
Old Osh
Welcome to old Osh! Let’s walk together at the foot of Suleiman Mountain, in the historical part of the city, and immerse ourselves in the stories of its medieval chronicles.
For many centuries Osh, due to its unique location, has been a focal point for the spiritual culture of the nomadic and settled peoples of the Fergana Valley. The center of attraction was Suleiman Mountain. At its base, remnants of architectural history have survived from the early Middle Ages to the present day.
We start our journey at the Asaf ibn Burhia Mausoleum, then follow the cobbled paths along the foot of the mountain to the ruins of a medieval bathhouse. Then we continue our route to Rabat Abdullah Khan Mosque, the only remaining monument of Shaybanid era. After that we make our way along Navoi Street to the picturesque Artisans Quarter, where we can see the Mosque of Mohammed Yusuf Bai Haji Ogli, an example of the ornate wooden architecture that was very popular in the Fergana Valley at one time. The end point of our journey will be the crossroads of Kurmanjan Datka and Navoi Streets, where a whole historic quarter of madrasahs and mosques used to stand.
Locations of the Tour
- Rabat Abdullah Khan MosqueRabat Abdullah Khan Mosque, a historical and architectural monument of the Shaybanid era, is located at the northern foot of the Suleiman Mountain.
- Madrasah of Khalmurzay and Mukhammedbay TurkToday, in the square between Navoi, Kurmanjan Datka and Lenin Streets, it is difficult to find the outlines of the old quarter of Osh. It lost its historical contours in the 1960s, when a rapid reconstruction began.
- Mosque of Mohammed Yusuf Bai Haji OgliMohammed Yusuf Bai Haji Ogli Mosque, an architectural monument of the 20th century, located on Navoi Street, is an example of a “guzar” (quarterly) religious building typical of southern Kyrgyzstan.
- Artisans QuarterArtisans Quarter is one of the favorite urban subjects of Osh painters. After Suleiman Mountain, it is the most recognizable location portrayed by local landscape artists.
- Medieval BathThe remnants of a medieval bathhouse at the northern foot of Suleiman Mountain were discovered quite unexpectedly in 1984 during construction work for a new pavilion.
- Asaf Ibn BurhiaAsaf ibn Burhia Mausoleum is located on the southeastern slope of Suleiman Mountain, and was built in the 18th century in the traditions of the Fergana architectural school. In historical chronicles it is mentioned as a mazar, or shrine.

Other Locations
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Diversity
Start your leisurely stroll through the old bazaar with a piala, the traditional teacup, of fragrant green tea. Stop by one of the local teahouses…
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History of the Bazaar
Osh’s old bazaar dates back to the founding of the city, some three thousand years ago. Today, many of the smaller local bazaars have disappeared…
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Rabat Abdullah Khan Mosque
Rabat Abdullah Khan Mosque, a historical and architectural monument of the Shaybanid era, is located at the northern foot of the Suleiman Mountain.
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Madrasah of Khalmurzay and Mukhammedbay Turk
Today, in the square between Navoi, Kurmanjan Datka and Lenin Streets, it is difficult to find the outlines of the old quarter of Osh. It…
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Osh Fortress
The Osh fortress was built in 1919 on the site of the former Tsarist Russian military barracks, located in the very center of the “new…
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Osh Pilau
Pilau, or “ash” in Kyrgyz, is Osh’s signature dish! It’s probably no coincidence that the name of the city and of its most famous food…
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Teshik-Tash
Teshik-Tash is one of the oldest and most colorful passageways to the bazaar, dating back to ancient times. Long ago, it was the most common…
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Blacksmiths’ Row
The blacksmiths’ row is situated on the bank of the Ak-Buura, in the most colourful part of the old bazaar, as it has been for…