Rukh Ordo, Open-air cultural center in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan.
Rukh Ordo is a cultural center on the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul spread across about 4.5 hectares with temples and exhibition halls. The grounds contain ten small museums displaying Kyrgyz traditions, nomadic designs, and religious artifacts.
The center was founded in 2002 and opened to the public in 2007 as a lakeside cultural institution. It received a dedication to writer Chingiz Aitmatov in 2008.
The five white temples on the grounds represent different religions, each displaying religious artifacts from Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Orthodox Christianity, and Catholicism. Visitors can see how these different faiths coexist in a single space.
Visitors find the best conditions for exploring during daylight hours when sunlight illuminates the white temples well. The grounds are flat and easy to walk through, with concerts regularly held in the lakeside hall for added interest.
The grounds feature a granite sphere symbolizing science and statues of Kyrgyz khans set among the temples and museums. An informational exhibit displays the family tree of Turkic tribes, connecting ancient heritage with modern understanding.
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