Ala-Too Square, Central public square in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Ala-Too Square is the main public space in Bishkek, anchored by a large statue honoring Manas, the legendary hero of Kyrgyz tradition. At its center stands a tall flagpole displaying the national flag, while the State History Museum occupies a prominent position along its edge.
The square was established in 1984 as the city's new center, created to commemorate an important Soviet anniversary. A Lenin statue originally stood here until it was removed in 2003, marking a shift in how the space was used and understood.
The square hosts state ceremonies and Victory Day military parades, the first of which was held in 2015 for the 70th anniversary of the Second World War. In November 2020 the manaschi Doolot Sydykov recited the Epic of Manas here for 14 hours and 27 minutes. A black-and-white monument installed in 2012 marks the April 2010 events and the 2002 shooting of demonstrators.
Uniformed guards perform ceremonial duties on the square at regular intervals throughout the day, with timing that varies by season. The space is open and freely accessible, allowing visitors to observe the proceedings and move through the area at any time.
On 24 March 2005, over 15,000 people gathered here during the Tulip Revolution; two were killed and over 100 wounded in clashes before protesters stormed the White House and President Askar Akayev fled. In November 2020, manaschi Doolot Sydykov recited the Epic of Manas here for 14 hours and 27 minutes.
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