Description of the attraction
One of the most popular museums in Kyrgyzstan is located in the southern city of Osh near Mount Sulaiman-Too, a holy place for Muslims, which is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year. This is a Historical Museum dedicated to the past of the Kyrgyz people, life, traditions and religious beliefs of the rich and peasants and the nature of southern Kyrgyzstan. The museum first opened its doors in 1949. Since then, its collection has increased several times and now consists of 33 thousand items, which are located in several buildings of the Historical Museum itself and its branches located in other cities. The Historical Museum also manages the Museum of Spiritual Culture, which occupies several multi-level caves on the slope of Sulaiman-Too Mountain.
A large building for the Historical Museum was built in 2000. It houses two thematic permanent exhibitions. It tells about the history of the region and the people living here. Another is dedicated to the natural resources of the region.
The first exhibition is famous for its varied archaeological finds dating from the Stone Age and later. Here you can learn about the culture of several ethnic groups inhabiting the south of Kyrgyzstan, including nomadic tribes who settled in the Fergana Valley. Some of the exhibits tell about the history of the city of Osh, which was one of the stops on the Great Silk Road.
The Historical Museum contains household items, products made by the hands of local artisans, carpets, wicker baskets, jewelry, coins, personal belongings of scientists and famous political and cultural figures.
The second exhibition will appeal to fans of zoology and botany, because it tells about the species diversity of flora and fauna of the Osh region.
