Oak Park

Bishkek is a remarkably “green” city, renowned for its beautiful parks, and visiting at least one of them is a must during your stay. For instance, not far from the National Historical Museum lies the charming Oak Park.

Oak Park, one of Bishkek’s oldest, features an open-air sculpture exhibition as well as several significant monuments and buildings. Though officially renamed in honor of Chingiz Aitmatov in 2010, locals still predominantly refer to it as Oak Park. This Bishkek landmark captivates both residents and visitors alike with its beauty and air of mystery. The park’s foundation was laid in 1890 when the first oaks were planted.

Many of these oaks are as old as the city itself. The initial trees were planted by Russian botanist Alexei Fetisov in 1890, and over the decades, they have grown to impressive sizes. In summer, they provide ample shade from the hot sun, while in autumn, they fill the air with the crackle of falling leaves. Nestled in one corner of the park is the Red Guards Memorial, commemorating those who fell in the suppression of the 1918 uprising. The park is also home to the Russian Drama Theater and St. Nicholas Church, which once housed the city’s original art museum.

Oak Park is loosely divided into two sections: one designed as a garden for leisurely strolls under the towering oak trees, and the other dedicated to culture, where you’ll find monuments, sculptures, and historical buildings. The park is rich with attractions, including the «Twelve Cups» fountain, an 11-meter granite obelisk at the graves of Red Army soldiers who died during the suppression of the 1919 Belovodsk uprising, an Eternal Flame in memory of those who perished in World War II, an Avenue of Kyrgyz Statesmen, and, of course, the Open-Air Sculpture Museum.

The first sculptures were installed in the park in 1984, mostly crafted from metal, concrete, and wood, and brought by participants of the All-Union Sculptor Symposium held in Frunze (now Bishkek). When the symposium concluded, the sculptures remained, and more have been added over time. Five years later, the Open-Air Sculpture Museum was officially opened, and it has periodically been updated with new pieces. The most recent addition was a monument to Kurmanjan Datka, a prominent Kyrgyz stateswoman and military leader, unveiled in 2004.

Kurmanjan Datka (1811–1907), often called “the Queen of the Alai,” was a formidable figure in Kyrgyz history. She was both a ruler and military commander of the Kyrgyz Alai and held the title of «Datka» (General) in the Kokand Khanate. By 1876, she had also achieved the rank of colonel in the Russian Imperial Army. Her monument now stands proudly in Oak Park, honoring her legacy.

Today, the park houses around 90 sculptures as part of its open-air museum. Since the park is outdoors, the appearance of these sculptures varies depending on the time of day, season, and weather, offering visitors a unique experience each time they visit.