Local culture in Kyrgyzstan

The local culture in Kyrgyzstan is heavily influenced by its proximity and historical ties to Russia. Everything from language and clothing to the music played in buses and nightclubs bears Soviet influence.

Many new arrivals will find the mixture of unfamiliar Kyrgyz and Russian traditions and habits strange. This former Soviet Union republic was isolated for many years. As a result, very few expats will have encountered local behaviour. Foreigners, therefore, often experience a significant degree of culture shock in Kyrgyzstan.

Language in Kyrgyzstan

Like many former Soviet Union countries, the Kyrgyz people gave up their native languages during the Soviet era and are likely to speak only Russian. Today, Russian is more common in the northern region and in larger cities, while Kyrgyz is more common in the south.

Kyrgyz is a Turkic language related to Kazakh and Uzbek. It shares the Cyrillic script with Russian, but has three extra letters that reflect unique Kyrgyz sounds.

English speakers can be hard to come by in Kyrgyzstan, but much more so outside large cities or tourist destinations. Being able to read Cyrillic and knowing basic Russian phrases will prevent a few headaches. Luckily, it is inexpensive to study Russian (or Kyrgyz) in the country. Language exchanges are also fairly popular, with many locals eager to practise their English.

Etiquette and customs in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyz people are generally warm and inviting, so you'll likely be invited to a traditional dinner. You should take a small gift (drinks or sweets work well) and be sure to remove your shoes at the door. Eating and drinking are taken very seriously, so guests at a Kyrgyz dinner may be overwhelmed with food.

Toasts are made frequently, usually with vodka. Men are expected to take part in every toast they are offered; women can sometimes politely decline alcohol, but are otherwise expected to keep up with every toast. It is common that if a bottle of vodka is opened, it must be finished in one sitting.

Bribes are an unfortunate custom in Kyrgyzstan. Police sometimes stop foreigners to check their passports and visas, and may threaten those caught without them with a trip to the police station before requesting a small payoff. Taxi drivers sometimes try to charge foreigners more, and bureaucratic tasks have been known to be facilitated with a few bills.

Food in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyz cuisine can take some time to adjust to. Many dishes are heavy on meat and animal fat (often mutton), as various vegetables can be tough to find in winter. Kyrgyz delicacies include horse sausage, beshbarmak (boiled mutton with noodles and broth), and kumys (also known as Kumis), Kyrgyzstan’s national drink made from fermented mare’s milk. Many expats consider kumys to be an acquired taste.

Doing business in Kyrgyzstan

It is not unusual for a Kyrgyz businessperson to arrive late to a meeting, and it should not be seen as an insult. Expats should not allow it to blemish their perception of the person's work ethic. Try not to plan meetings far in advance, as they will inevitably be rescheduled at least once or twice.

When meeting any Kyrgyz person (even outside a business environment), it is normal for all men to shake hands. Women sometimes offer to shake hands with men, but it is not typical and should not be taken personally if a woman doesn't extend her hand.

Women in Kyrgyzstan

Women in Kyrgyzstan often navigate a society where traditional gender roles remain influential, especially in rural areas, though urban centres like Bishkek are seeing gradual shifts toward gender equality. While the government has implemented measures to improve women's rights and protections, challenges such as domestic violence and limited political representation persist. 

Expat women typically do not face widespread harassment, but it's advisable to dress modestly and remain aware of local customs to avoid unwanted attention. That said, societal attitudes are slowly changing, with growing awareness of gender issues and support networks for women gaining traction.

LGBTQ+ in Kyrgyzstan

LGBTQ+ individuals in Kyrgyzstan face significant challenges, as same-sex relationships are legal but not socially accepted, and there are no anti-discrimination laws protecting sexual orientation or gender identity. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples are generally frowned upon and may attract negative attention or even harassment. 

While there are a few underground LGBTQ+ support groups and occasional safe spaces in Bishkek, they tend to be discreet due to safety concerns. Expats should be mindful of local attitudes and exercise caution when expressing their identity in public. Despite the difficulties, a small but resilient LGBTQ+ community continues to advocate for greater visibility and rights.