Source
1984, people queuing to get in, when Kyrgyzstan was still part of the USSR
Bishkek Circus built in the 1970's, a UFO-shaped building which hosted circus acts from around the USSR. I had heard it was abandoned. I had heard that it was still a living breathing enterprise. So lets take a look.
2023, It was neither, there were workmen on site renovating the building, they had blank looks on their faces when I was gesturing to them to let me have a look in side. Lost in translation I couldn't get in so wander with me.
Circus has been around for centuries in one form or another, usually travelling bands of performers performing music, magic, dancing and slapstick comedy. In the open air or small booths and tents
The first fixed circus opened in St. Petersburg in 1877, obviously for the elite and aristocracy of the land. Come the Bolshevik Revolution and the abolishment of the capitalist classes, (unless you were a party member of course. Remember Comrade everyone is equal; but some are more equal than others), Circuses were actually brought under state ownership.
The communist state saw the circus as a form of entertainment to be enjoyed by the masses. Well of course the USSR was an egalitarian society, (It is just that some were more egalitarian than others don't you know).
Soon stationary structures purpose-built for the circus became common in all major Soviet cities, including Bishkek.
Bishkek circus held its first performance in 1978, an exciting time with acrobats, magicians, clowns and animals.
In 2009 during rehearsals for "bears on ice" at the Moscow state Circus an unfortunate trainer was carried in to the rink by a bear, its jaws clamped tight around the now quite clearly deceased trainer. The bear was shot dead. It did open up a debate about animals in circuses.
Though outlawed in parts of the world, Russia chooses to still allow performing animals..... but, even today, to name just a few France, Germany, Spain, Australia and the USA do not have a blanket ban on the use of not only domesticated but wild born animals too. Performing for the so called supreme being.
I have no idea why the capital of Azerbaijan is visible on the wall, the walls tired and crumbling, I could imagine the health hazards of ACM's in the structure are pretty damn high
Strange sculptures
How these gorgeous sculptures would have looked when new
Fading with time
Amazing art work, concrete blocks joined together like a jigsaw.
Broken bits
Almost like a flying saucer, it is in the form of a disk, it was built at the time of the space race after all. The diameter of more than 240ft and stands 60ft tall; it is a a prefabricated dome, with no supporting columns, it can accommodate 2,000 people at a time.
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оЧЕНЬ КРАСИВО И ПОЗНОВАТЕЛЬНО!
google translated:
Thank you @russia-btc for your input , appreciated
What a marvel of design and architecture. Very good information you share with us and some great shots you have taken there. Awesome article Stephen friend! Have a nice week :)
!discovery 40
!PIMP
Thanks Dimas, agreed it is a masterpiece of Soviet design, have a good weekend Dimas cheers
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Cheers Dimas, thanks for your support
You couldn't get in but the photos you took are appreciated. I immediately thought of our Sports City.
This ‘using’ animals is really controversial. I don't agree with it, nor do I agree with zoos.
Animals shoud be wild and free, though the "consevationist" zoo owners will say they are protecting the species....mixed feelings I don't know
The sculptures make the place different! Wow, looks like Kyrgyzstan makes me have to re-do my travel wishlist to travel around the world!
cheers @aswita "The Stans" are all gorgeous...time for a rethink lol
We had circus arrive in town with lions and elephants part of the 'show', close call one night with lion trainer. People supported the circus financially or they would close down. I'm glad animal use has stopped, only manpower being staged.
Lovely story to an unusual sight, pity not in good repair, perhaps one day some TLC will bring it back to it's former glory.
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It was always a highlight when the circus or the travelling funfair arrived in town.
Only time we saw cotton candy or what we called candyfloss, then we grew up and magic was lost!
candy floss and bright red toffee apples
Toffee apples, forgot that as it was not a favourite. Strange only ever noticed the two sweet things at circus or fair grounds which now are more common in town, anywhere people go out to enjoy an outing they appear.
yeah and what about hot dogs too
Hotdogs not a thing here, boerewors rolls yes!
They looked sad and painful then and now, aren't they? 😄
I love this circus as a bizarre exhibit 😀
UPD: your images are already historical, they are changing the design: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EYtaAUjqWSRG8mav9
cheers for the update
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