Manas Ordo

Manas-Ordo (also known as the Gumbez of Manas) is an expansive cultural and historical complex that preserves the legacy of the renowned epic hero Manas. According to legend, this is the site of his burial. Located 15 kilometers east of the city of Talas, the complex’s location is far from coincidental. As the legend has it, the Talas Valley was the central base for Manas and his warriors.

Manas is the hero of the epic that bears his name, which is recognized as the largest epic in the world, surpassing both the famed Indian «Mahabharata» and Homer’s «Iliad» and «Odyssey» in scale, boasting over 500,000 poetic lines. This epic is rightly considered an encyclopedia of Kyrgyz history and culture. It tells the tale of the Kyrgyz hero Manas, who led his people from the Altai Mountains back to the Tien Shan region and later defended them from Chinese invasions. Since it is based on historical events, many of the battles and journeys described in the epic are rooted in reality. When Manas led the Kyrgyz people to the uninhabited mountains of the Tien Shan, each tribe claimed its own valley, with Manas himself settling in the Talas Valley rather than the more famous Issyk-Kul or at the base of Khan Tengri.

The epic narrates the lineage of heroes over three generations: Manas, his son Semetei, and his grandson Seitek, while also weaving the larger story of Central Asia’s vast steppes. Manas was born in the Altai, united the Kyrgyz tribes against the Chinese, Kalmyks (Dzungars), and Uighurs, and eventually led them back to the Tien Shan, from which they had once been scattered. He met his end during the siege of Beijing.

The «Manas» epic is essentially a free retelling of the actual history of the Kyrgyz people, who truly migrated from Southern Siberia. Its heroes fought not against mythical monsters but against warriors and armies of real states. In its final chapters, battles involve firearms, and one of the adversaries is the Kokand Khanate, which emerged in the 18th century. The epic has been passed down from generation to generation, and among Kyrgyz storytellers, the «manaschi» hold a special place, being able to recite the epic from memory. There were never many of them—rarely more than a dozen in a generation.

If you ask any Kyrgyz person about the three to five most significant concepts or symbols that embody their national identity, there is an almost guaranteed chance that the name of their national hero, Manas, will be among them.

The Manas-Ordo complex was established to preserve the memory of this profoundly significant cultural figure. Spanning 225 hectares, the complex showcases stone sculptures (balbals), petroglyphs, ancient Saka-Usun burial mounds, one of the 13 stones inscribed with the Yenisei Kyrgyz runic script, and its main attraction—the Gumbez of Manas, which is believed to be his tomb.

However, the Gumbez is not actually the grave of Manas. In truth, this structure is a late-period Karakhanid mausoleum built five centuries before the events described in the epic. It is believed to be the resting place of the daughter of a Karakhanid khan. Architecturally, it is akin to the Uzgen mausoleums and stands out with its intricate design. The mausoleum is adorned with carved clay mosaics, and its dome forms a rare conical shape seldom found in other Central Asian structures.

Adjacent to the mausoleum is a remarkable lapidarium. Here, visitors can find numerous balbals, petroglyphs, and stone tools from different eras.

To one side of the Gumbez lies an avenue of monuments dedicated to the heroes of the Manas epic, featuring statues of his legendary forty horsemen and a grand statue of Manas himself standing atop a tall pedestal. The Manas-Ordo complex also includes the Institute of Manas Studies and the Museum of the Manas Epic. Furthermore, a specially erected yurt allows visitors to experience live performances of the Manas epic, delivered by skilled Kyrgyz akyns (bards).

The complex also encompasses a large park, and within its grounds stands the Karoul Mountain—Manastyn-Chokusu, mentioned in the epic. The mountain offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding valley and the complex itself. According to legend, Manas would often stand atop this peak, surveying the land for signs of enemies approaching.

An equestrian stadium is also part of the complex, where traditional horseback games take place during major national holidays. For the comfort of tourists, a welcoming teahouse offers a place to rest and enjoy a meal among the cultural landmarks. At the heart of the complex, a proud monument to Manas the Hero stands, surrounded by his 40 legendary warriors who helped him vanquish his enemies.

Travelers can reach the Manas-Ordo complex by taking a regular shuttle from the Talas bazaar. This iconic site stands as a tribute to the rich history and cultural heritage of the Kyrgyz people, offering a profound insight into the epic tales and enduring legacy of Manas and his people.