8 Books To Read Before Going To Kyrgyzstan

For lovers of free and cultural tourism, it is essential to document yourself before making any visit. Knowing historical details, folklore and outstanding natural areas will help the traveler to enjoy the trip to the fullest. In this selection, we offer you eight books to read before going to Kyrgyzstan, a paradise among mountains in Central Asia.

Books that will help you get to know Kyrgyzstan

The criteria we have followed to make this selection is that, as far as possible, the titles are in Spanish. Currently, there is a notable shortage of monographic books on Kyrgyzstan and most of the information is found in books on Central Asia and history books dealing with the dissolution of the USSR.

1. The Silk Road , by Thomas O. Höllmann

The author of this novel shows the reader in great detail, and from a unique perspective, his studies and knowledge about the Silk Road. With more than 2000 years of history, this ancient commercial route crosses Kyrgyzstan on its way, passing through its mountain ranges and steppes. It is an opportunity to learn a little more about the origins of the country.

2. Yamila , by Chinguiz Aitmátov

The novel places us in the year 1942, when Kyrgyzstan was still part of Russia. The narrator of this story is Seit, a teenager who lives with his family in a village in the mountains. Away from the conflict in the country, they receive a visit from a convalescent soldier from the war.

Daniar, who calls himself the soldier, is a man of few words. But, despite this, he is capable of transmitting his love for his land and for Seit’s sister-in-law, Yamila, the name that gives the work its title.

3. A day longer than a century , by Chinguiz Aitmátov

Chingiz Torekúlovich Aitmátov is one of the best known figures in the country’s literature.  In this novel, almost autobiographical, the author narrates the situation in the country and the oppression suffered by the Stalinist forces of order. The novel is in Spanish, directly translated from English.

4. Sovietistan: A journey through the republics of Central Asia , by Erika Fatland

The traveler and journalist Erika Fatland, author of this novel, recounts her experiences during her trip. In this one he brings us closer to the history and folklore of the people who live in the five republics of Central Asia, where Kyrgyzstan is also found. In addition, it describes in great detail the beauty of the country’s landscape.

5. Central Asia , by Jenny Walker, Bradley Mayhew, Anna Kaminski and Stephen Lioy

It is one of the most comprehensive guides on Central Asia. In addition to having a section dedicated to Kyrgyzstan, it offers a large amount of information about the history, customs and places to visit. It is the only complete guide that we can find in Spanish.

6. Journey to Silence: Through the Roads of Central Asia , by Francisco López-Seivane

The experiences of the author of this book tell us about the current situation in Kyrgyzstan, as well as that of other Central Asian countries. He highlights the sensation transmitted by both his mountain landscapes and the silence, the common thread of his trip, to show in a close and simple way a region still unknown to many Westerners.

7. A traveler through Central Asia , by Patricia Almarcegui

The specialist in orientalism and travel theory, Patricia Almarcegui, transmits to the reader her personal experiences during her two-month trip through Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Marveling at the culture of the peoples of Central Asia, she tries to emphasize the beauty of the landscape and the preservation of the way of life of its inhabitants.

8. Manas , by unknown author. A treasure from Kyrgyzstan

Manas is one of the most popular epic poems in Central Asia. This work, known since the end of the 15th century, surpasses Homer’s work, The Iliad, in extension. It has more than 60 narratives with direct reference to the traditional culture of the Kyrgyz people.

Other books to take with us to Kyrgyzstan

Finally, it is recommended that, in addition to having a guide in our language, we take a look at the most complete guide that exists about Kyrgyzstan. We are talking about Bradt’s Guide to Kyrgyzstan, which is only in English.

It would also be very useful to carry a small dictionary with everyday expressions in Russian, to facilitate communication with the locals.