City Osh – The Genuine Ancient City of Kyrgyzstan

Osh is the second largest city of Kyrgystan, or the Kyrgyz Republic. Located in the southern part of the country in the Fergana Valley, the city is sometimes referred to as the Capital of the South. City’s popularity can be credited to its ancient existence that dates back to the 5th century BC.

Accommodation Options
Accommodations in Osh are available in the form of guest house facilities, along with youth hostels that offer comfortable bedding and kitchen as the main facilities. Navoi Street, Bayalinova Street and Sayboyu Street are among the best areas of the city to find budget hotels. Facilities like hot water, TV, phone, refrigerator, AC, breakfast and business facilities are available at various hotels.

History
Being one of the most ancient regions of the Central Asia, the city has been on the world’s map for centuries. Because of the artefacts belonging to the 5th century found by the archaeologists, Osh is considered older than Rome. Though, there are many legends associated with its discovery, Osh actually became popular with its existence on major trade routes, including the Silk Route. It became the third largest city of the Ferghana Valley between the 10th and 12th centuries. Destroyed by the Mongols in the 13th century, the city soon rose to prosperity.

In 1762, Osh became one of the six trading centres of Khanate. The Russian Empire captured the city in 1876 and with this, the city expanded in terms of area. Few days before the break-up of the Soviet Union, Osh experienced ethnic clashes between the Kyrgyz and the Uzbeks, leading to thousands of deaths. The year 2000 was celebrated in Osh as the 3000th year of the city. 

Popular Places
There are numerous monuments in Osh that can be visited during a trip to the city. There are many statues of Lenin that can be found in various city parts. Mosques, including the Rabat Abdul Khan Mosque, form other attractions of the city.

Sulayman Mountain is the city’s attraction, included in the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Apart from offering the spectacular view of the city, the mountain also accommodates a museum inside a cave. The Russian Orthodox Church, Dom Babura, Historical Museum and the Historical Archaeological Museum Complex are other interesting sites for the tourists.

Getting Around
Minibuses are operated within the city and to the neighbouring cities and towns. Shared taxi practices are also popular in the city. To explore the historical sites, you can ask a local resident to guide you.

Places of Entertainment
Osh is popular for accommodating a number of bazaars and old market places. In fact, the city has the largest outdoor market in the Central Asia. Everything, from fruits, vegetables and nuts to the household goods and souvenirs, can be purchased from the 2000 year old bazaar. Osh also serves as the base for activities like mountaineering and trekking.    

Language(s) Spoken
Kyrgyz is the main language spoken in the city.

Currency
Som, divided into 100 tiyin, is the official currency of Osh. Coins are available as 10 and 50 tiyin and 1, 3 and 5 som. Banknotes can be found in the denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 5000. Check online news for currency exchange rates. 

Group accommodation in Osh | Cheap hostels & budget hotels