Jeti-Ögüz Rocks

The Jeti-Ögüz Rocks is a geological protected area (nature monument) located in Jeti-Ögüz District of Issyk-Kul Province of Kyrgyzstan. It was established in 1975 with a purpose of conservation of a unique geological formation - sheer cliffs composed of Tertiary red conglomerates.[1] The name derives from the rock formation's resemblance to seven bulls and a legend about a khan's unfaithful wife. Another near-by formation is called the 'broken heart'. The rock formation is a well-known landmark in Kyrgyzstan and is seen as a national or regional symbol, and hence is the subject of paintings, songs, and even music videos. The surrounding area is known for its natural environment. The Jeti-Ögüz resort and sanatorium can be found near the foot of the rocks.

“About 25 km west of Karakol, at the mouth of the Jeti-Öghüz canyon is an extraordinary formation of red sandstone cliffs that has become a kind of tourism trademark for Lake Issyk-Kul.

A village of the same name is just off the main around-the-lake road. Beyond it the earth erupts in red patches, and soon there appears a great splintered hill called Razbitoye Serdtse or Broken Heart. (Legend says two suitors spilled their blood in a fight for a beautiful woman; both died, and this rock is her broken heart.)

Beyond this on the west side of the road is the massive wall of Jeti-Öghüz. The name means Seven Bulls, and of course there is a story here too – of seven calves growing big and strong in the valley’s rich pastures. Erosion has meant that the bulls have multiplied. They are best viewed from a ridge to the east above the road. From that same ridge you can look east into Ushchelie Drakanov, the Valley of Dragons.”[2]

This article is about the rock formation. For other uses, see Jeti-Oguz.

Jeti-Ögüz Rocks
IUCN category III (natural monument or feature)
Seven Bulls rock formation near Jeti-Ögüz
LocationJeti-Ögüz District, Issyk-Kul Province, Kyrgyzstan
Nearest cityKarakol
Established1975

References
  1. Иссык-Куль. Нарын:Энциклопедия [Encyclopedia of Issyk-Kul and Naryn Oblasts] (in Russian). Frunze: Chief Editorial Board of Kyrgyz Soviet Encyclopedia. 1994. p. 512. ISBN 5-89750-009-6.
  2. Central Asia. (1996) John King et al. Hawthorn, Victoria, Lonely Planet Publications, p. 392.

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