Talas

In 1877, nestled in a picturesque valley along the banks of a rushing river, the village of Dmitrievka was founded with just a hundred residents. By 1944, this settlement was granted city status and adopted a new name—Talas.

Talas itself is a quaint and unassuming town that resembles an elongated village more than a bustling city. With a population of around 50,000, it ranks as the second smallest of all the regional centers in Kyrgyzstan, right after Batken. The town stretches along a 7-kilometer section of Lenin Street, which is essentially a segment of the highway that connects Taraz to the Bishkek-Osh road. The cityscape is predominantly one-story, with a strong rural character that permeates the atmosphere. The heart of Talas’s daily life is its bustling bazaar, where people gather and trade goods. As for notable landmarks within the city, there are very few to speak of. One exception is the former forest park, featuring a grove of poplar, willow, and birch trees, with the Talas River branching out toward the north, adding a serene natural element to the area.

The name «Talas,» according to available sources, derives from two foreign words: «tal,» meaning «hill» or «elevation,» and «as,» which translates to «water» or «river.» Thus, «Talas» aptly describes a hilly landscape with a lively, flowing river, perfectly capturing the vibrant scenery of the Talas Valley.

In the city, a monument stands honoring Berdike Baatyr, a hero of the steppe who earned his fame during the wars against the Dzungars. Though these conflicts, as well as battles against the Uighurs, weren’t as prevalent as they were in Kazakhstan, they still impacted the Kyrgyz people. Additionally, there’s a statue dedicated to the renowned writer Chingiz Aitmatov, who was born not far from Talas.

The «Manas-Ordo» complex, which preserves the history of the great Manas and his 40 warriors, is located in the village of Tash-Aryk, about 22 kilometers from Talas. The epic hero of the Kyrgyz people, Manas, was said to have been born in the Ala-Too Mountains, within the Talas region. At the heart of this complex lies the Gumbez of Manas. According to legend, this is where the epic hero is buried.

Despite the inscription on the richly adorned facade, which reads, «…to the most glorious woman, Kenizak-Khatun, daughter of Emir Abuka,» legend tells us that Manas’s wife, Kanikey, deliberately altered the inscription to mislead her husband’s enemies and prevent the desecration of his body. The structure, now known as the «Gumbez of Manas,» was constructed in 1334. Today, it houses a museum dedicated to the epic. A ceremonial burial mound is located nearby. In the center of «Manas-Ordo,» a park has been created, with statues of the epic’s heroes scattered throughout. Within this complex, you’ll also find the Institute of Manas Studies, a museum, and a special yurt where you can listen to live performances of the epic by traditional storytellers, or «akyns.»

Approximately 20 kilometers from Talas, three ancient human settlements can be found: Kulan-Sai, Terek-Sai, and Kurgan-Tash. In the surrounding area, various petroglyphs and rock carvings have been discovered, shedding light on the lives of those who once inhabited this region.

The history of Talas is far more remarkable than the city itself.

In an atlas compiled by Abraham Cresques in Palma de Mallorca, Catalonia, between 1375 and 1377, Talas is depicted alongside Lake Issyk-Kul and the city of Jerusalem. Both cities were marked as «holy cities» for the Jewish people. A reminder of the flourishing period of the 11th-12th centuries is the ancient settlement of Ak-Tyube, located to the east of Talas.

Talas is also mentioned by Rabban Bar Sauma, a fascinating figure who undertook a pilgrimage from Beijing (his birthplace, though he was ethnically a Turkic Muslim) to Jerusalem, making his journey a sort of reverse Marco Polo. On his way westward, he met Kaydi Khan, a cousin of Kublai Khan, in Talas, though he never managed to reach Jerusalem.

The Talas Valley is perhaps best known as the site of a significant battle that took place in 751 between the forces of the Abbasid Caliphate and the Türgesh Khaganate on one side, and the army of Tang China on the other, vying for control over Central Asia.

By 751, the Arabs had already conquered Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Palestine. Despite resistance from the Western Turkic Khaganate, they managed to seize its southern territories and incorporate them into the Caliphate. As the Arabs penetrated the region, Islam gradually began to spread.

In 749, Chinese General Gao Xianzhi captured Tashkent and executed its Turkic ruler, Mohedu. In response to a plea from Mohedu’s son, and to protect the besieged Arab garrison in Taraz, the Caliph’s governor, Abu Muslim, dispatched a detachment of Yemeni cavalry under the command of Ziyad ibn Salih, who was joined by militias from Turkic tribes that had previously fought against the Arabs.

By the time the battle commenced, each side had gathered around 20,000 to 30,000 warriors who lined up on the battlefield. The confrontation lasted for five days, and on the fifth day, the Karluk forces launched a surprise attack from the rear against the Chinese. In the heat of the battle, the Karluks—who are believed to be the ancestors of the Turkmen—set aside their internal disputes with the Türgesh and other clans, joining the fight against their ancient enemy. This decisive move turned the tide of the battle.

The Chinese army faltered and fled in disarray. General Gao Xianzhi’s escort barely managed to clear a path for him through his panicked soldiers.

The Battle of Talas marked the end of Tang China’s westward expansion. However, the Chinese forces managed to inflict significant losses on the Arab army, which halted their eastward advance into the Semirechye region, the lands of the Türgesh Khaganate.

A few years after the battle, the An Lushan Rebellion erupted, weakening Tang China and forcing the emperor to recall his border garrisons to the east. Similarly, the Arabs were unable to maintain their foothold in the Talas Valley and retreated to Shash.

Soviet and Central Asian scholars emphasize the global historical significance of the Battle of Talas, considering it a monumental clash of civilizations. However, Chinese and some Western historians view the conflict as merely a routine border skirmish.

The aftermath of the battle had several notable consequences:

• It marked the end of the Arab advance to the east.
• Islam began to spread among Turkic peoples.
• The Karluks established an independent state.
• The technology of papermaking spread westward via Chinese prisoners of war.
• The Uighurs restored their state in East Turkestan.
• The Tang Empire started to decline, and Chinese expansion toward the west ceased for nearly 1,000 years.
• Chinese ambitions in Central Asia came to an abrupt halt.

One of the most significant attractions in the Talas Valley is Manas Ordo, believed to be the burial site of the legendary Manas himself. As the central figure of the Epic of Manas, this iconic hero is celebrated for uniting the warring Kyrgyz tribes and bringing lasting peace to the region. Since Manas is said to have been born in Talas, the valley has transformed into a focal point for everything related to Kyrgyzstan’s national hero, drawing visitors and enthusiasts eager to connect with his legacy.

Situated approximately 20 km (12.5 miles) northeast of Talas, you’ll find three ancient camps: Kulan Sai, Terek Sai, and Tash Kurgan. In the vicinity of these camps, visitors can discover cave paintings and petroglyphs that serve as captivating glimpses into the region’s ancient past. South of the city lies Besh Tash, a breathtaking valley whose name translates to “five stones,” offering stunning natural beauty for those who venture into this serene landscape.

The renowned author Chingiz Aitmatov, whose works have left an indelible mark on Kyrgyz literature, was born in Sheker, a quaint village in Talas Province near the border with Kazakhstan. This connection further enriches the cultural significance of the Talas Valley.

Another notable highlight is the Kirov Reservoir, the second-largest in Kyrgyzstan, which creates an expansive lake on the Talas River that’s truly worth a visit. Nature enthusiasts will also be delighted by Besh-Tash National Park, a protected zone since 1996, showcasing some of the most unique and breathtaking juniper forests in the entire country.

For adventurers seeking an exhilarating experience, Manas Peak stands as the ultimate challenge. Towering at 4,482 meters (14,705 feet), it is the highest peak in the Talas Range, offering a remarkable destination for those eager to explore the rugged and majestic heights of this spectacular region.