Kempir-Abad reservoir

Kempir-Abad reservoir is a water storage facility situated in the border region between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, collecting water from the Kara Darya River. It covers a substantial area and holds significant volumes of water for the surrounding region.

The reservoir was built in 1965 and flooded significant areas of land in the Uzgen region when it was filled. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, it became a disputed resource between the two neighboring nations.

The name reflects a mineral found in the region, while people living in Uzbekistan call it by a different name tied to a nearby city, showing how both communities claim their connection to this water body.

Access to the reservoir can vary depending on the current political situation in the border region, so it is worth checking conditions beforehand. The warmer months offer better visiting conditions, with more stable weather and easier access to the water.

A border agreement in 2022 transferred control of the reservoir from Kyrgyzstan to Uzbekistan, sparking widespread protests across Kyrgyzstan. This shift highlights how contested water control is in this region and how deeply it affects the people living there.