The old Osh Bazaar in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, continues to attract locals and tourists alike with its vibrant mix of fresh produce, traditional handmade goods, and authentic Central Asian atmosphere.

One of the oldest bazaars in Central Asia, Osh Bazaar is famous for its nuts, dairy products, bread, traditional clothing, and souvenirs. Located on the banks of the Ala Archa River in the city’s west, the bazaar spans 5 hectares, with 17,000 square meters enclosed. It sits at the intersection of Beishenalieva and Toktogul streets.

Established More Than 80 Years Ago

Originally known as “Ala-Archa Kolhoz,” the market was established in 1942, rebuilt in 1982, and reopened to the public in 1983. The complex includes a grand entrance gate, more than 500 stalls, and a household goods store. Its walls once displayed Eastern-style decorations and traditional motifs, later removed during major renovations that began in 2016.

According to historians, the bazaar was named “Osh” because it was built by workers from the Osh region in southern Kyrgyzstan.

Despite the economic challenges after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Osh Bazaar has remained Bishkek’s most dynamic marketplace and one of the city’s top attractions.

What You’ll Find Inside

In its semi-covered section, vendors sell dried fruits, spices, tea, honey, and dairy products like butter. The central area is home to traditional baked goods such as bread, fried dough called boorsok, layered pancakes known as katlama, and samsa cooked in tandoor ovens.

Nearby, visitors can browse through handmade clothing, colorful fabrics, and souvenirs, all reflecting the region’s cultural heritage.

A Lifeline After the Soviet Era

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, when unemployment soared in Kyrgyzstan, Osh Bazaar became a vital hub for trade and survival. Thousands of people earned their livelihoods here, helping the market play a key role in the country’s transition to a market economy.

Today, its stalls overflowing with dried nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables, spices, breads, and traditional crafts continue to give the market an unmistakable Central Asian identity.

“The Osh Bazaar Has Become Our Second Home”

For many, the market has been more than just a workplace. Akbarı Shakirova, a 54-year-old resident of Bishkek, has been selling nuts at the bazaar for nearly three decades.

“I studied at university here. I graduated with a degree in law. Then I got married. I didn’t pursue my profession. There were no jobs. I started working at the market. Our livelihood was at the market, and I’ve been doing this job since 1997,” she said.

She recalled the difficult conditions in the past:
“The market had no roof. We would cover ourselves with transparent tablecloths to protect ourselves from the rain. The rain would still come through, and puddles would form. Starting in 2016, renovations began, a roof was built, and conditions improved. Since it’s open on all sides, the wind blows in from every direction. It’s cold in winter and hot in summer. Despite that, we keep working.”

Shakirova added that customer numbers have grown over time:
“As the city’s population grew, so did the number of customers. Foreign tourists also come. There weren’t this many tourists before. Their numbers are increasing every year… Osh Bazaar is our livelihood. This market has become our second home. Now we plan to retire and return to the village,” she said.

“We Supported Our Children by Working at the Market”

Another longtime vendor, 75-year-old Ayımpasha Belekova, has sold kurut (dried yogurt balls), butter, and other dairy products for almost 30 years.

“I worked as an accountant at a state institution. Then I quit my job, moved to the capital, and started working at the market. Thanks to God, I worked well. I have seven children. We raised them and married them off. They all went to university. My youngest daughter graduated from medical school and is now working as a doctor. We supported and raised our children by working here. The Osh Bazaar has given me a lot. If you work, you earn,” she said.

“Bargaining Is a Tradition Here”

For newer traders like Sardarbek Abdillayev, who has been selling nuts at Osh Bazaar for five years, the market is also an opportunity to sell produce directly. Coming from a farming family in Batken, he sells his own harvest at affordable prices.

“Here, you can find anything you’re looking for, from a needle to a needle. There are many opportunities to make money. Our market provides a livelihood for many people. This place is cheaper than other parts of the city,” he said.

Abdillayev also stressed the market’s appeal to tourists:
“Osh Bazaar is one of the oldest markets, so many foreign tourists also come here. They don’t care much about the price. We don’t say, ‘Let’s sell cheaply to locals and expensively to foreigners.’ We treat everyone equally. If we give discounts to Kyrgyz people, we give the same to foreigners,” he said.

On bargaining, Abdillayev smiled:
“Haggling is a tradition here, but everyone is friendly. If you come to Bishkek, don’t leave without visiting the Osh Bazaar,” he said.