Accessibility links

Subscribe
All RFE/RL sites
site logo site logo
Previous Next
Breaking News
Photo Galleries

Kyrgyzstan Celebrates Independence Day, Honors Workers Battling Pandemic

Kyrgyzstan celebrated the 29th anniversary of its independence from the Soviet Union on August 31. Officials were seen social distancing at a ceremony in Bishkek's Ala-Too Square as events were scaled back due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Almost 44,000 people in Kyrgyzstan have been infected with the coronavirus, with 1,060 deaths reported.
Ala-Too Square was the focus of celebrations in Bishkek on August 31. This year, Independence Day festivities were scaled back due to the coronavirus pandemic. It's traditionally celebrated with mass events in all regions of the country.
1 Ala-Too Square was the focus of celebrations in Bishkek on August 31. This year, Independence Day festivities were scaled back due to the coronavirus pandemic. It's traditionally celebrated with mass events in all regions of the country.
Kyrgyz honor guards march during the changing of the guards ceremony on Ala-Too Square in Bishkek.
2 Kyrgyz honor guards march during the changing of the guards ceremony on Ala-Too Square in Bishkek.
A Kyrgyz family takes part in the comemorations.
3 A Kyrgyz family takes part in the comemorations.
One event organized for Independence Day was attended by doctors and volunteers who helped in the battle against the coronavirus.
4 One event organized for Independence Day was attended by doctors and volunteers who helped in the battle against the coronavirus.
President Sooronbai Jeenbekov congratulated Kyrgyz citizens on the occasion of Independence Day in Bishkek and paid particular attention to the challenges posed by the pandemic. “Not only our health-care system and economic potential, but also the unity of our people, has been tested. In the struggle for health, our people have shown their patience and compassion.... Almost all of us have reached out to those in need,” he said.
5 President Sooronbai Jeenbekov congratulated Kyrgyz citizens on the occasion of Independence Day in Bishkek and paid particular attention to the challenges posed by the pandemic. “Not only our health-care system and economic potential, but also the unity of our people, has been tested. In the struggle for health, our people have shown their patience and compassion.... Almost all of us have reached out to those in need,” he said.
A Kyrgyz boy plays by a fountain in front of traditional nomad tents during the celebrations.
6 A Kyrgyz boy plays by a fountain in front of traditional nomad tents during the celebrations.
A Kyrgyz woman enjoys an ice cream.
7 A Kyrgyz woman enjoys an ice cream.
A Kyrgyz woman and a girl cool off by a fountain in Bishkek.
8 A Kyrgyz woman and a girl cool off by a fountain in Bishkek.
An event dedicated to Independence Day was also held in Osh. The mayor's office in Osh presented awards to citizens, entrepreneurs, and doctors who have contributed in the fight against COVID-19.
9 An event dedicated to Independence Day was also held in Osh. The mayor's office in Osh presented awards to citizens, entrepreneurs, and doctors who have contributed in the fight against COVID-19.
Osh Mayor Taalaibek Sarybashev congratulated the residents of the city.
10 Osh Mayor Taalaibek Sarybashev congratulated the residents of the city.
Guests at the ceremony in Osh
11 Guests at the ceremony in Osh
Performers in traditional dress sing during celebrations in Osh.
12 Performers in traditional dress sing during celebrations in Osh.
A woman in a dress with traditional embroidery photographs festivities in Osh.
13 A woman in a dress with traditional embroidery photographs festivities in Osh.
A boy sells sweets and balloons in Ala-Too Square in Bishkek.
14 A boy sells sweets and balloons in Ala-Too Square in Bishkek.
Musicians wearing traditional Kyrgyz dress prepare to play.
15 Musicians wearing traditional Kyrgyz dress prepare to play.
A girl plays in a fountain in Bishkek
16 A girl plays in a fountain in Bishkek
16x9 Image

RFE/RL

RFE/RL journalists report the news in 27 languages in 23 countries where a free press is banned by the government or not fully established. We provide what many people cannot get locally: uncensored news, responsible discussion, and open debate.

Back to top
XS
SM
MD
LG