Sulaiman-Too Mountain & Museum

Sulaiman-Too, also known as the Sacred Mountain of Sulaiman, is located within the boundaries of Kyrgyzstan’s southern capital, Osh. In 2009, it became the first UNESCO World Heritage site in the country, recognized for its unique natural beauty intertwined with deep cultural traditions and religious practices. This mountain stands as a vivid testament to mountain worship that has endured for several millennia.

At the foot of this tourist landmark and renowned Muslim pilgrimage site lies one of Kyrgyzstan’s largest museums, established in 1949. Over its long history, the museum has undergone numerous name changes. Today, it houses more than 33,000 artifacts related to the history, archaeology, art, and nature of southern Kyrgyzstan. In 2000, as part of the celebrations of Osh’s 3,000th anniversary, the museum received a new building with an area of 1,100 square meters.

The museum complex’s exposition is divided into two main sections, dedicated to the region’s natural history and cultural heritage. Here, visitors will find ancient manuscripts, coins, household items, felt products, books, photographs, as well as gifts presented to the city by high-ranking foreign officials. The «Sulaiman-Too» museum complex has several smaller regional museums under its wing, including the Urkuya Saliyeva Museum, the Nookat District Museum, the architectural complex «Uzgen,» and the Museum of the Kolkhoz «Russia.»

An exceptional part of the Osh Museum of «Sulaiman-Too» is the Museum of Spiritual Culture, the only one of its kind in Kyrgyzstan, situated on the southern slope of Mount Rushan. The first floor of this museum is formed by extended karst caves, while the upper level consists of a natural cave structure, with 13 rooms covering a total area of 1,238 square meters.

The artifacts housed in the museum are connected to the myriad of religious cults that have existed in Central Asia since ancient times, spanning from animism and shamanism to the world’s major religions.

The placement of the Museum of Spiritual Culture atop one of the Sulaiman-Too peaks is not coincidental. The area contains petroglyphs, some dating back thousands of years, along with no fewer than 12 sacred caves that attract numerous pilgrims. In ancient times, hermits lived in these caves, where sacrificial altars and mausoleums were also located. Today, people come to these sacred spaces to pray and seek blessings from the saints.

This five-peaked limestone formation dominates the periphery of the fertile Fergana Valley. During the era of the Great Silk Road, this solitary mountain served as a landmark for caravans navigating their long and challenging journey. Historical mentions of the city sprawling at the foot of Sulaiman-Too date back to the 9th century, affirming Osh as one of Kyrgyzstan’s oldest cities. Nowadays, the sacred mountain is surrounded by dense residential, religious, and administrative buildings. Situated right in the city’s heart, it covers an area of 122 hectares, effectively splitting the city in two. From the observation deck at the cave museum, you can take in a panoramic view of the entire city.

The mountain is bordered to the north and south by two canals, which, according to legend, were created by the Prophet himself to bestow fertility upon the valley. These canals, named Jupas and Jannat, hold sacred significance, and along one of them, you can find water wheels—known as chigiri—that function much as they did in medieval times. Visitors can ascend the slopes and peaks via both constructed and natural trails.

From a distance, the mountain’s contours form, for some, the Arabic word «Allah,» while others see the silhouette of a person lying on their side. It is believed that Prophet Muhammad, also known as Sulaiman, came here to pray, which is why this sacred place bears his name. The mountain elicits a sense of profound reverence among most visitors.

It is believed that as early as the 10th century, pilgrims began visiting Sulaiman-Too, though worship likely began much earlier. One legend mentions the prophet Zoroaster, the founder of Zoroastrianism, who supposedly lived in one of Sulaiman-Too’s caves several centuries before Christ. It was here, according to legend, that he wrote the sacred texts of the Avesta, which outlined his teachings and the revelations received from Ahura Mazda, whom Zoroaster proclaimed the one true God. In ancient times, Zoroastrian temples were established on the mountain, where the cult of water and fire was revered. Today, gates dedicated to these two elements stand at the foot of Sulaiman-Too.

Up until the sixteenth century it was known as “Bara Kuch” – or “ Nice Mountain ”. It was given it’s new name because the Muslim prophet Suleyman Sheikh was buried at the foot of it, and since that time it assumed a Holy significance and many believers make a pilgrimage here. Also, some Muslims apparently think that Muhammad is supposed to have once prayed here. There is a path walkway around the mountain, which makes an interesting walk. Along the way you will probably see pilgrims praying at a little cave. Inside the cave, water droplets drip from the roof, and it is said that these are the tears of Suleyman. Pilgrims come to pray to relief from illnesses and for help in solving problems. For some reason (apparently, in profile some people think it resembles a pregnant woman lying down – but you have to be some distance away and in the direction to see this), it is also revered by many women who have been unable to bear children.

At the top of a short (30 minute climb) is a flagpole and a mosque built in 1497 by the 14 year old Babur who had been recently crowned the King of the Ferghana Valley – and later went on to become the founder of the Mogul dynasty in India – destroyed and rebuilt twice it is another center for pilgrimage. In later life Babur abdicated and wrote his memoires in which he mentions the Suleyman mount (and his building projects on it); the river, overlooked from both banks by gardens and a red and white stone which was used as handles for knoves. He also tells of a mosque built by a meadow with a wide wide stream flowing through it, and apparently it was a standing joke to carry people who fell asleep in the meadow across three streams to the other side.

The sacred mountain is believed to possess healing properties for various ailments, including infertility, joint pain, and headaches. Visitors touch, sit, or lie on the stones, slide down the polished slope while making a wish, and place their hands, feet, or heads into specially formed crevices said to have curative powers. The mountain is believed to impart life energy and blessings, merging pre-Islamic and Islamic beliefs at its many sacred sites.

In Kyrgyz terms, Sulaiman-Too is not particularly high—standing at 1,172 meters above sea level. However, it doesn’t appear as a conventional mountain but rather resembles a half-ruined palace or temple made from softened Turkestan clay, giving it a grand, monumental feel—stretching one and a half kilometers in length and towering about 200 meters above the city. Its peaks, from right to left, are: Takht-i-Sulaiman (Throne of Solomon) or Buura-Too (Camel Mountain), Shor-Too (Salt Mountain), Kattama-Too (Layered Mountain, barely visible and set apart), Rushan-Too (the highest peak), and Eer-Too (Saddle Mountain).

Takht-i-Sulaiman is the peak that gave its name to the entire sacred mountain. Originally, Sulaiman-Too referred only to this peak, while the whole mountain was known as Bara-Kuh. Somewhere in the 19th century, the name of this revered summit spread to encompass the other four peaks. It’s also known as Camel Mountain due to its silhouette. Here, you’ll find an observation deck and the so-called «Babur’s House,» a gazebo-like structure built by the future Mughal Emperor over a rock believed to bear the forehead and knee imprints of Solomon.

For the local population, the mountain has always held sacred significance, as evidenced by the countless petroglyphs scattered across its slopes. The summit of Sulaiman-Too, located at 1,162 meters, is home to the Sulaiman Mosque, which attracts believers from all over the world.

Shor-Tag, translated as «White Salt Peak,» owes its name to the visible white efflorescence that crowns it at 1,141 meters. Rushan-Tag, meaning «the brightest» or «the highest,» reaches 1,175 meters. Lastly, Eer-Tag, translated as «Saddle,» derives its name from the saddle-like shape of its peak at 1,145.5 meters.

Sulaiman-Too, renowned for its caves, boasts seven in total. Each cave entrance is framed by a grotto, and they all share a common karst origin. Karst caves are underground cavities that either remain enclosed or open up to the surface, formed by the dissolution of water-soluble rock. These caves can take on a variety of forms, such as shafts, wells, peculiar halls, or narrow underground passages.

Almost every cave carries a name that hints at its unique character:

1. The First Cave is located on the northern side of the summit of Sulaiman-Too. It remains nameless, as it is in an area inaccessible to people and has yet to be explored.

2. The Second Cave, on the same peak, is called «Chakatamar,» derived from the word «Chakka,» meaning «to drip.» It is intriguing because water drips from its ceiling, seeping through micro-cracks in the mountain. According to legends, whoever is blessed with a drop of this water on their head will enjoy robust health. Access to this cave is possible only by crawling through an opening in a shallow grotto, and after about seven meters, it leads to another round opening similar to the first.

3. Tepeunkur Cave, translating to «cave at the top,» is situated on the second peak along the slope. The entrance is nearly vertical, requiring a bit of courage to navigate inside.

4. On this very peak lies Chilten-Hana, or «pierced stone,» which offers three different entrances.

5. The third peak is home to Ishen-Unkur, known as the «meditation chamber.» Its quiet and secluded environment offers a perfect retreat for contemplation.

6. Also located here is the two-tiered Rusha-Unkur Cave, the largest by area, with petroglyphs etched at the entrance. Today, it houses a museum that offers visitors a journey through history.

7. Perched on the fifth peak is Khurkiz Cave, where, according to legend, a celestial maiden sought refuge. It is distinguished by its picturesque dome, seemingly woven from fossilized lace.

The entrance to the sacred mountain begins at Gapar Aytiev Street, near its intersection with Shota Rustaveli Street. Roughly a hundred meters ahead, motorists will encounter a paid parking area. Beyond this point lies a barrier gate, which opens only on special occasions or for tourist buses and taxis for an additional fee. The road leads to a staircase that ascends to a museum dedicated to the history of Sulaiman-Too and a viewing platform. From here, the journey continues along a tourist trail, safeguarded by a metal railing on the cliffside.

The museum itself might not be particularly captivating, but its unique location is worth a visit. Climbing the mountain in the summer heat can be quite a challenge, making the term «pilgrimage» fitting for the experience. The established route winds along the southern slope of the Sulaiman mountain, where visitors can observe rock carvings (with over 100 sites featuring these images) and visit significant sacred locations.

A steep, stepped ascent starts at the Babur Mausoleum. On this same small plateau stands the national flag of Kyrgyzstan, along with another viewing platform. This spot is best visited early in the morning when the crowds are thin. From here, visitors can either return the way they came or descend to the other entrance of the complex, located near the main building of Osh State University. Interestingly, many start their journey from this point. At the entrance, visitors are greeted by the Fire Gate (with the Water Gate on the opposite side) and a ticket booth. Beyond a decorative fence lies a pavilion designed in an Eastern style. For those planning a leisurely stroll, it’s wise to set aside half a day for the exploration.

Adventurers who aspire to reach the summits are in for an entirely different experience. According to tourist feedback, navigating the slopes is relatively easy thanks to natural steps, though some basic physical preparation is beneficial. Observant travelers might spot large, dark patches on the rocks, which from a distance resemble animal silhouettes. Locals explain this phenomenon as a testament to the wisdom of King Solomon, who was believed to communicate with the fauna in this region. Legend has it that after his passing, the grieving animals gathered together, turning into stone, thus forming Sulaiman-Too, with the shadows of the creatures forever etched into the mountain.

Footpaths trodden by countless pilgrims connect the various sacred sites scattered across the mountain peaks. Today, 17 of these places are actively used for religious rituals. The pilgrimage path encircles all the peaks, though it is barely equipped, and certain sections pose genuine dangers. Those who are determined to traverse it will find it a journey both challenging and deeply rewarding, an expedition that demands respect for the ancient mountain’s enduring spirit.

The Babur Mausoleum, often referred to as Babur’s Pavilion, is more reminiscent of a secluded gazebo designed for quiet contemplation and meditation. The original structure was erected in the late 15th century by Zahir-ud-din Muhammad Babur, who would later establish the Mughal Empire. Unfortunately, this historical edifice was demolished in the 1960s. The current replica was constructed at the turn of the 1980s and 1990s, based on surviving photographs and sketches to replicate its former glory.

One remarkable artifact that still endures is a unique stone slab featuring three indentations. According to legend, these marks were left by the knees and forehead of King Solomon as he knelt and prayed at this very spot. Nearby, rugs are laid out, often serving as a resting place for individuals who sit in silent reflection, finding solace in the mausoleum’s tranquil atmosphere.

The Sulaiman-Too Museum’s extraordinary setting comes from being nestled within one of the sacred mountain’s caves. Its striking latticed portal is visible from afar, standing out against the natural hues of the mountain due to its imposing size and the vivid contrast of its design.

The museum was first opened during the Soviet era, in 1978, and it offers an immersive experience, with exhibits placed within the cave’s corridors and halls, which have undergone minimal alterations. A convenient staircase with handrails connects different levels, flanked by displays of animal models and figures of primitive humans. The central hall, which is both spacious and impressive, has a large window that floods the space with light, allowing visitors to observe ancient petroglyphs etched on the walls and skylights near the ceiling.

The museum’s exhibits delve into the history of Sulaiman-Too, providing insight into the culture and daily life of the ancient inhabitants of Osh. The blend of natural elements with carefully curated artifacts makes this museum an intriguing place to explore.