Trivia in Kyrgyzstan

National symbols

Flag: A red field with a golden sun radiating 40 rays and a crossed circular arc depicting the tunduk (roof of a yurt) in the center

Emblem: A circular emblem depicting the sun rising over the Tian Shan Mountains against a white falcon with spread wings and sheaves of wheat and cotton

Trivia & facts

• The 40 rays on the national flag symbolize the 40 tribes united by the legendary hero Manas
• Issyk-Kul Lake never freezes in winter, meaning "hot lake" in a high-altitude setting
• The komuz is a three-stringed national instrument carved from a single piece of wood
• The capital Bishkek's name derives from "bishuk," a nomadic milk-churning stick
• The 12th-century caravanserai Tash Rabat is a stone caravan shelter at 3,200m altitude
• The world's largest natural walnut forest, Arslanbob, is said to have been crossed by Alexander the Great
• The Kyrgyz surname endings "-ov/-eva" are remnants of the Russian Empire era
• At Song-Kol Lake, nomads pitch yurts only in summer, offering traditional life experiences
• Kumis, horse milk wine sold in markets, is believed to have digestive benefits
• The World Nomad Games feature "Toguz Korgol," a mountain board game, as an official event