Culture & History of the Fergana Valley

Shared by 16 Million people and three countries, Fergana Valley remains the most decadent melting pot of Central Asia since the Great Silk Road. Once a thriving trading centre has survived different eras, each leaving immense cultural and historical heritage. That makes the region an exciting destination for tourists and those who want to research, analyse and discover its cultural and historical heritage on the next level. We offer lectures alongside the expedition, unfolding topics about ancient times up to modern societies, socio-economic aspects, climate issues, geo-political dynamics of Central Asia, and more. Join us on this expedition and uncover the many layers of this fascinating part of the world.

Details

At least 5 participants are required for the program to take place.
Registration is open until 01.05.2024.

Highlights

  • Engage with local communities and discuss the geopolitical challenges
  • Discover historical cities such as Osh, Uzgen, Batken, Kokand or, Fergana
  • Embark on an adventorous multi-day hike in the Pamir Alay Mountains
  • Enjoy the camping feeling in a fascinating nature

Program

On the first day of our expedition to the Fergana Valley, we will travel to Osh, Kyrgyzstan, where we will be introduced to the history and sociodemographic information of Kyrgyzstan and the Fergana Valley. We will visit Sulaiman-Too, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to view the petroglyphs and learn about their historical significance. Next, we will explore the Historical and Archeological Museum, which showcases the region’s rich history. In the afternoon, we will take a sightseeing tour of Osh City Bazar, one of Central Asia’s largest markets, to immerse ourselves in the local culture and explore the market’s many stalls and shops.

During our time in Osh and Uzgen, we will explore the historical and architectural development of Osh. We will start with a visit to the Cattle Market and delve into Osh’s architectural DNA and history of development, including the transition from a planned to a market economy. We will also learn about the „Oshtuks,“ the people of Osh, and discover the ethnic cartography of the city.

Throughout our visit, we will hear the story of Osh through its sites, such as Kelechek, Tatan, and HBK, and gain insights into how the city functions as a neighborhood. We will be joined by lecturers from Osh SU, including architects, historians, urbanists, and sociologists.

We will begin with the ancient history of Osh, including a tour of Sulaiman-Too, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a visit to Babur’s House and the historical settlements of different ethnic groups. We will also explore Osh’s Soviet history, including its economic structures during the Soviet Era, such as agro-cultural fields, silk factories, Taatan, and pump factories, and the differences between the local market and classical department stores.

In the afternoon, we will visit Ösgön to see the famous Mausoleum, rice farms, and cattle market.

During our time in Alay Valley, we will be able to discover local traditions and culture. We will visit local yurts and taste traditional foods such as Kurut, Kumis, and other local delicacies. Furthermore, we will learn about the influence of local women leaders on regional political dynamics at the Kurmanjan Datka Museum in Gulcha.

Additionally, we will explore the role of women in Kyrgyz folklore and hear stories of local women heroes. We will hike from Taldyk Pass to Sary-Mogol and visit the mounds in Daroot-Korgon, where we will learn about the significance of cemeteries and shamanism in Kyrgyz culture.

One of the highlights of our trip will be attending Nomad Games (if there will be one), which feature traditional Kyrgyz sports such as Ulak. We will also gain insight into the chronology of Kyrgyz inhabitants, including the birth of a child, beshik toy, tushoo kesuu, and sunnöt.

Proposal to Osh State University: Conduct a scientific study on the influence of pre-Islamic religions, using the example of cemeteries in Sary-Tash. This will give us a deeper understanding of the cultural and religious practices that have shaped the region.

We will hike 3-days through the Chong Alay Mountain Range along old Soviet mine roads, glaciers, and beautiful landscapes. Our guide Abdish will lead us from Sary-Mogol, and horsemen will carry our luggage. Lectures provide insights into the region’s natural and cultural history. We will experience breathtaking landscapes, including snow-capped peaks, verdant valleys, and rushing rivers.

We will hike through Kotur-Bulak, visit Kyzyl-Kiya or Kadamdzhai, and explore the Soviet history of Batken’s cities. We will also rest at historical sites and discuss the influence of the Soviet Union and Post-Soviet Era on the region’s politics and borders, and learn about Kyrgyz folklore and dances, including the Aitysh and modern rap-punch. Our program includes lectures on the geopolitical interests in Batken, the local economy, and the Kyrgyz tribal structure. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a multifaceted understanding of this fascinating region!

Next will visit the Madygen Geopark and learn about the geological history of the area, particularly the Shell Hills and Rainbow Hills. We will also have the opportunity to explore the Canigut Caves. Additionally, we will visit the Samarkandek Village and learn about the local water supply in the region. In the afternoons, we will enjoy scenic hikes in the area.

During our program, we will explore the Uzbek side of the Fergana Valley. The region’s climate significantly impacts the economy in Central Asia, and we will learn more about this during our visit to Fergana.

Closing the expedition, we will have a football event with a local team and enjoy a swim in the southern part of Osh, where we will spend the night. As a joint event with the football team, we will have dinner with classic Kyrgyz cuisine and live music. The next day, we will depart from Osh at 05:00.

Scientific Goals & ECTS

The Summer School can be compared to an effort of 2 ECTs. Active participation during the two-week program is required to receive the credits. Please get in contact with your university regarding recognition. Osh State University can issue the certificates if needed.

Details

In the cities and towns, mainly hotel or hostel stays, the expedition will camp outside in Alai Valley, Kadamjai, and Madygen.

Our kitchen crew will prepare meals during the campings. During the hotel/hostel stays, we will pre-order meals from hotel/hostel owners. If your diet is exclusively vegetarian, please indicate this in the registration form. Unfortunately, we cannot offer a completely vegan option yet. There will be three meals a day as well as the food for trips and hiking. 

Transportation with minibusses. During the multiday hikes, we will have a team of local tour operators with horses to transport the kitchen, tents, and other backpacks. 

Travel Passport: Traveling to Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan does not require a visa for over 60 countries, including all EU countries. Over 120 countries can obtain eVisa through the Internet. If you come from a country that needs to get a visa for Kyrgyzstan, feel free to reach out to us, so we can help you get it. More info here.

We will prepare so-called Border Permit papers for you, for those areas of Kyrgyzstan that need a special permit on the border regions. 

The booking of the flight to Kyrgyzstan has to be done by the participants themselves. Pegasus offers direct flights to Osh. If you want to travel via Bishkek, you will find connections with Turkish Airlines and Pegasus (via Istanbul).

If the journey takes place via Bishkek, a domestic flight to Osh is necessary (about $ 50 per person). Nomaduate will organize this flight, just contact us.

Physical Activities

The program includes daily hikes, a longer multiday hike in higher altitudes (between 3000 and 4000masl), camping in the Alay Mountains, and academic studies. Furthermore, we will spend a lot of time outside. Therefore, we recommend having a good physical condition and some hiking experience to fully enjoy and benefit from the program’s physical activities.

Services

  • Organization of the entire trip
  • All transfers from Osh airport and back
  • All meals from and to Osh
  • Snacks for hiking trips (nuts, dried fruit, etc.)
  • Typical drinks (tea & water) during meals
  • All hostel nights in the cities (number according to itinerary)
  • All tips
  • For the whole group: first-aid kit
  • All costs for excursions and activities (e.g., special equipment for caving)
  • Travel guide, lecturers, guides, and porters/horses where necessary
  • Group material (stove for cooking, satellite phone etc.)
  • Border Permit
  • Flights to Osh (Kyrgyzstan) and back
  • Individual drinks (e.g., alcoholic beverages) and food outside regular meals
  • Insurances
  • Sleeping mats for the camps
  • Sleeping bags
  • Tent (can be rented from us)
  • Personal medication
  • Additional costs that might arise due to a change in the itinerary
  • Participants should expect additional costs of $30-60 per person

Required Material

  • Travel backpack 40-60, water resistant
  • Rain cover for backpack if available
  • Trekking poles (optional)
  • 1x drinking bottle (e.g. Nalgene, with large opening)
  • 1x thermos flask
  • 1x plate/eating bowl and 1x drinking cup for the hiking tours (e.g. Sea to Summit)
  • Light cutlery for the hiking tours
  • 1x headlamp (incl. spare batteries)
  • Sleeping bag (comfort range min. -5°C optimal)
  • Insulation mat
  • Tent (for 2 persons, can be shared with another participant)
  • Tip: Pillowcase (filled with down jacket = pillow)
  • Warm down jacket
  • Gore-Tex/rain jacket
  • Jumper
  • Trekking trousers long
  • Short trousers
  • Thermal/functional shirt (long-sleeved)
  • T-shirts
  • Underwear
  • Trekking shoes
  • Trekking socks
  • Gloves
  • Sunglasses (UV protection min. 3)
  • Sun hat (all-round protection is optimal)
  • Cap (against coldness)
  • Sun cream (protection factor 50)
  • Lip protection (protection factor 50)
  • Credit card (Mastercard or Visa)
  • Cash for personal use (can be obtained locally from EC machines)
  • Passport
  • Photocopy of passport (additionally store digitally in cloud)
  • 1x passport photo
  • First-aid kit (personal medication)
  • Personal hygiene articles and necessities
  • Towel (e.g. microfibre towel)
  • Handkerchiefs, wet wipes
  • Photo equipment with charger if necessary
  • Mobile phone and charger
  • Pocket knife
  • Writing material
  • (Laptop not necessary)

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