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Living in Kyrgyzstan means living in a country of abundant natural beauty and living with people with a rich nomadic culture and traditional beliefs and customs. The nomadic people of Kyrgyzstan lead an adventurous life full of thrill and colors.
The mountainous topography of the country has influenced the culture, custom, games and also the cuisine of the inhabitants. The rich and traditional culture of Kyrgyzstan finds its expression in the nomadic melodies, great historical epic poems and the colorful clothing of the Kyrgyz people. The traditional Kyrgyz music can be vocal or instrumental. There are different types of musical instruments which are stringed instruments, wind instruments, percussive instruments or simple self sounding musical instruments. Kyrgyzstan is also known as the 'land of horses'. The horse occupies a central part in their nomadic culture. Different festivals relating to horse racing are held like the At Chobish, Kunan Chabish and Ulak Tartysh. Wrestling is also a popular game among the Kyrgyz where they exhibit their physical strength. The main recipes of Kyrgyzstan cuisine revolves around meat of horses or sheep. Mutton is considered a delicacy. The national dish is Besh Barmak which is boiled meat and noodles in a thick broth. The nomadic tribe lives in easy packable structures known as the 'yurt'. This is an unique creation of the Kyrgyz tribes. The rural women and men wear traditional clothes like white shirt and long embroidered skirts. Occasionally, they may even wear a velvet camisole on top of the shirt. The urban women in around big cities are adapting to the modern trends of dressing. Kyrgyzstan people are fun loving people. They are warm and hospitable people who love to greet people and party. Handshake is a common greeting custom in Kyrgyzstan, but is used mostly by men. Living in Kyrgyzstan entails attending social occasions like weddings and birthday parties. Greeting with flowers in these social occasions is a common practice. Taking off shoes before entering the house is a common custom in Kyrgyzstan.
Colorful festivals accompanied with fun and frolics are common in Kyrgyzstan. Christmans and New Years Day is a big time to party for the Kyrgyz. It is celebrated by decorating Christmas trees and giving gifts to the near and dear ones. Chirstmas in Kyrgyzstan is also celebrated with fireworks lighting up the night sky. Prayers are offered in churches to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Muslim festivals like Orzo ait and Kurman ait are also celebrated throughout the country with much pomp and splendor.
Living in Kyrgyzstan allows one to experience the rich customs and traditions of the nomadic Kyrgyz people.
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