Under the arch we go, it is welcoming us in the languages of Kyrgyz and russian, "as sponsored by coca cola". This is Osh Market in Bishkek the capital of Kyrgyzstan
Two places I try to visit when in a new country which not only gives me a buzz, but an insight into the lives of the people who walk or have walked the streets and roads. one is the graveyard, the other the market.
Today we are amongst the living.
and happy so to be, people watching and people snapping is a joy, so come walk with me amongst the Kyrgyz people.
Alas snaps cannot portray the full sensual overload experienced in this place, the shouting, the smells the sometimes claustrophobic atmosphere.
Love it.
The Kyrgyz Republic. Some stuff.
Kyrgyzstan has a population of just over 7 million, of which just under a million live in and around the capital city Bishkek
Just over a third populate urban areas.
The median age in Kyrgyzstan is 25 years.
The total land area is 174,054 sq. miles.
The Kyrgyz Republic does not have a navy
Just under 75% of people in the Republic are ethnic Kyrgyz, 6% are russian, and 15% Uzbeks
There are other minority groups too within the population, including descendants from Korea and the Volga German republic, whose forefathers were deported by stalin in the 1930's
The ak-kalpak, traditional male hats, worn as a badge of honour and to distinguish themselves as Kyrgyz from other ethnic groups.
Designed it is said to reflect the snow-capped peaks of mountainous Kyrgyzstan. The hat has four sides to represent the four elements, the tassels hang in memory of ancestors and the embroidered motifs symbolise a family tree.
Since 2017, Kyrgyzstan has celebrated March 5th as "National Ak-kalpak day".
The younger generation seem to prefer to go hat free, whilst the older ladies are mostly adorned in bright traditional headscarves
BUT as we are shooting in Mono, you will have to take my word for i!!!
Babushka, she was only about 4ft 6" tall bless her, out looking for her staple food stuffs, Love her wellies
The indigenous Kyrgyz have historically been semi-nomadic herders, living in round tents called yurts and tending sheep, horses and yaks. It still continues today, the market attracts not only the city dweller but those from further afield visiting for supplies
The main religion in the Republic is islam, just under 90% are followers, a more relaxed muslim, none of those degrading subjugating heavy black robes and face coverings for the ladies here; just a simple plain headscarf.
Thanks for visiting my page, I am pleased to make your acquaintance. this is Stephen aka, @grindle, happily retired, travelling the world snapping away. My weapon of choice is currently a Nikon Z6(2). Unless stated all images are shot by me, all text is mine based on various info sources. NOT AI generated. If you like my blog, it would be very much appreciated if you upvote and follow me. Also please feel free to drop a comment. https://worldmappin.com/@grindle
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Travel route exceptionally history, not a fan of busy cities however true feel of people comes through in your photography. Set claustrophobia aside it is well worthwhile.
Graves tell the story, most unusual ones over on the East that are fascinating.
@tipu curate 2
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cheers @joanstewart , markets and graveyards tell me so much lol
Yup story telling!
deffo
Wonderful captures. I love people watching and capturing their every day life.
You seem to blend in perfectly there 😎
Love the capture of the woman with the garlics…
cheers @littlebee4 , yes I too love people watching, thanks I caught her just at the right time I guess!.....amongst many fails
Cheers @grindle 😊 better have a lot of captures and find the perfect one between them than just one and it’s not the essence you hoped for 😉
my point exactly someone who knows!
Some amazing shots you took today, there are several types of tribes where you live, even though you are not a native of the area but the people around you are so integrated.
I love your portrait today my friend
cheers @furkanmamplam thanks for dropping in, much appreciate your interest, input and glad you enjoyed my efforts
Great pictures! I have so many questions about that tinfoil hat!
cheers @nikv lost me on the tinfoil hat lol but ask away
Maybe it's the BnW effect but the girl on the left?
OMG LOL, yes it does look a bit like tin foil, Just blown the size up, think maybe she has been to the hair dressers, don't they do stuff with hair and foil.
Yes tinfoil is used for dyeing hair. It just looks so odd in that context
ahh, well I guess it is one of life's mysteries lol
Indeed. Maybe she was getting it done and then had to nip out to buy the hairdresser something...
Many of the portraits are so striking, especially this one:
It's my favorite, I consider it conveys so much. excellent work!
cheers @naitreart thanks for dropping in, much appreciate your input and kind words. yes his face does have "that look"
cheers @qurator @brumest for this, always appreciated thanks
Babushka! 😁 One of the few words I know.
And this about the hats is interesting. Have you tried one on? Today we are among the living, I laughed at this! You haven't published anything about cemeteries, have you, or did I miss them?
cheers, no I did not model the hats lol, and there will be some graveyards later in my exploits, i love the word Babushka lol
Thank You very much for participating and for being part of the Black And White Community!Congratulations. Today's #monomad second place is yours.
Wow! awesome thank you very much for this