Independence Day Of The Kyrgyz Republic
Celebrated as the National Day of Kyrgyzstan, Independence Day of the Kyrgyz Republic is observed on the 31st of August every year. This holiday commemorates the country’s independence from the Soviet Union on this date in 1991. It is a day off for the general population, and many non-essential government offices, businesses, and schools are closed.
Kyrgyzstan (Public holiday)It is also an event that is observed with a military parade, an annual mass event, and a wide range of other events. It is a day for all citizens of Kyrgyzstan to come together and celebrate not only their independence but also their culture.
The History of Independence Day of the Kyrgyz Republic
Because of Kyrgyzstan’s location at the intersection of the Silk Road paths that connected China and Europe, this region has been an important strategic and trade location. It is the reason why the area has fallen to empires throughout the course of its history, all the way up to the modern era.
During the 17th century, the area would eventually be settled by the Kyrgyz tribes—a group of Muslim Turkic people from southern Siberia, although the area was officially a territory of China. China would hold on to the area until the middle of the 19th century when they finally ceded the area to the Russian Empire under the Treaty of Tarbagatai. In 1876, the area would be officially incorporated into the Russian Empire.
When the Russian Empire became the Soviet Union after the Russian Revolution, the country would become a part of it as well. On December 5th, 1936, the area would officially become a full Soviet Republic satellite called the Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic.
After the Soviet Union collapsed, on August 31, 1991, the Supreme Soviet of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan adopted a declaration of state independence for Kyrgyzstan. This would make the country a sovereign state.
Observing Independence Day of the Kyrgyz Republic
This holiday is observed with a large parade in Bishkek, the capital and largest city of Kyrgyzstan. This parade is held in the presence of the country’s president and prime minister, as well as other politicians. There is also a large mass cultural event held at Ala-Too Square that is attended by thousands of people.
Kyrgyzstan (Public holiday)
