The Issyk-Kul Historical and Cultural Museum

Among the more noteworthy exhibits are stone and bronze tools dating back to the 1st and 2nd centuries BCE, unearthed in Salomat-Bulak, as well as large bronze Saka cauldrons from the 3rd and 4th centuries BCE, recovered from the bottom of Lake Issyk-Kul. These cauldrons are particularly notable for their size and craftsmanship. A collection of coins further illustrates the evolution of currency in the region, from early cowrie shells to the coins of the Karakhanid Dynasty from the 10th to the 12th centuries CE. The museum’s Chinese coins, along with Buddhist and Tibetan artifacts, reflect the historical ties between Kyrgyzstan and China.

The museum’s standout feature is a dedicated room for Kyrgyz wool carpets, where visitors can see a miniature yurt fully furnished in traditional fashion. The walls of the yurt are adorned with shyrdaks and ala-kyiz, while a neatly stacked pile of mattresses and pillows sits opposite the entrance. In the center of the yurt is a hearth, partitioned with a chiy reed mat, surrounded by kitchen utensils and food storage. As was customary, an iron chest for clothing and essentials is also present, showcasing the everyday life of Kyrgyz nomads.

A must-see extension of the museum is the open-air petroglyph museum, located between Kara-Oi and Khutor. This expansive site features petroglyphs depicting animals, hunts, and rituals, dating back to the Bronze Age and beyond. The museum’s branches also spread out to nearby villages, including Ananevo, Korumdu, Komsomol, Bosteri, Chirpykty, Toru-Aytyr, and Semenovka, offering visitors a comprehensive exploration of the region’s rich history. In total, the Issyk-Kul Historical and Cultural Museum boasts over 15,000 exhibits.

The open-air petroglyph museum, just outside Cholpon-Ata and easily accessible on foot or by taxi, is one of the complex’s most famous attractions. It offers a remarkable journey through time, with petroglyphs from the Bronze Age (around 1500 BCE) and later periods, such as the Saka Usun era (8th century BCE to 1st century CE). As visitors wander through the field, they can spot various marked and unmarked petroglyphs, adding an element of adventure to the experience.