CHOLPON-ATA, Kyrgyzstan, July 24. A visit to
the Rukh Ordo cultural center on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul
offered Azerbaijani journalists a unique insight into Kyrgyzstan's
cultural and spiritual heritage during a media tour organized by
the Kyrgyz side.
Some places leave visitors wanting to do more than take a
photograph. Rukh Ordo is one of them. Set against the turquoise
waters of Issyk-Kul, the open-air cultural complex combines
history, spirituality and nature in a setting designed to encourage
reflection.
Its most recognizable feature is a row of five identical white
chapels representing Islam, Orthodox Christianity, Catholicism,
Buddhism and Judaism. Their uniform appearance is intentional,
symbolizing the idea that all people are equal before God
regardless of their faith.
The theme of unity runs throughout the complex. Rather than
functioning as a traditional museum, Rukh Ordo presents itself as a
space where culture, religion and history coexist in harmony with
the surrounding landscape, with Lake Issyk-Kul serving as its
natural backdrop.
The story of the complex's founder is equally remarkable. Public
figure and philanthropist Tashkul Kereksizov grew up in an
orphanage and never knew his parents. He chose his own first and
last names, adopting the surname "Kereksizov" from the Kyrgyz word
kereksiz, meaning "unwanted," as a reflection of his childhood. He
later established a cultural center dedicated to bringing together
people of different nationalities, cultures and religions.
During the visit, the journalists toured the house museum of
renowned Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aitmatov, explored exhibitions on
Kyrgyz culture, viewed art and photography galleries, visited the
gazebo of legendary manaschi Sayakbay Karalayev, and saw
ethnographic collections, monuments and sculpture alleys honoring
prominent historical figures.
The surrounding landscape is an integral part of the experience.
An open-air concert venue with natural acoustics, a panoramic stage
and the complex's iconic pier blend seamlessly into the shoreline,
creating the impression that the museum extends directly into the
waters of Issyk-Kul.
Established in 2002, Rukh Ordo occupies 4.5 hectares and has
become one of Cholpon-Ata's best-known landmarks. Beyond its
museums and monuments, the center attracts visitors with its
atmosphere, where culture meets nature, history intersects with the
present, and the idea of mutual respect among followers of
different faiths takes tangible form.
For the Azerbaijani journalists, the visit offered another
opportunity to discover Kyrgyzstan as a country that preserves its
cultural, historical and spiritual heritage alongside its
spectacular mountain landscapes, sharing it with visitors from
around the world.
