Central Asia has become quite a common travel destination for people all around the world. Kyrgyzstan is one of the countries in the region, and if you are looking for a location where you can go trekking, Kyrgyzstan should be on your list of choices. Why? Because the scenery is mesmerizing, and the trails are unforgettable. The lakes provide an excellent place to camp, and the hospitability of the people will humble you. But before you catch a plane to Kyrgyzstan, you should know that learning a bit about their culture will be of great help on your journey. That is why you should do a bit of research. Below you will find some tips that will give you a better understanding of the Kyrgyz people and their traditions.
The first thing that you need to keep in mind is that Kyrgyzstan is the home for several cultures. The Mongolian and Turkish descent make the Kyrgyz people quite different, depending on the region you wish to visit. So, it is not only the Kyrgyz culture you need to respect, but the other two as well. Even so, you should catch on pretty quick.
Respect is one of the most important things in the Kyrgyz culture. People there show their respect and appreciation toward the elderly, and you will see that everywhere you go. Old people are called aksakals, which roughly translates to white beards.
You will see people shaking their hands and offering their seats. You must also use the correct formulas when you are talking to a senior member of the community. The formula for an older woman is eje, which means older sister, and men are referred to as baikay or aga. Even within the members of a family, people talk like that with their elders. To know which person is the oldest and the most respected, all you need to do is enter a room and see who is sitting at the head of the table furthest from the table. It is as simple as that.
People are very hospitable in Kyrgyzstan. If you are a guest in a Kyrgyz home, you will receive the utmost respect. The host will take out the best mutton, the best rice, and the best of anything just to entertain you. You will receive the best parts of a sheep, but keep in mind that you need to give some of it back to the women and children around the table. That shows your thanks and respect. Another interesting habit is that when a Kyrgyz family moves its tent, the new neighbors and the old neighbors will throw a farewell and a welcome party at the same time. If you spend enough time with these people, you will see how ceremonial they are. It is a fascinating experience, and you can learn a lot just by hanging around for a few days.
Greetings in Kyrgyzstan are not out of the ordinary, but there are a few rules to this as well. Men usually use handshakes, but the greeting customs differ depending on the region. Women do not generally use physical contact as a form of greeting, but more of a nod. However, there is a rule about physical contact between people of the opposite sex. A woman does not typically extend her arm to shake a man’s hand, but if she does, you need to comply and shake her arm. However, if you are a woman, it is best to wait for the man to initiate the handshake.
One of the things you will love in Kyrgyzstan is the way people interact with each other, even strangers. For example, if you are staring at someone in the market or on a bus, it is cause for social interaction. The person you are looking at will come to you and initiate a conversation. Chances are that you will be invited to that person’s home as a guest. This is a common practice in Kyrgyzstan, and it makes all tourists feel awkward. That never happens in Western civilization since people usually ignore each other. In Kyrgyzstan, people ignore other people as well, but inviting strangers into one’s home is a thing.
A surprising aspect in Kyrgyzstan is that you will not see people smile too often. You probably have hundreds of pictures in which everyone is laughing or at least smiling. That does not happen in Kyrgyzstan, not even in photos. People there are rarely seen smiling, and they do not do it when they talk to each other. It is a rare thing to happen. As a result, if you go to Kyrgyzstan and you start laughing and smiling all the time, the Kyrgyz people will think that you are a bit strange. You must not refrain from smiling from time to time. Just do not be seemed amused all the time.
Lastly, people in Kyrgyzstan have no sense of personal space whatsoever. If someone bumps into you on the street, he or she will not even flinch. People often stay shoulder to shoulder when they are in a line, and physical contact of this nature is seen everywhere. If you travel by bus, you will feel like staying in a can of sardines. People are always touching because of overcrowding. The Kyrgyz do not mind this practice, but you might. However, even if you take a step back to prevent someone from touching you, he or she will come even closer. Your desire to get some space will look like an invite to come closer. It is an odd phenomenon, but you will just have to deal with it.
All in all, Kyrgyzstan is a beautiful country where you will be welcomed by the people. Tourists are often well-treated guests, and the Kyrgyz are known for their hospitality. Do not avoid going to someone’s home, which can be a tent, because you will have a lovely time, and you will be treated with the utmost respect, provided that you treat your host with the same respect you are ought to give.
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