Ala-Too Square is the largest square in Kyrgyzstan. Ala-Too means “Motley Mountains”, and on sunny days visitors can stand in Ala-Too and look to the south to see snow capped mountains in the distance.
Historically the square served as a central point for political rallies and demonstrations. These days, government-led festivities mark occasion for public holidays across the country. During these festivities, one can find the square illuminated with bright lights, colorful banners and more.
The square is 300 by 130 мetres, forming a rectangle between the streets of Kiev and Pushkin, and streets Razzakov and Panfilov. During Soviet times Ala Too was called Lenin Square. Only after independence in 1991 was the square renamed Ala Too.
The southern part of the square has enfilades and golden domes. To the west rests a former factory for knitted goods. Likely the most acclaimed building on Ala Too square is the Government House, also known as the White House. Lastly, to the east is the House of Friendship of People, or the "Assembly of the People of Kyrgyzstan. "
Pay attention to the monuments here in the square, as they tell the history of the people of Kyrgyzstan. During the Soviet era a monument to Lenin stood in the center of the square. Lenin’s statue was later moved to the nearby Supreme Court building.
In 2003, in the center of Ala-Too square a female winged sculpture “Erkindik” symbolizing freedom was installed. Aspiring to the sky she holds high above herself a round frame of the Kyrgyz yurt – a tunduk, the image of which is also on the flag of the republic. At her feet are words meaning “Noble thoughts, truthful words, righteous deeds”. In 2011 this monument to freedom was changed to "Aikol Manas", a monument to the main hero of the famous Kyrgyz epic.
Respect to the culture and history of Kyrgyzstan is expressed in various memorials and monuments, set to remind visitors to Bishkek about the many personalities who influenced the development of the country. Opposite the Manas monument we can see one such monument, of Chingiz Aitmatov, a Soviet and Kyrgyz writer. Aitmatov is well respected in Kyrgyzstan and worldwide, and the monument was erected only 3 years after his death in 2011. This coincides with the 20th anniversary of the country's independence. Sooronbay Beishenbaev was the sculptor of this 7-meter monument, which was cast in bronze in Moscow.
In 2012 a black monument commemorating Revolutionary actions of 2010 was erected in the western part of the White House grounds. In the western part of the garden square behind the colorful flags there is a typical soviet type Peoples' Friendship monument.
In 1998 a flagstaff about 12 –stories high was established on the central square, which hoists the national flag. Guarded by sentries, the flag is about 150 square metres.
A historical museum in Ala-Too square serves to tell the history of the country and region. The museum collection includes more than 90,000 relics in its exhibits, telling the history of nomadic people starting from the Stone Age to present day. Much can be viewed regarding the start of cities, craftsmanship and agriculture. At the eastern wall there are stone Balbals, ancient Kyrgyzstan historical monuments that look strikingly similar to stone men.
Walking from Chuy Avenue to the ZUM, or Central Department Store, moving westwards, you will cross the Ala-Too Square and the White House grounds with monuments dedicated to heroes of the “Tulip” Revolution of 2005. Then it’s on to the “Russia” Cinema Theater.
Reaching Togolok Moldo Street, named after the Great Kyrgyz poet, take a turn northwards to one more attraction of Bishkek city – The Palace of Sports. The building is located on the western part of the Togolok Moldo Street.
