Independence Day (Kyrgyzstan)

The Independence Day of Kyrgyzstan (Kyrgyz: Кыргыз Республикасынын көз карандысыздыгынын күнү, Russian: День Независимости Кыргызстана) is the main state holiday in Kyrgyzstan. It is celebrated in Kyrgyzstan annually on August 31, the anniversary of its declaration of independence in 1991.

Independence Day
Kyrgyz: Эгемендүүлүк күнү
A commemorative coin in honor of the 25th anniversary of independence.
Observed by Kyrgyzstan
TypeState
SignificanceThe day the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Supreme Soviet of the Kyrgyz SSR in 1991.
CelebrationsFireworks, Concerts, Parades
DateAugust 31
Next time31 August 2021 (2021-08)
Frequencyannual

History

On August 31, 1991, the Supreme Council of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan adopted a law on the "Declaration on State Independence of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan". Because of this, the Kyrgyz Republic was declared an independent state. Kyrgyzstan officially adhered to the principles of international law, and cooperation between peoples.[1][2][3] In 1993, the first constitution was adopted, which has changed several times in 20 years. In the years since independence, Kyrgyzstan has had two revolutions, each putting the first two Presidents of Kyrgyzstan in exile in Russia and Belarus respectively.[4][5][6]

Annual mass event

Annually, a mass cultural event is held on Ala-Too Square, which is attended by thousands of spectators as well as high ranking politicians.[7] It is held in the presence of the President of Kyrgyzstan, Prime Minister, Speaker of the Supreme Council, and Mayor of Bishkek as well as other politicians from the Supreme Council and former presidents and prime ministers.[8] Normally, a theatrical prologue of historical figures who contributed to the establishment of Kyrgyz statehood is shown.[9] The president usually delivers a speech to those present after the entrance of the National colours (the Flag of Kyrgyzstan) and the performance of the Mamlekettik Gimni (National Anthem) by a choir and symphonic orchestra. Kyrgyz pop stars as well as traditional dance ensembles perform during this event.[10]

Bishkek military parade

A military parade on August 31 is held every 5 years in Bishkek on Ala-Too Square in honor of Independence Day. Smaller military parades are also held in other cities in Kyrgyzstan (such as Osh, and Jalal-Abad).

The parade commander gives the order to commence the parade of the Bishkek Garrison at 10:00 am. The Minister of Defense (or on some occasions the Chief of the General Staff) arrives on the square and is greeted by the parade commander (usually the Bishkek Garrison commander), who informs the minister that the parade is now ready for inspection. The minister then inspects the troops on the square in the following manner:

Minister: Hello Comrades of the (states formation's name)
Formation: Greetings Comrade Minister of Defence!
Minister: Congratulations on the occasion of the anniversary of the independence of the Kyrgyz Republic!

After he inspects the troops and disembarks from the vehicle and reports to the President of Kyrgyzstan in their position as Commander in Chief on the status of the parade. After this is done, the president delivers an address on the holiday. After the speech, the Mamlekettik Gimni (National Anthem) is performed by the Band of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Kyrgyzstan. After the performance of the national anthem, the commander of the parade gives the command to begin the parade. The parade formations and military equipment of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan then march on the square, saluting to their Commander in Chief as they march past the central tribune.[11][12]

List of parades
Year President of Kyrgyzstan Parade commander Parade inspector Notes
1996 Askar Akayev Esen Topoev Colonel General Myrzakan Subanov Celebrated the 5th anniversary of Independence[13]
2001 Askar Akayev Army General Esen Topoev Celebrated the 10th anniversary of Independence[14][13]
2005 Kurmanbek Bakiyev Ismail Isakov Celebrated the 14th anniversary of Independence[15]
2006 Kurmanbek Bakiyev Major General Boris Yugai Lieutenant General Ismail Isakov Celebrated the 15th anniversary of Independence[16]
2011 Roza Otunbayeva Colonel Taalaibek Omuraliev Major General Abibilla Kudayberdiev[17] Celebrated the 20th anniversary of Independence.[18][19][20][13] 1,700 soldiers participated in some form, which costed the government around 18 million Kyrgyzstani soms ($258,235 USD).[21] According to President Almazbek Atambayev, some of the vehicles supposed to go on parade "didn't even reach the square", which he said inspired his military reform a year later.
2016 Almazbek Atambayev Colonel Baktybek Bekbolotov Major General Rayimberdi Duishenbiev Celebrated the 25th anniversary of Independence.[22][23][24][25] It was attended by President Almazbek Atambayev, Prime Minister Sooronbay Jeenbekov, Parliament Speaker Chynybai Tursunbekov, Mayor of Bishkek Albek Ibraimov, and former president Roza Otunbayeva.[26] The parade involved more than 1,000 troops and 80 pieces of equipment.[27][28][29][30]

Other events
President Roza Otunbayeva meeting with Kremlin Chief of Staff Sergei Naryshkin during his working visit to Bishkek on Independence Day in 2011.

Other events are sometimes timed to coincide with the celebration of Independence Day. In 2019, an equestrian games in the Issyk-Kul Region took place on the days leading up to Independence Day.[31] Sporting events such as soccer games, swimming competitions[32] and traditional mass games are also held. In 2012, President Almazbek Atambayev attended the opening ceremony of a larger flagpole with the State Flag on Boz-Boltok Mountain in Alamüdün, a town and northern suburb of Bishkek in the Chuy Region.[33] The year before, a statue of Manas was installed on Ala-Too Square.[34]

The 29th anniversary celebrations in 2020 were celebrated online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[35][36] Earlier that May, MP Zhanar Akayev proposed the idea to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Kyrgyzstan's independence in Batken at a meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh, citing it as a reason for the development of domestic tourism.[37]

Controversy
  • In 2016, on the eve of Independence Day, the Chinese Embassy in Bishkek was bombed by a lone suicide bomber driving his car through the gates of the embassy. The driver of the car was killed while three embassy employees were injured.[38] The bomber was believed to be part of the Uyghur erhnic group who primarily live in the Chinese region of Xinjiang and have been engaged in an ongoing insurgency in China since 1931.[39]
  • During a speech by her President Atambayev at on Independence Day in 2016, his predecessor Roza Otunbayeva walked off the stage after Atamabyev repeatedly criticized her government, saying: "If you have already forgotten Roza Isakovna [Otunbayeva], then we well remember, what chaos there was after the adoption of the new constitution.[40][41]

See also

References
  1. "Kyrgyzstan declared its adherence to the universally recognized principles of international law, friendship and cooperation between peoples, and unswerving compliance with earlier commitments. The Declaration called for the parliaments of the Union republics and countries of the world community to recognize the independence of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan". Inform.kg.
  2. "День независимости Кыргызстана". Calend.ru. Retrieved 2017-08-09.
  3. "День независимости Кыргызстана". Calend.ru. Retrieved 2017-08-30.
  4. "Кыргызстан отметил 20-летие своей независимости | KLOOP.KG - Новости Кыргызстана". kloop.kg (in Russian). Retrieved 2017-12-19.
  5. "Независимости Кыргызстана - 26 лет". Радио Азаттык (Кыргызская служба Радио Свободная Европа/Радио Свобода) (in Russian). Retrieved 2017-12-20.
  6. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2018-01-20. Retrieved 2018-01-20.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  7. https://m.akipress.com/news:624462:Hundreds_gather_in_Bishkek_main_square_to_celebrate_Independence_Day/
  8. https://m.akipress.com/news:624475/
  9. http://president.kg/ru/sobytiya/14952_fotoreportagh_den_nezavisimosti_naploshadi_ala_toog_bishkek
  10. https://24.kg/obschestvo/127986_kyirgyizstan_prazdnuet_den_nezavisimosti_fotoreportaj/
  11. https://www.vb.kg/doc/345696_plan_prazdnichnyh_meropriiatiy_v_bishkeke_v_den_nezavisimosti.html
  12. http://www.inform.kg/ru/business_novosti_kr/2827
  13. История празднования Дня независимости в Бишкеке с 1991 года. Фото
  14. https://www.1tv.ru/news/2001-08-31/277263-v_kirgizii_tretiy_den_prodolzhayutsya_bolshie_torzhestva_po_sluchayu_10_letiya_nezavisimosti_respubliki
  15. "Kyrgyzstan Celebrates Independence Day". Rferl.org. Retrieved 2017-08-30.
  16. https://24.kg/archive/ru/community/5565-2006/08/18/5885.html/
  17. "Kyrgyzstan holds military parade to mark 20 years of independence - People's Daily Online". En.people.cn. Retrieved 2017-08-08.
  18. "В Бишкеке проходит торжественный парад в честь Дня независимости республики". Knews.kg. Retrieved 2017-08-30.
  19. https://kloop.kg/blog/2011/09/01/ky-rgy-zstan-otmetil-20-letie-svoej-nezavisimosti/amp/
  20. https://limon.kg/news:35171
  21. https://rus.azattyk.org/amp/24277011.html
  22. "Kyrgyzstan Marks Independence Day With Parade In Bishkek". Rferl.org. Retrieved 2017-08-30.
  23. "A military parade is held today in Bishkek in honor of the 25th anniversary of Independence Day of Kyrgyzstan". Old.kabar.kg.
  24. Kyrgyzstan Marks Independence Day With Parade In Bishkek, retrieved 2017-08-08
  25. "A country's 25th Independence Day is a big thing. Therefore the country arranged a military parade". Busygoingnowhere.com.
  26. "Kyrgyzstan celebrates its 25th Independence Day - AKIpress News Agency". Akipress.com. Retrieved 2017-08-08.
  27. "Military parade on Independence Day of Kyrgyzstan involves more than 1,500 military personnel and 80 units of military equipment". Old.kabar.kg. Retrieved 2017-08-08.
  28. "Военный парад в честь Дня независимости". Genstaff.gov.kg. Retrieved 2017-08-30.
  29. "В День независимости в Бишкеке прошел военный парад". Kyrtag.kg. Retrieved 2017-08-30.
  30. "В Бишкеке состоялся Военный парад в честь Дня независимости — Десантура.ру - о десанте без границ". Desantura.ru. Retrieved 25 February 2019.
  31. https://www.inform.kz/en/putintseva-lost-to-wozniacki-at-wta-tournament-in-toronto_a3554138
  32. https://m.akipress.com/news:624405:Swimming_competition_on_occasion_of_Independence_Day_kicks_off_in_Osh/
  33. http://president.kg/ru/sobytiya/novosti/655_prezident_almazbek_atambaev_prinyal_uchastie_na_ceremonii_otkritiya_flagshtoka_gosudarstvennogo_flaga_kirgizskoy_respubliki
  34. "На площади Ала-Тоо открыт памятник Манасу Великодушному" (in Russian). K-News: Новости Кыргызстана. Archived from the original on 24 September 2011. Retrieved 31 August 2011.
  35. http://m.oananews.org/news.php?id=574491
  36. https://m.gezitter.org/society/90903_kak_budet_otmechatsya_v_kyirgyizstane_den_nezavisimosti/
  37. https://kaktus.media/doc/413001_otprazdnovat_30_letie_nezavisimosti_kyrgyzstana_v_batkene_predlojil_depytat_janar_akaev.html
  38. "Chinese embassy blast: Car bomb attack in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan". BBC News. 30 August 2016.
  39. Nechepurenko, Ivan (August 31, 2016). "Suicide Bomber Attacks Chinese Embassy in Kyrgyzstan". New York Times.
  40. https://thediplomat.com/2016/09/independence-day-in-kyrgyzstan-marred-by-tragedy-terror-and-politicking/
  41. https://eurasianet.org/kyrgyzstan-atambayev-turns-heat-political-row

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