Jalal-Abad serves as the administrative center of the Jalal-Abad region. Situated in the Kugart Valley at an altitude of about 760 meters above sea level, it is home to approximately 100,000 residents, making it the third-largest city in Kyrgyzstan.
In ancient times, one of the branches of the Great Silk Road passed through the territory where the city now stands. Many believe that Jalal-Abad was named after Jalal-ad-Din, who built several caravanserais to serve travelers and pilgrims. The suffix «-abad» is common in Persian and often refers to the founder of a community. In the early 19th century, a small fortress was constructed here, and by the 1870s, Russian settlers began to arrive. Jalal-Abad experienced significant development during the Soviet era, when industries and resorts were established, and its main thoroughfare still bears its Soviet name—Lenin Street. During Soviet times, a major resort was built around the mineral springs, attracting visitors from across the USSR who came to relax and rejuvenate.
As far as tourist attractions go, Jalal-Abad might seem modest. The most notable features are its mineral springs, which have made the city’s brand of mineral water famous and popular throughout Kyrgyzstan. Despite the lack of major landmarks, the town offers a serene and calming atmosphere, ideal for those seeking a tranquil escape.
Just 5 kilometers from the city lies the «Jalal-Abad» balneological resort complex, established around thermal and radon waters. This facility, located 971 meters above sea level on the western slope of Ayub-Tau Hill and by the Kugart River, attracts numerous visitors eager to benefit from its healing waters. Every morning, you’ll find people gathering around the mineral springs, believing that regular consumption of this water before breakfast can help alleviate a wide array of ailments, particularly those related to the digestive system. The water is said to contain half the minerals found in the periodic table. The thermal, mineralized sulfate-bicarbonate, and sodium-calcium waters are used for both drinking therapy and therapeutic baths.
The mountain of Ayub-Tau, where the resort now stands, is steeped in legend. It’s said to be the place where the long-suffering prophet Job (Hazrat Ayub) was cured of leprosy by these very waters. According to the story, when Job’s period of trials came to an end, God instructed him to strike a rock with his right foot, from which a hot spring emerged. Then, with his left foot, he struck again, and a cold spring appeared. Job bathed in the hot water and drank from the cold spring, fully recovering from his terrible affliction.
One of the most remarkable historical sites in the Jalal-Abad region is the Shah-Fazil architectural complex, located near the village of Safed Bulan. This site holds immense religious significance for Muslims and is a popular pilgrimage destination. Scholars believe that the Shah-Fazil ensemble emerged on the site of an ancient pre-Islamic phallic shrine. The complex includes the 19th-century Alamberdar Mausoleum with the sacred Archa-Mazar mountain and a hermit’s cave, the site of the execution of 2,700 Islamic warriors, a mosque from the 17th–19th centuries, a ritual stone, and two mausoleums: Shah-Fazil from the 11th century and Safed Bulan from the 19th century.
This place holds a sacred status because, in the 7th century, it was from here that Arab forces began spreading Islam in Central Asia. At that time, the local people practiced Zoroastrianism and were initially reluctant to accept the new religion. The arriving Arabs built a mosque on this site, but during one of their Friday prayers, local inhabitants attacked and killed nearly 3,000 worshippers.
According to legend, one of the Arabs had a young, dark-skinned maidservant named Bulan, who was only 12 years old. She came to the site of the massacre and searched for her master among the severed and bloodstained heads. Throughout the night, she washed each head but couldn’t find the one she sought. The story goes that after this act, her hair and skin turned snow-white. From then on, she was called Safed Bulan, which means “White Bulan,” becoming a symbol of courage in the region. Tragically, the young girl died shortly after and was buried next to the place where she had washed the heads, with a modest dome erected over her grave. Entry to her tomb is strictly forbidden to men, as she died unmarried, and it’s considered a sin for men to approach her final resting place.
Forty years later, the Arabs returned, this time successfully spreading Islam across the region. Their leader, Shah Fazil, requested to be buried beside Safed Bulan, knowing her story. While the complex is named after Shah Fazil, the village continues to bear the name of the brave girl.
Safed Bulan’s burial site is a «mazar,» a holy mausoleum. A rock near the entrance marks the exact place where she washed the warriors’ heads, and nearby is a fertility stone believed to aid women struggling with infertility. Another mausoleum in the complex is dedicated to Shah Fazil, who ruled the Fergana Valley in the 11th–12th centuries. This mausoleum is a stunning architectural monument, featuring ornate inscriptions and traditional Islamic designs that have earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites’ tentative list.
One of the most famous natural attractions in the Jalal-Abad region is the Arslanbob Valley (known in Kyrgyz as Arstanbap). Located 70 kilometers from the city at the base of Weber Peak in the Babash-Ata Range, the valley is renowned for its waterfalls and walnut forests. You can take a hike or enjoy a horseback ride through the picturesque surroundings. Local residents recommend camping in the valley, as one day simply isn’t enough to experience all its natural beauty.