Osh, one of Central Asia’s oldest cities, marks 3,025 years

OSH, Kyrgyzstan (MNTV) – The city of Osh, one of the oldest urban centers in Central Asia and Kyrgyzstan’s second largest city, is marking its 3,025th anniversary with a mix of celebration, urban renewal, and cultural reflection.

Festivities began with the raising of a 95-meter national flag in the city’s central square — a new landmark symbolizing pride and progress. 

President Sadyr Japarov, attending the ceremony, congratulated residents and pledged continued development support.

“Our goal is to provide comprehensive support to Osh’s multi-ethnic population and its youth, who are our future,” Japarov said. 

“We want to see many sons and daughters of Osh representing Kyrgyzstan proudly on international stages.”

This year, the government allocated 3 billion soms (about $34 million) for urban development in Osh. 

Several new roads, recreation areas, and public facilities have been completed in time for the anniversary celebrations.

Residents told RFE/RL that the changes are visible across the city.

 “The roads are wider now; single-lane streets have become double lanes,” said one resident. Another noted that “the banks of the canals have been cleaned and the city looks much better than before.”

City Council Chairman Bolot Baetov credited the recent progress to the government’s increased attention. 

“Until now, there hasn’t been this level of support. The state is finally paying serious attention to Osh,” he said.

Much of the city’s transformation has been driven by Mayor Zhenishbek Toktorbaev, who took office earlier this year. 

His pre-dawn raids against illegal construction, shared widely online, have both drawn criticism and earned praise for restoring order. 

Dozens of illegally built houses have been demolished to reopen water channels and expand roads.

“Osh used to have only four main streets,” said resident Chingiz Jolonov. “Now, with these expansions, the city is finally becoming a proper one.”

Despite the modernization drive, historians are calling for balance. Joldoshbek Butoneev, a local historian, warned against erasing Osh’s heritage. 

“Tourists come here to see the ancient city,” he said. “Before building anything new, archaeological research must be done to preserve our history.”

Located in the Fergana Valley, Osh has long been a center of trade, religion, and culture, home to the sacred Sulaiman-Too mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The city, officially home to about half a million residents, celebrated its 3,000th anniversary on the international stage in 2000 — and now, 25 years later, it continues to blend its ancient roots with a modern vision.