and Central Asian armies, giving them an advantage in open terrain.
What is cavalry?
This fermented mare’s milk drink is both a cultural tradition and an acquired taste.
What is kumis?
Kyrgyzstan’s flag has a bright yellow sun on a background of this color.
What is red?
Many Kyrgyz still raise these animals — essential for milk and meat — on open pastures.
What are horses?
Born in Kyrgyzstan, this MMA fighter became a UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion and is widely known as one of the best female fighters in the world.
Who is Valentina Shevchenko?
In 2010, Kyrgyzstan became the first Central Asian country to adopt this form of government, limiting presidential power and strengthening parliament.
What is a parliamentary democracy?
A popular ingredient in Kyrgyz sweets, these nuts are often sprinkled on pastries or used in fillings.
What are walnuts?
This famous conqueror from the 1200s built an enormous empire across Asia, and his forces once moved through the region that is now Kyrgyzstan.
Who is Genghis Khan?
This “richly colored” bird of prey is the star athlete of Kyrgyz hunters, swooping down to catch dinner in the mountains.
What is the Golden Eagle?
In Kyrgyzstan’s wild horseback game, players compete to grab this unusual “ball” and score points while galloping across the field.
What is a goat carcass?