History of Kyrgyzstan in Timeline

Kyrgyzstan, or the Kyrgyz Republic, is a landlocked Central Asian nation defined by the Tian Shan and Pamir mountains. It shares borders with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China. Bishkek serves as its capital and largest city. The population exceeds 7 million, primarily consisting of ethnic Kyrgyz, with Uzbek and Russian minorities. The country's economy relies on agriculture and mineral extraction.

1916: Suppression of 1916 Rebellion

In 1916, the suppression of the rebellion against Russian rule in Central Asia led to the migration of many Kyrgyz to China.

1919: Establishment of Soviet Power

In 1919, Soviet power was initially established in the region of Kyrgyzstan, and the Kara-Kyrgyz Autonomous Oblast was created within the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (SFSR).

1922: Belavezha Accords

On 8 December 1991, the new leaders of three out of four Soviet Union's founding republics, Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, signed the Belavezha Accords, denouncing the Union Treaty of 1922.

1928: End of New Economic Policy

Around 1928, the New Economic Policy (NEP) ended, and efforts were made to establish a standardized tax system, with higher taxes for nomads.

1928: Start of Collectivization and Industrialization

By the end of the 1920s, specifically 1928, the Soviet Union began its five-year plans centered around industrialization and collectivization of agriculture.

1928: Adoption of Latin script

In 1928, the Latin script was introduced and adopted on Stalin's orders for the Kyrgyz language.

1932: Nomad and Peasant Resistance

Between 1928 and 1932, nomads and peasants resisted collectivization policies in the Kirgiziya area, with guerrilla opposition occurring.

1934: National Library of the Kyrgyz Republic Established

In 1934, the National Library of the Kyrgyz Republic, the oldest library in the country, was established.

December 1936: Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic Established

On 5 December 1936, the Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic was established as a constituent Union Republic of the Soviet Union.

1936: Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic Formation

In 1936, the Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic was formed, becoming a constituent republic of the Soviet Union.

1941: Adoption of Cyrillic script

In 1941, the Latin script was replaced by the Cyrillic script for the Kyrgyz language.

1979: Ethnic Kyrgyz population

In 1979, the percentage of ethnic Kyrgyz in Kyrgyzstan was around 50%.

1989: Soviet Census in Frunze

According to the last Soviet census in 1989, ethnic Kyrgyz made up only 22% of the residents of Frunze, with Russians, Ukrainians, and other Slavic nations comprising more than 60%.

1989: Emergence of Housing Crisis Groups

In 1989, several groups emerged to address the acute housing crisis in Kyrgyzstan and were permitted to function despite the ban on unofficial political groups.

1989: German population

In 1989, the German population in Kyrgyzstan numbered 101,000 persons.

June 1990: Ethnic Tensions in Osh Region

In June 1990, ethnic tensions between Uzbeks and Kyrgyz surfaced in the Osh Region, leading to 186 deaths and triggering the Osh Riots.

December 1990: Republic Name Change

On 15 December 1990, the Supreme Soviet voted to change the republic's name to the Republic of Kyrgyzstan.

1990: Kyrgyz exports to the Soviet Union

In 1990, approximately 98% of Kyrgyz exports were directed to other parts of the Soviet Union, highlighting the nation's economic reliance on the Soviet market.

1990: Askar Akayev Elected President

In 1990, pro-independence candidate Askar Akayev was elected president of Kyrgyzstan following Mikhail Gorbachev's democratic reforms in the USSR.

February 1991: Capital Name Change

In February 1991, the name of the capital, Frunze, was changed back to its pre-revolutionary name of Bishkek.

March 1991: Referendum on Preservation of the Soviet Union

In March 1991, a referendum on the preservation of the Soviet Union saw 88.7% of voters approve retaining the Soviet Union as a "renewed federation".

August 1991: Kyrgyzstan Declares Independence

On 31 August 1991, Kyrgyzstan declared its independence from the USSR, establishing a democratic government and attaining sovereignty as a nation-state.

August 1991: Declaration of Independence

On 31 August 1991, the Supreme Soviet voted to declare independence from the Soviet Union as the Republic of Kyrgyzstan.

October 1991: Akayev Elected President

In October 1991, Akayev ran unopposed and was elected president of the new independent republic by direct ballot, receiving 95 percent of the votes cast.

December 1991: Entry into the Commonwealth of Independent States

On 21 December 1991, Kyrgyzstan agreed with the other four Central Asian Republics to the Alma-Ata Protocols, formally entering the Commonwealth of Independent States.

December 1991: Belavezha Accords Signed

On 8 December 1991, the new leaders of three out of four Soviet Union's founding republics, Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, signed the Belavezha Accords, denouncing the Union Treaty of 1922.

1991: Kyrgyz adopted as the state language

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Kyrgyz was adopted as the state language of Kyrgyzstan in 1991.

1991: Independence Day Anniversary

Kyrgyzstan celebrates its Independence Day annually on 31 August, the anniversary of its declaration of independence in 1991.

1991: Kyrgyz Independence

Many ethnic Kyrgyz born after Kyrgyz independence in 1991 can't speak Kyrgyz, but only Russian, according to a Bishkek resident.

1991: Emigration of Germans

Since 1991, a large number of Germans have emigrated to Germany from Kyrgyzstan.

1992: Flag of the Soviet Union

Before 1992, Kyrgyzstan's flag was the flag of the Soviet Union with two big blue stripes and a white thin stripe in the middle.

1992: Joined United Nations and OSCE

In 1992, Kyrgyzstan joined the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

1992: Football Federation of Kyrgyz Republic Founded

In 1992, the Football Federation of Kyrgyz Republic was founded after the split of the Soviet Union, becoming the official governing body for football in Kyrgyzstan.

May 1993: Name change to Kyrgyz Republic

On 5 May 1993, the official name changed from the Republic of Kyrgyzstan to the Kyrgyz Republic following the adoption of a new constitution.

1993: Population of Uzbek Enclaves

In 1993, the population of the Uzbek town of Sokh within Kyrgyzstan was around 42,800, and the population of Shakhimardan was around 5,100.

1993: Form of Government Defined

The 1993 constitution defines Kyrgyzstan's form of government as a democratic unicameral republic.

1995: Kyrgyzstan's Best Performance at Asian Basketball Championship

In 1995, Kyrgyzstan's national basketball team achieved its best performance at the Asian Basketball Championship, finishing ahead of teams including Iran, Philippines and Jordan.

December 1998: Kyrgyzstan's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO)

On 20 December 1998, Kyrgyzstan acceded to the World Trade Organization (WTO) following economic stabilization and structural reforms.

1998: Improvement in economic performance

Economic performance in Kyrgyzstan has improved considerably since 1998, after a period of decline following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

1998: WTO Membership

Kyrgyzstan became a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1998.

2000: First Olympic medal

In the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Aidyn Smagulov won bronze in the men's 60 kg judo competition, marking Kyrgyzstan's first Olympic medal.

2000: Russian adopted as an official language

Kyrgyzstan adopted Russian as an official language in 2000.

2001: Establishment of Manas Air Base

Since 2001, the Manas Air Base, hosting approximately 1,000 U.S. military personnel, served as a crucial staging post for coalition forces in Afghanistan.

March 2002: Aksy Protests Shooting

In March 2002, in the southern district of Aksy, five people protesting the arbitrary arrest of an opposition politician were shot dead by police, sparking nationwide protests.

2002: Agriculture's contribution to GDP

In 2002, agriculture accounted for 35.6% of Kyrgyzstan's GDP and about half of the country's employment.

February 2003: Constitutional Reform Referendum

In February 2003, President Askar Akayev initiated a constitutional reform process which led to a referendum marred by voting irregularities.

March 2005: Parliamentary Elections Criticized

In February and March 2005, parliamentary elections were held, which the opposition and international observers criticized for alleged irregularities.

March 2005: Bloodless Coup and Akayev's Departure

On 24 March 2005, protests led to a bloodless coup in Kyrgyzstan, after which President Akayev fled the country and was replaced by acting president Kurmanbek Bakiyev.

April 2005: Ousting of President Askar Akayev

In April 2005, widespread protests led to the ousting of President Askar Akayev, who fled the country and resigned, marking the Tulip Revolution.

July 2005: Kurmanbek Bakiyev Assumes Presidency

In July 2005, Kurmanbek Bakiyev assumed the presidency after winning the presidential election with a significant majority.

July 2005: Bakiyev Wins Presidential Election

On 10 July 2005, acting president Bakiyev won the presidential election in Kyrgyzstan with 88.9% of the vote.

2005: Agreement on Retransmission of RFE/RL Programmes

In 2005, Kyrgyzstan and KTRK agreed to retransmit RFE/RL (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty) programmes.

November 2006: Large-Scale Protests Against President Bakiyev

In November 2006, large-scale protests against president Bakiyev took place in Bishkek, with opposition leaders accusing him of failing to fulfill his election promises.

2006: Large-scale Protests

In 2006, large-scale protests occurred, with citizens calling for a reduction in presidential powers and increased governmental transparency.

2006: Tourist visits to lake Issyk-Kul

In 2006, tourist visits to lake Issyk-Kul numbered more than a million.

July 2007: Bermet Akayeva on the rise of Islam

During a July 2007 interview, Bermet Akayeva stated that Islam is increasingly taking root across the nation.

2007: Continued Protests and Reforms

In 2007, large-scale protests occurred, with citizens calling for a reduction in presidential powers and increased governmental transparency.

2007: Tourist visits to lake Issyk-Kul

In 2007, tourist visits to lake Issyk-Kul numbered more than a million.

September 2008: President Bakiyev Criticized RFE/RL Programme

In September 2008, President Bakiyev criticised an RFE/RL programme, while KTRK told RFE/RL that its programming was too negative.

October 2008: KTRK Stops Retransmitting RFE/RL Programming

In October 2008, KTRK stopped retransmitting RFE/RL programming after it failed to broadcast a programme called Inconvenient Questions.

November 2008: Law increasing minimum number of adherents for recognizing a religion

On 6 November 2008, the Kyrgyz parliament unanimously passed a law increasing the minimum number of adherents for recognizing a religion from 10 to 200.

December 2008: KTRK Requires Prior Submission of RFE/RL Programmes

In December 2008, the state-owned broadcast KTRK announced that it would require prior submission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty programmes.

2008: Kyrgyzstani Wrestlers Win Olympic Medals

Kyrgyzstani wrestlers won three medals at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling.

January 2009: Law signed by President Kurmanbek Bakiyev

On 12 January 2009, President Kurmanbek Bakiyev signed the law increasing the minimum number of adherents for recognizing a religion from 10 to 200.

February 2009: Closure of Manas Air Base Announced

On 3 February 2009, President Bakiyev announced the imminent closure of the Manas Air Base, the only US military base remaining in Central Asia. The closure was approved by Parliament on 19 February 2009.

June 2009: Decision to Close Manas Air Base Reversed

In June 2009, the decision to close Manas Air Base was reversed, and the Americans were allowed to remain under a new contract with increased rent.

2009: Pew Research Center report on religion

A 2009 Pew Research Center report indicated that 86.3% of Kyrgyzstan's population adheres to Islam.

2009: Eviction of U.S. Military from Manas Air Base

In 2009, Bakiyev announced the eviction of the U.S. military from the Manas Air Base.

2009: First Ice Hockey Championship Organized

In 2009, the first Ice Hockey Championship was organized in Kyrgyzstan, marking a turning point in the sport's popularity in the country.

2009: Electricity and Heating Tariffs Increased

In 2009, the government announced significant increases in electricity and heating tariffs, leading to public discontent.

April 2010: Protests Against Bakiyev's Administration

In April 2010, widespread protests erupted against President Kurmanbek Bakiyev's administration, leading to his ousting and the establishment of a provisional government.

June 2010: Referendum to Adopt New Constitution

In June 2010, a referendum was held to adopt a new constitution aimed at reducing presidential powers and enhancing parliamentary authority, which passed with approximately 90% approval.

June 2010: Ethnic Clashes in Osh and Jalal-Abad

In June 2010, violent ethnic clashes occurred in the southern cities of Osh and Jalal-Abad between Kyrgyz and Uzbek communities, resulting in over 400 deaths and displacing thousands.

October 2010: First Parliamentary Elections

In October 2010, Kyrgyzstan held its first parliamentary elections under the new constitutional framework.

2010: Syr Darya River No Longer Reaching Aral Sea

As of 2010, the Syr Darya no longer reaches the Aral Sea, as its water is withdrawn upstream to irrigate cotton fields in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and southern Kazakhstan.

2010: Sentencing of Azimzhan Askarov and Arrests after riots

In 2010, Kyrgyzstani activist and journalist Azimzhan Askarov was sentenced to life in prison. Following the 2010 South Kyrgyzstan riots, dozens of prominent Uzbek religious and community leaders, including Azimzhan Askarov, were arrested by security forces.

2010: Revolution and Bakiyev's Flight

In 2010, another revolution erupted in Kyrgyzstan, forcing President Bakiyev to flee to Kazakhstan and then seek asylum in Belarus.

July 2011: Kyrgyzstan Joins IIHF

In July 2011, the Kyrgyzstan men's national ice hockey team joined the IIHF (International Ice Hockey Federation).

December 2011: Atambayev Sworn in as President; Babanov Appointed Prime Minister

On 1 December 2011, Almazbek Atambayev was sworn in as president of Kyrgyzstan, and Omurbek Babanov was appointed prime minister on the same day.

2011: Almazbek Atambayev Elected President

In 2011, Almazbek Atambayev was elected president, serving until 2017.

2012: Pew survey report on religion

A 2012 Pew survey report showed that only 23% of respondents chose to identify themselves as Sunni, with 64% volunteering that they were "just a Muslim".

2012: Kyrgyzstan Plays in Bandy World Championship

In 2012, the Kyrgyz national team played in the Bandy World Championship for the first time.

June 2013: Law banning women under 23 from traveling abroad

In June 2013, a law was passed in the Kyrgyz parliament banning women under the age of 23 from traveling abroad without a parent or guardian, with the stated purpose of "increased morality and preservation of the gene pool."

2013: China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)

After Beijing launched the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2013, China expanded its economic presence and started a number of infrastructure projects in Kyrgyzstan.

2013: Ethnic Kyrgyz population

By 2013, the percentage of ethnic Kyrgyz in Kyrgyzstan had increased to over 70%.

June 2014: Closure of Transit Center at Manas

In June 2014, the US Armed Forces closed the Transit Center at Manas at Manas International Airport near Bishkek.

October 2014: Law imposing jail terms on gay-rights activists

In October 2014, American diplomats expressed concern when Kyrgyzstan lawmakers passed a law that imposes jail terms on gay-rights activists and others, including journalists, who create "a positive attitude toward non-traditional sexual relations."

2014: Russification of names

According to an RFE/RL article from 2014, thousands of Kyrgyz are russifying their names every year (around 40,000).

2014: US Military Withdrawal from Manas Air Base

In 2014, the US military fully withdrew from Manas Air Base.

2015: Membership in Eurasian Economic Union

In 2015, Kyrgyzstan became a full-fledged member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EES) after formally abolishing customs controls along its border with Kazakhstan.

2015: Eurasian Economic Union Entry

In 2015, Kyrgyzstan joined the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), furthering regional integration.

September 2016: University of Central Asia Launched

In September 2016, the University of Central Asia was launched in Naryn, Kyrgyzstan.

December 2016: Abolition of Military Courts

In December 2016, Kyrgyzstan abolished military courts to streamline the judicial system and enhance civilian oversight.

2016: Centennial Commemoration of the 1916 Uprising

In 2016, Kyrgyzstan commemorated the centennial of the 1916 uprising against Tsarist Russia, known as Urkun, by unveiling a monument at the Ata-Beyit memorial complex.

2016: Corruption Perception Index

In 2016, the Corruption Perception Index for Kyrgyzstan was 28 on a scale of 0 (most corrupt) to 100 (least corrupt).

January 2017: Reinstatement of life imprisonment for Azimzhan Askarov

On 24 January 2017, a Kyrgyz court reinstated a sentence of life imprisonment for Kyrgyzstani activist and journalist Azimzhan Askarov.

October 2017: Sooronbay Jeenbekov Elected President

In October 2017, Sooronbay Jeenbekov was elected as the new President of Kyrgyzstan.

2017: Sooronbay Jeenbekov Succeeded Atambayev as President

In 2017, Sooronbay Jeenbekov succeeded Atambayev as president, continuing efforts to strengthen democratic institutions.

2017: CIA World Factbook on religion

The CIA World Factbook estimates that as of 2017, 90% of the population of Kyrgyzstan is Muslim, with the majority being Non-denominational and Sunni; 7% are Christian, including 3% Russian Orthodoxy, and the remainder are other religions.

August 2019: Operation Against Almazbek Atambayev's Residence

On 7 August 2019, the Special Forces of Kyrgyzstan launched an operation against the residence of former President Almazbek Atambayev.

2019: Forest Landscape Integrity Index

Kyrgyzstan had a 2019 Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 8.86/10, ranking it 13th globally out of 172 countries.

August 2020: Population estimate

In August 2020, Kyrgyzstan's population was estimated at 6,586,600, with 34.4% under the age of 15 and 6.2% over 65.

October 2020: President Jeenbekov Resigns

In October 2020, President Sooronbay Jeenbekov resigned after protests caused by irregularities in parliamentary elections.

October 2020: Widespread Protests and Presidential Resignation

In October 2020, widespread protests erupted in Kyrgyzstan due to disputed parliamentary election results, leading to the annulment of the elections and the resignation of President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. Sadyr Japarov was released and appointed as interim president and prime minister.

2020: World Values Survey on language spoken at home

According to World Values Survey in 2020, Russian was the language spoken at home for 55.6% of the population of Bishkek, and Kyrgyz was the second with 43.6%.

2020: Democracy Index and Freedom in the World report

In 2020, Kyrgyzstan was ranked 107th out of 167 in the Democracy Index as a "hybrid regime." It was also ranked "partly free" in 2020 with a score of 39/100.

2020: Kyrgyzstani Wrestlers Win Olympic Medals

Kyrgyzstani wrestlers won three medals at the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling.

January 2021: Sadyr Japarov Elected President

In January 2021, Sadyr Japarov was elected as the new president of Kyrgyzstan after winning the presidential election by a landslide.

January 2021: Constitutional Referendum Approves Governance Changes

In January 2021, a referendum in Kyrgyzstan approved constitutional reforms aimed at shifting the country's governance structure from a parliamentary to a presidential system, granting the president expanded powers.

March 2021: Russia Announces Plans for New Russian-Language Schools

In March 2021, Russia announced its plans to create approximately 30 new Russian-language schools in Kyrgyzstan.

April 2021: Constitutional Referendum Approved

In April 2021, the majority of voters in Kyrgyzstan approved a new constitution in a constitutional referendum that will give new powers to the president.

2021: Reversion to Presidential System

In 2021, Kyrgyzstan reverted to a presidential system after being a unitary parliamentary republic and a semi-presidential republic.

2021: Freedom in the World report

In 2021, Kyrgyzstan was ranked "not free" in the Freedom in the World report with a score of 28/100.

2021: Border Disputes with Tajikistan

In 2021, Kyrgyzstan's longstanding border disputes with neighboring Tajikistan escalated into violent clashes, notably around the town of Batken.

July 2022: International Sports Festival Pearl of Kyrgyzstan

The 6th International Sports Festival Pearl of Kyrgyzstan was held in the Issyk-Kul region from 15 June to 3 July 2022.

September 2022: Violent Clashes with Tajikistan

In September 2022, violent clashes escalated between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, culminating in a six-day conflict around the town of Batken.

September 2022: International Issyk-Kul Sports Games Held

The XXI International Issyk-Kul Sports Games (SCO + CIS) was held in Baktuu-Dolonotu village (Issyk-Kul) from 9–17 September 2022.

2022: Redirection of supply routes through Kyrgyzstan

After the 2022 sanctions on Russia, several regional supply routes were redirected through Kyrgyzstan, boosting the local economy.

2022: Construction Began on Railway Extension

In 2022, construction began on a new 186 km extension of the existing railway from Balykchy to Karakeche, primarily meant to carry coal from mines at Karakeche to Bishkek.

2022: China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan Railway Announced

In 2022, the planned construction of a 523 km China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan Railway was announced.

2022: Mennonite population

In 2022, there were around 200 Mennonites in Kyrgyzstan, as part of the historic Kyrgyzstan German minority.

2022: Strong macroeconomic performance

Kyrgyzstan demonstrated strong macroeconomic performance between 2022 and 2024.

2022: Rapid economic growth

Kyrgyzstan experienced rapid economic growth over 2022–2024, averaging 9% annually in real terms.

April 2023: Proposed change from Cyrillic to Latin script

In April 2023, Kanybek Osmonaliev proposed to change the official script from Cyrillic to Latin, but the proposal was retracted after criticism.

June 2023: Railway Between Balykchy and Bishkek Opened

In June 2023, a railway between Balykchy and Bishkek was officially opened.

2023: Number of Schools and Higher Education Institutions

As of 2023, Kyrgyzstan had 4,989 primary and secondary schools, including 445 in Bishkek, and 58 higher educational institutions and universities.

2023: Fiscal surplus

Kyrgyzstan maintained a fiscal surplus for two consecutive years, in 2023 and 2024, reflecting prudent public financial management and stronger-than-expected revenue collection.

February 2024: Closure of Kloop media organization

In February 2024, the independent investigative media organization Kloop was ordered to shut down by the Kyrgyz courts, drawing criticism both within Kyrgyzstan and internationally.

April 2024: "Foreign Representatives" Law Comes into Effect

In April 2024, a "foreign representatives" law came into effect in Kyrgyzstan, imposing strict government oversight on NGOs receiving foreign funding.

December 2024: Prime Minister Dismissed

In December 2024, President Japarov dismissed Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov, who had served since 2021, citing a transfer to another position. First Deputy Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliyev was appointed as acting prime minister.

2024: Global Hunger Index ranking

In the 2024 Global Hunger Index (GHI), Kyrgyzstan has a score of 6.8, ranking 36th among 127 countries with sufficient data, with hunger level classified as low.

2024: Rapid economic growth

Kyrgyzstan experienced rapid economic growth over 2022–2024, averaging 9% annually in real terms.

2024: Fiscal surplus

Kyrgyzstan maintained a fiscal surplus for two consecutive years, in 2023 and 2024, reflecting prudent public financial management and stronger-than-expected revenue collection.

March 2025: Border Agreement Signed with Tajikistan

In March 2025, Presidents Japarov and Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan signed an agreement to demarcate their shared border, aiming to resolve territorial conflicts and reopen transportation links.

July 2025: Construction Set to Begin on China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway

Construction of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan Railway is set to begin in July 2025.

September 2025: Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons Signed and Ratified

On 26 September 2025, Kyrgyzstan signed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, rendering the use of nuclear weapons illegal on Kyrgyz sovereign territory. The treaty was ratified a few days later on 30 September.