UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is proud to host three remarkable sites recognized on the UNESCO World Heritage List:

• Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain (inscribed in 2009)
• Silk Roads: The Routes Network of Chang’an-Tianshan Corridor (inscribed in 2014)
• Western Tien-Shan (inscribed in 2016)

Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain

Situated in Osh, Sulaiman-Too has been venerated for over 1,500 years. Once a guiding landmark for travelers along the Great Silk Road, this sacred mountain features places of worship, ancient rock art, and seven revered caves. Pilgrims still visit the 17 sacred sites on its slopes, seeking healing and longevity. The mountain’s notable landmarks include the «Tahti Sulaiman» mosque atop one of its peaks, as well as additional mosques and a mausoleum located at its base.

Silk Roads: The Routes Network of Chang’an-Tianshan Corridor

This heritage site spans across Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and China. In Kyrgyzstan, significant locations include the ancient settlements of Suyab (Ak-Beshim), Krasnaya Rechka, and Burana (Balasagun). These historic areas were crucial hubs along the Great Silk Road. Today, visitors can explore the remnants of Buddhist monasteries, Nestorian temples, necropolises, medieval fortresses, and the iconic Burana Tower, among other historical treasures.

Western Tien-Shan

The Western Tien-Shan, part of one of the largest mountain systems globally, is also acknowledged in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. In Kyrgyzstan, this region encompasses three nature reserves: Sary-Chelek, Padyshatinskiy, and Besh-Aralskiy. These reserves are crucial for preserving the region’s rich biodiversity, including its unique flora and fauna.

• Saimaly-Tash Petroglyphs (added in 2001): Located in a protected area of Kyrgyzstan, this site boasts one of Central Asia’s largest rock art collections, with petroglyphs believed to date back to the 3rd and 2nd millennia BC.

• Great Silk Road Routes in Kyrgyzstan (introduced in 2011): This includes nomadic monuments in Naryn Oblast, historical sites along Lake Issyk-Kul’s southern shore, medieval remnants in Nevaket, Suyab, and Balasagun, the Manas Ordo cultural environment in Talas Oblast, the Safed Bulan cultural landscape, and the ruins of Uzgen and Shorobashat.

• Shah Fazil (added in 2001)
• Uzgen (added in 2001, removed in 2011 due to its inclusion in the Great Silk Road routes)
• Burana Tower (added in 2001, removed in 2014 as it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Great Silk Road: Chang’an-Tianshan Corridor Route Network)
• Cultural and Natural Landscape of Issyk-Kul (added in 2001, removed in 2011 as the southern part of the lake was included in the Great Silk Road routes)