Erkindik Boulevard

One of the central attractions of Bishkek is the picturesque and ever-green Erkindik Boulevard, whose history dates back to 1883. At that time, the famous Russian botanist A.M. Fetisov planted an avenue here, lining it with two rows of silver poplars. In the early 20th century, the poplars were uprooted and replaced with oak trees, some of which remain to this day.

The boulevard has long been home to several important buildings for the young city, including a bookstore, a bank, and an agricultural school, many of which can still be seen today. In 1924, the street was renamed Komsomolskaya, and by 1927, it was dedicated to the fallen Soviet statesman Felix Edmundovich Dzerzhinsky. This name stuck so strongly that even after the collapse of the Soviet Union, locals still refer to Erkindik Boulevard as “Dzerzhinka.”

Erkindik Boulevard has undergone numerous transformations over its 140-year history, and much of its present appearance was shaped by the end of the 20th century. In 1991, following the dissolution of the USSR and Kyrgyzstan’s independence, the boulevard received its current name—»Erkindik,» which translates from Kyrgyz as «freedom.» The architectural ensemble of the boulevard primarily consists of historic buildings, mostly from the first half of the last century. Today, these buildings house state institutions, universities, banks, business centers, and more.

The boulevard is adorned with many monuments dedicated to political and cultural figures. One of the most notable is the monument to Mikhail Vasilyevich Frunze, a native of Bishkek and one of the most prominent commanders of the Red Army. The bust of the remarkable Kyrgyz poet Joomart Bokonbayev stands at the intersection of Erkindik Boulevard and Bokonbayev Street. Another significant monument is the bust of Alexei Ivanitsyn, the leader of the Bolshevik Party in Pishpek, who established Soviet power in the Chui Valley. There are also modern monuments honoring Nasirdin Isanov and Jumabek Ibraimov, political figures from independent Kyrgyzstan. Information about each monument can be accessed by scanning QR codes located nearby.

Erkindik Boulevard runs from south to north, starting at Tugolbay Ata Street near the Bishkek II railway station and its adjoining square, and ending at Jibek Jolu Avenue. The boulevard stretches approximately 2.3 kilometers, including the pedestrian area in the park zone. Local residents often compare Erkindik Boulevard to New York’s Central Park, though it may not be as large. Still, in spring, when everything is in bloom, it feels as if you’ve stepped into a fairytale.