Osh is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, full of history, culture, and a unique atmosphere. Here are some fascinating facts that make this city truly special.
Osh is one of the world’s oldest cities
The city is over 3000 years old, making it a contemporary of ancient cities like Rome and Athens. Its history can be traced back to the time of the Great Silk Road. In 2000, Osh celebrated its 3000th anniversary, and since then, October 5 has been officially observed as City Day each year.
The sacred mountain Sulaiman-Too
Sulaiman-Too is the main landmark and symbol of the southern capital. This sacred mountain has long been a place of pilgrimage and continues to attract thousands of visitors. It is home to a mosque, a mausoleum, and petroglyphs that testify to the mountain’s ancient history. In 2009, Sulaiman-Too became Kyrgyzstan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A melting pot of nationalities
Osh is a shining example of peaceful coexistence among different ethnic groups. Kyrgyz, Uzbeks, Russians, Tajiks, and others live side by side in harmony.
The Great Silk Road
Osh was a key point along the Great Silk Road, connecting East and West. Thanks to its strategic location, the city became a major trade hub for caravans carrying goods from China, India, and Europe. Besides commerce, Osh served as an important cultural and scientific center, where ideas and traditions were exchanged between civilizations. Today, the city still preserves its historical ties to this ancient trade route.
Architectural heritage
Osh has preserved many historical landmarks, including ancient mosques, mausoleums, and caravanserais.
The Rawat Abdullakhan Mosque, originally built in the 11th-12th centuries, is considered the oldest in the city. Restored in 1990, it still serves as a central mosque today.
The Asaf ibn Burhiya Mausoleum, part of an 18th-century complex, has roots dating back to the 11th century. Built in the Fergana architectural style, it was erected in memory of Solomon’s vizier.
Ak-Buura settlement ruins
This pre-Islamic historical site is located on the southern outskirts of the city. It is one of the oldest defensive structures in the Osh oasis, comprising a citadel, a shahristan, and a rabat. Parts of the defensive walls and towers still remain.
Colorful markets
Osh is famous for its vibrant markets — an integral part of the city's daily life and culture.
The Jayma Bazaar is one of the largest and most colorful markets not just in Osh, but in all of Central Asia. It's especially worth visiting during summer to taste fresh fruits and vegetables. You can also buy all kinds of everyday goods, take guests on a local tour, practice bargaining, and make great deals.
The Central Bazaar is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike, offering an authentic experience of local commerce. For the convenience and safety of visitors, it will soon be relocated to another part of the city.
Gastronomy
Osh is not only the cultural and historical heart of southern Kyrgyzstan — it’s also a paradise for food lovers. The city’s cuisine reflects the diversity of the region’s cultures, featuring everything from traditional plov and tandoor-baked samsa to ysyk kurut and popular mayda manty.
