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One of the main reasons for the rebellion of 1916 was a mass migration of peasants from Russia and strict measures for their resettlement. The rebellion was caused by popular discontent (недовольство народа) by colonial nationalist politics of tsarism, strengthening oppressions, different fees and excessive taxation.
Before the rebellion about 43% of the peasants were armed. The rebellion, which began on 4 July in 1916 in the city of Khujand, the Samarkand region, has spread repidly on the Syr-Darya and Ferghana regions.* In July rebellion, which took place in Ferghana region Kyrgyz also actively participated. Kyrgyz from mountain regions also actively participated in the rebellion of Kokand and Namand County. The leader of Namand county was Talasbai Alybaev. Liberating movement was spread to Ketmen-Tube, Chatkal, Toguz Toro valleys. Rebellion in the north of Kyrgyzstan was characterized as particular dynamic. Here it was held at the level of armed clashes with the great royal armed forces. Along with the Kyrgyz people in the uprising took part the representatives of other ethnic groups - Kazakhs, Uighurs, Dungans. Began in July, the rebellion was strengthened in August. Kemin Kyrgyz were ones of the first in northern Kyrgyzstan who arose on the path of armed struggle. The leader of the rebellion was manap Mokush Shabdan uulu. Kyrgyz from Tenir Too also actively participated in the rebellion.
The rebellion of 1916 was not only the great national liberation movement but also it became one of the most significant events in social and political life of Kyrgyz people. Despite the defeat and severe repression, rebellion largely weakened the colonial regime in the Turkestan region.
(восстание было вызвано недовольством народа колониально-националистической политикой царизма, усилением гнета, различными поборами и непосильными налогами.)
The Material and Spiritual Culture of the Kyrgyz in the 19th - early 20th centuries.
The Formation of the Soviet Statehood in Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia in 1920-30s. The Formation of the Kyrgyz Soviet State and the Contribution of Sydykov, Abdrahmanov and Arabaev.
February Revolution of 1917
Bolshevik Revolution and Civil War
National Policy
February Revolution of 1917
The February Revolution of 1917 (second revolution in Russia) was a democratic revolution, resulted n the collapse of the Tsarist regime and establishment of a democratic, republican government. The aims of the February Revolution were improving work conditions for workers and reducing their working day to 8 hours, providing peasants with land, giving freedom to oppressed nationalities.
1Dual authority was created: the Provisional Government led by Kerensky (composed of the Constitutional Democratic party, Socialist Revolutionary party, Octobrist party, and Social Democratic Party) and the Soviets of Workers’, Soldiers’ and Peasants’ Deputies (established by Bolsheviks).
As for Kyrgyzstan, the February Revolution first succeeded in the south of Kyrgyzstan - Kyzyk Kiya and Sulyukta among the workers of mining industry, then in the north – Tokmok, Naryn, Przhevalsk. After the revolution, not two but three authorities were established in Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia: the Provisional Government, the Soviets of Workers’, Soldiers’ and Peasants’ Deputies and local nationalist committees.
Local committees were organized by the new political parties:
Alash Orda in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, composed of Kazakh and Kyrgyz intellectuals, capitalists, workers, peasants. The Kyrgyz affiliation was led by Sydykov, Arabaev, Tynystanov. The aim was to create independent Kazakh and Kyrgyz states;
Shura-I-Islam in Uzbekistan and south of Kyrgyzstan, composed of Uzbek and Kyrgyz intellectuals, Muslim clergy. The Kyrgyz affiliation was led by Kudaibergenov. The aim was to create Turkestan Mulsim Autonomy;
Turan in Kyrgyzstan, composed of capitalists, intellectuals. The aim was to create Turkic State;
Bukara Union, composed of poorest and peasants of Pishapek uezd (7000 members). The aim was to advocate the interests of the working people, led by Sarykulakov and Kobekov;
Other professional unions of workers that advocated the professional interests of social groups.
The February Revolution did not meet all its goals: the land issue, the war issue, and some others.
Bolshevik Revolution and Civil War
On October 25, 1917, as a result of an armed insurrection, the Provisional Government was overthrown and power was transferred to the Soviets led by the Bolsheviks. The first government of workers and peasants were created – the Council of People’s Commissars led by Lenin. The dominant party was the Bolshevik Party (Communist Party); all other parties were banned as soon as the Bolsheviks consolidated its power. Two documents were issued by the new authority: the Decree on Peace (put an end to the participation of Russia in the WWI) and the Decree on Land (private property was abolished and land was redistributed among peasantry).
The establishment of the Soviet rule took place in 1918. First the Soviet rule was established in the south of Kyrgyzstan (Fergana, Djalal-Abad, Osh), then in the north (Talas, Pishpek, Tokmok, Przhevalsk, Naryn, Isyyk-Kul). The establishment of the Soviet rule in Kyrgyzstan had some particularities: the small number of the working class, a weak influence of the Bolsheviks, hostile relations between Kyrgyzs and Russians.
As soon as the Bolsheviks assumed the power in Central Asia, Civil War (1918-1922) broke out. It was the war between the Bolshevik Red Army (in alliance with other leftist pro-revolutionary groups) and White Army represented by anti-Bolshvik forces. The Civil War was accompanied by the foreign intervention of Britain, France, USA and Japan.
In Kyrgyzstan the Civil War took forms of kulak rebellions in the north of Kyrgyzstan and Basmachi movement in the south of Kyrgyzstan. Kulaks were rich peasants who did not welcome the Bolshevik rule because they expropriated land from them, so they and rebelled against Bolshviks. Such rebellions took place in Talas, Belovodsk, Naryn, Przhevalsk. Finally all rebellions were suppressed by Red Army.
As for the south of Kyrgyzstan, Basmachi movement emerged there that spread in the Fergana valley. It started as a narrow bandit movement that later developed into a genuine national liberation movement of Central Asians. The moving force was Muslim clergy, intellectuals, peasants. The main causes of Basmachi movements were the anti-religious policy of Bolsheviks, the economic policy when peasants were expropriated their land and cattle, the lack of statehood. The ideology was pan-Turkism and pan-Islamism. Basmachi movement lasted till late 1930s, although the main forces were suppressed in 1920s. In order to fight them, the Bolsheviks created the Turkestan front led by Frunze.
National policy
The main issue on agenda was the national issue. Unlike their political opponents, who spoke of ‘one and indivisible Russia’, the Bolsheviks came out in favor of the policy of self-determination of nations and supported national movements among non-Russian peoples. As soon as they achieved power, they issued the Declaration to all Muslim Workers of Russia and the Orient that outlawed all national and national-religious privileges and restrictions and announced free and equal development of national minorities and ethnic groups, populating Russia. Within the first Soviet government a special body – National Commissariat on Nationalities – was set up. Stalin was put in charge of it.
At the same time, the policy of self-determination was a tool to forge an alliance among the forces working against Tsarism. As soon as the world proletariat came to power and united under the leadership of the Communist party, nationalism and nationalities would disappear, giving place to the new order, which would be rather based on class than nationality.
The Bolsheviks in Moscow soon realized its mistake and meeting the need of Turkestani people in its own statehood in 1918 created the Turkestan Autonomous Republic within the Russian Federation.
The Kyrgyzs were distributed among different oblasts of Turkestan: Syrdarya, Semirechye, Fergana. In those oblasts they also were minorities, therefore, their development and rights were not given enough consideration. The Kyrgyz intellectuals in the face of Abdyrakhmanov, Rabaev and Sydykov in 1921 raised the issue of creating Mountainous Kyrgyz Autonomous Oblast. In 1922, the issue was raised again. But both attempts failed. The cause was the intra-Kyrgyz rivalry between the group of Sydykov advocated for the Kyrgyz statehood and the group of Khudaikulov who did not want it.
That time Kyrgyzs again turned to the government in Moscow on the creation of Mountainous Kyrgyz Autonomous Oblast. Special commissions were set up in order to know the composition and number of all Central Asian nationalities.
As a result of the 1924 national territorial delimitation of Central Asia, Turkmen SSR, Uzbek SSR, Tadjik Autonomous Oblast, Kara-Kyrgyz Autonomous Oblast, Kara-Kalpak Autonomous Oblast were created. Kazakh Autonomous Republic was created earlier in 1920.
The Kara-Kyrgyz Autonomous Oblast (territory was almost 200 thousand km, population was 828 thousand people (63.5% Kyrgyzs, 17% Russians, 15% Uzbeks, 4% others) included:
Semirechye oblast: Przhevalsk, Naryn, Pishpek uezds
Fergana oblast: 10 volosts of Namangan uezd, 2 oblasts of Kokand uezd
Syrdarya oblast: 14 volosts of Aulie-Ata uezd (Talas region).
In 1925, it was renamed as Kyrgyz Autonomous Oblast. In 1926 oblast was reorganized into Kyrgyz Autonomous Republic. In 1929 the Constitution of Kyrgyz ASSR was adopted. In 1936, it was reorganized into Kyrgyz Soviet Socialist Republic.
Repression against Kyrgyz elites and intellectuals of the 20-40-s
Yusup Abdrakhmanov (1904-1938) was born In Karakol uesd. In 1911-1916 he studied in Russian-local school. In 1916 escaped to China. In 1919-1927 – a member of revolutionary activities in Verniy, TASSR. In 1927-33- a chief of Council of People Commissaries in Kyrgyzstan In 1937 Yu. Abdrakhmanov was accused in counterrevolutionary activity and membership in Alash-Ordo organization and Social-Turan Party
Abdykerim Sydykov (1889-1938) was born in Chui in Manap family. In 1904-1911 graduated from Verniy gymnasium, Sydykov was a member of “Alash” party and chief organizer of establishing of Kyrgyz Mountainous autonomous Republic. In 1926-1932 was a university of Middle Asia teacher in Tashkent. 1932-1933 vice chief of planning committee of Kyrgyz ASSR. 1933 was shouted as a contrrevolutionist
The Civil War and the Basmachi Movement in Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia (1918-1930s). Basmachi MOVEMENT, Basmachi (from Turk. "Basmak" - to attack, swoop), the Islamic insurgency in Central Asia in 1910, 1930. Basmachi rebels were called by the Bolsheviks and their supporters; the name itself: the Mujahideen (fighters for the faith ")," the warriors of Islam”.Fought against the Bolsheviks and the Russian population under the slogans of "holy war" against infidels. They were supported by the richs of the Muslim population, nationalist intellectuals of the Islamic clergy, a large part of believers, as well as pan-Islamic circles of Turkey and other countries. They received weapons from abroad, particularly from Britain. Errors of Bolshevik government against the indigenous population was essential stimulus for rebellion. Thus, until May 1918 it has been officially prohibited to allow Muslims to occupy government positions in the Soviet Turkestan, but even after that, only a few representatives of Central Asian people could expect to receive important positions. In the trade unions only Russian workers had been taken. measures that broke the traditional Islamic way of life and lifestyle caused serious dissatisfaction. Detachments of Basmachi acted especially active in the Ferghana Valley and adjacent mountainous Alai and Artsinsk valleys in the Syr Darya and Samarkand regions, at Eastern Bukhara, Khiva, Karakum, Krasnovodsk district, Naryn district. Formation had from several dozen to several thousand people. Basmachi based in the remote mountains and deserts, they used to do horseback raids in heavily populated areas, killing Soviet functionaries and supporters of the Bolshevik government and the local population. The rebels used partisan tactics: they avoided collisions with large parts of the regular troops, suddenly chose to attack small detachments or undefended towns, and then quickly depart. In 1918, the main center of the movement was Fergana, in 1919-1920 it had spread throughout most of Central Asia. In early 1921 the Red Army succeeded in defeating the main units in Fergana. In suppressing the movement often entire villages were destroyed. In 1924 Muslim rebellion again intensified in many areas due to drought, famine and widespread dissatisfaction with the public policy of the authorities. Although it was basically split in 1925-1926, some groups got into Soviet Central Asia from abroad prior to 1930. Among the most famous representatives (leaders) of basmachi movement are Irgash, Madamin-bek Kurshirmat, Muetdin-bek, Ibrahim- bek and others. By the autumn of 1926 basmachi movement was basically divided across Central Asia. New impetus to the movement was due to the forced collectivization in the late 1920's - early 1930's. Ibrahim Bek, who gathered more than 1 thousand horsemen , invaded in 1931 from Afghanistan to Tajikistan, but was defeated and taken prisoner. The rebels from Turkmen Karakum Desert also activated and lasted until 1933. Last basmachi groups disappeared after the Soviet Union in 1942 and Britain agreed to terminate the mutual hostility from the territory of Iran and Afghanistan.
The Great Patriotic War of 1941-45 and the Contribution of Kyrgyzstan to the War.
From June 22 1941, the whole Soviet Union as well as Kyrgyzstan started undergoing serious tribulations. Fascist Germany attacked USSR craving for worldwide domination. That is how the Great Patriotic War for freedom and independence of motherland began.
360,000 of Kyrgyz warriors took part in the battles with the fascist Germany. Only in first two days of war 270 applications from volunteers were received at Frunze military registration. Kyrgyz government organized nationwide accelerated military training, nursing, and sanitary activism courses. Soldiers from Kyrgyzstan heroically fought against occupants from the first days of war. According to the decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet on June 22 1941, total mobilization of liable for military service in the country began.
During this campaign, 385th infantry division, 40th & 153d shooting brigades, and 2 national cavalry divisions were formed in our republic. The first one to join the battle was 316th infantry division under commandment of military commissar of Kyrgyzstan, general-major I.V.Panfilov. 316th division was comprised by Kyrgyz and Kazakh governments, and afterwards it was called the 8th Guard Panfilov infantry division and was awarded an order of Red Star for exemplary execution. The division was called by Panfilov’s name, who was awarded the title of the Hero of the Soviet Union. In addition, among other Heroes of Soviet Union, there were 28 soldiers of Panvilov division from Kyrgystan: Duishenkul Shopokov, Nikolai Ananiev, Grigory Shemyakin, Grigory Konkin, Ivan Moskalenko, Grigory Petrenko, Ivan Dobrobabin.
State of continuing pressure was present at the battlefront. On the 28th of July 1942, Stalin issued a strict decree – “Not a step backwards!” Kyrgyz soldiers followed the common mission during battles near Moscow, Leningrad, North Caucasus, Ukraine, Belorussia, Moldavia, Baltics, in the countries of Eastern Europe, and even in Berlin. One of the many prominent warriors was Cholponbai Tuleberdiev, who was entitled as Hero of the Soviet Union. At the battles near Don river, on August 6 1942, Cholponbai Tuleberdiev committed the immortal feat by covering enemy’s dzot. Heroic deeds:
Dmitriev defended the Brest fortress (the Hero of the SU)
Daiyr Asanov during 4 hours of battle destroyed 8 tanks, 6 armoured vehicles and 40 fascists (the Hero of the SU)
Akun Sadyrbaev could catch and throw back 16 grenades (the Hero of the SU)
Ismailbek Taranchiev directed his plane to the enemy’s tanks at and destroyed 6 tanks and several cars (1991 - the Hero of the SU)
In order to supply the war front, the Soviet Government set a goal to turn union republics at the home front into powerful military-industrial arsenal at breakneck speed. Central Asia, as well as Ural and Siberia were supposed to become home front’s areas of military hardware, armament, industrial products, and the zones for evacuating population. Kyrgyz SSR welcomed more than 300 000 of immigrants of various nationalities.
Since the first days of war, nations organized volunteer patriotic movement for funds collection, which was constituted by monthly contributions of daily fees. By the end of 1941, Kyrgyzstan produced 85% of all antimony produced in the USSR. Almost every cartridge and detonator contained antimony from Haidarkhan, which became the main supplier of this strategic metal.
Resources and reserves of agricultural, industrial, and meat&dairy products significantly decreased in the war period. Nevertheless, during the period 1941-1945, Kyrgyz SSR became one of the most important bastion of USSR’s economy. Home front workers also supplied the soviet army with sugar beet, butter, meat, cotton, wheat, etc. More than 30 factories and plant were evacuated to Kyrgyzstan. A new railroad connecting Kant&Rybachie was built.
The consequences of WWII:
The USSR and USA emerged as the world's superpowers
Start of the Cold War that lasted for the next 46 years
Formation of the United Nations in 1945 to prevent another world conflict
Decolonization movements in Asia and Africa
For KSSR:
More than 90 000 valiant soldiers from Kyrgyzstan perished.
More than 10 000 warriors awarded by orders and medals
73 kyrgyz soldiers received the highest title of the Hero of the Soviet Union
21 people became Cavalries of the Order of Fame of all three degrees.
The Economic, Political and Cultural Development of Kyrgyzstan in the 1950-70s.
Economic and political progress of Kyrgyzstan in the first post-war decade.
After the Second World War Kyrgyzstan faced great economical troubles, especially with agriculture, because there were not enough workers.
Priorities in economy – metalworking, power generating, light, food industries. Collective farms were released from paying any debts to government, taxes amount also reduced.
So, in 60s agriculture of Kyrgyzstan was badly developed in comparison with common economical development.
Big factories were created in Kyrgyzstan. They were important for the whole central Asian region and Kazakhstan. Toctogul’s HPP (Hydroelectric Power Plant) was providing not only cheap power for the region, but also guaranteed watering of Uzbekistan fields.
Fuel-energetical sector of Kyrgyzstan was effectively developing.
From the beginning of 60s level of agriculture mechanization has increased. A lot of new tractors and vehicles were received by collective farms and state farms, but sometimes hand working was also used.
Process of rising of Stalin’s severe system started after Hruschev’s resignation. Age of terror returned to the people in October of 1964.
Division of agriculture by territories was ineffective, Sovnarkhozes were being removed and country in 1965 has returned to an old centralized principles.
From 1966 number of politicians in Kyrgyzstan were increased more than on 50%.
Хрущев
Одним из ключевых пунктов новой экономической программы было решение продовольственной проблемы, а вместе с тем и решение вопроса о выводе сельского хозяйства из затяжного кризиса.
Несмотря на проводимые реформы, значительный рост экономики и её частичный поворот в сторону потребителя (см. Семилетка), благосостояние большинства советских людей оставляло желать лучшего.
В 1958 г. Хрущёв начал проводить политику, направленную против личных подсобных хозяйств. В 1959 г. жителям городов и рабочих поселков было запрещено держать скот, у колхозников личный скот выкупался государством. Начался массовый забой скота колхозниками. Эта политика привела к сокращению поголовья скота и птицы, ухудшила положение крестьянства.
There was an unevenness of industry: The lack of local professionals.
Post-War development:
1) Extensive industrial development
- Heavy industry
- Light industry
2) “Cult of Stalin”
1953 – Hrushev criticized the Cult of Stalin
Nikolai Hrushev 1953-1964 “Ottepel” politics.
Reforms of the Hrushev
Political sector: 1953-1964 N.S.Khrushev made speech named the “Disclosure of Cult of Personality of Stalin. 6 plan (1956-1960) the development of branch specialization and rationalization of industrial connections between different economic and administrative regions.
Economic sector: there was no breakdown on the territory of Kyrgyzstan. From 1946 the industry of Kyrgyzstan began to produce peaceful products. On the plants and fabrics were established on 8 hours working day with week-ends and vacations. Thanks to newborn industry in Kyrgyzstan the economical development had been developed faster.
But there were some problems. The lack of financial support and material and technical provision of the villages was a result of politics made in the 30s. There was obligatory planning of products to the state with costs less in 10-12 times than market costs. The chief of kolkhoz were elected by communist parties, not by peasants.
Agrarian sector: In 1947 to the kolkhozes were given 38,6 000 hectare of the land, 2416 horses, 665 live-stocks and 20,2 sheep and goats.
By the end of 5-plan the crop capacity was lower to 46,5% than in the 1928.
In 1953-1964 this period is characterized as a fighting against Stalin’s cult.
In 1953 after the death of Stalin Nikita Khrushev was chosen as a Secretary of Communist Party. During repression politics of Stalin in the 30-s 40,000 people killed. On that time the population of Kyrgyzstan was 1. 4 mln.
In Khrushev ruling there was rehabilitation of people who were convicted unjustly. Razzakov Iskhak (1910-1979) he was a leader and a Secretary of Central Committee of Communist Party in Kyrgyzstan from 1950-1961. Khrushev put into practice a 7-year economic development plan. The main aim of the soviet economy in that time was to run down and over-cross America.
1964-1985 this period called as period of the developed socialism. In this period the role of Communist Party became dominantly in the different spheres. The Communist Party became a bureaucratic Party.
By the Constitution of the USSSR 1977 the role of Communist Party considered as totalitarian and leading.
The prime goal of Hrushev was to beat and overrun USA in the production of butter, meat and corn.
Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia during the “Perestroika” of 1985-1990.
In mid 1980s it became obvious that USSR got bogged down in economic, social and political crises. Therefore, in March 11 of 1985 M.S. Gorbachev was chosen as a secretary-general of the party (ЦК КПСС). He understood that it’s impossible to work as before and proposed in Plenum of April, 1985 new reforms on solving questions of social and political life of the country.
In Kyrgyzstan, with Gorbachev coming to power, Turdakun Usubaliev was withdrawn (he was ruling almost 25 years). He was replaced by Absamat Masaliev.
On the 28th congress of the party the new document was adopted – “Основные направления экономического и социального развития СССР на 1986 – 1990гг. и в период до 2000г.”. In the January’s Plenum of the party Gorbachev announced new politics of glasnost (гласность-publicity). Mass media communication started informing the public about everything.
The new situation started in 1988-1989 in USSR and Kyrgyzstan as well. The full politicization of society started. In Kyrgyzstan discussion and political clubs opened. One of the first such clubs was “Demos” under newspaper “Комсомолец Киргизии”. Another club which actively participated in social life was “Zamandash” under the factory of electronic calculating machines. But they would not dare move to opposition, and could not actually.
The discussion clubs “Zamandash”, “Akyikat”, “Koz Karash”, and “United Initiative Youth” showed up themselves particularly.
In 1989 with the start of election campaign these clubs moved from discussing to acting. They actively participated in campaigns.
Also in spring of 1989 national movements started. The Kyrgyz Youth independently seized territories in outlying districts of Bishkek. In southern part national consolidation of Kyrgyz and Uzbek were formed (Osh Aimagy-kyrgyz, Adolat-uzbek).
In the establishment of pluralism (multi=party system) quite important role played “Ashar”, which in short terms transformed from association defending society from unauthorized builders to political organization. Another important players were national and democratic associations “Asaba” and “Uluttuk Demilge”. These two new associations splitted with “Ashar” and formed Democratic Movement of Kyrgyzstan (КДК). Other later formed associations were spliited-off formations like Progressive-Democratic Party “Erkin Kyrgyzstan” and Party of national rebirth “Asaba”.
Due to increasing political activity of Kyrgyzstan’s population and rebirth of national self-consciousness, Supreme Council of Kyrgyz SSR adopted in September 23 of 1989 the Law “About State language Kyrgyz SSR”, in which Kyrgyz language was proclaimed as State language. In 1990 the Plenum of the party agreed on the elimination of the 6th article from Constitution of SSR, which was about the governing role of party in Soviet society.
As with economics, now it was moving towards economic methods of managing. As a result the enterprises and agricultural production gained more independence. In 1986 most of enterprises moved to such form of managing (self-management, self-finance, self-repayment). In 1987 perestroika spread to other spheres such as transport, communication, trade etc. In 1987 on the session of Supreme Council of USSR new strategic decision was adopted on moving to market economy. Till 1990 there were big discussions and controversy about how to build new economic system. In 1990 on the congress and October Plenum of the party it was decided on further economic reforms and concrete ways of transforming to market economy. In 1991 of August 7 in Kyrgyzstan the law on privatization and entrepreneurship was adopted. With reforms the production of industrial products increased by 17.5%. Also new hydroelectric power stations were started to build. The profitability of enterprises increased. However, in 1990 the progress of Industrial development sharply decreased and Kyrgyz industry fell into depression. The main reason to this was USSR’s single economic enterprise, when one parts were produced in one country and other parts in second country and so on… with the beginning of collapse of USSR the crisis of industrial production increased even faster.
The Political, Socioeconomic and Cultural Development of Kyrgyzstan in 1991-2005.
October 12, 1991 in an unchallenged poll Akaev became a President of Kyrgyz Republic and was inaugurated as such. Kyrgyzstan became independent on August 31, 1991 as separation from the Soviet Union and was that time the least authoritarian republic of Central Asia.
Executive branch: chief of state: President. Head of government: Prime Minister Igor CHUDINOV (since 24 December 2007); First Deputy Prime Minister Omurbek BABANOV (since 26 January 2009)
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers proposed by the prime minister, appointed by the president; ministers in charge of defense and security, appointed solely by the president
Legislative branch unicameral Supreme Council or Jorgorku Kengesh
Judicial branch: Supreme Court; Constitutional Court; Higher Court of Arbitration; Local
KG is a semi-presidential representative democratic republic. Executive power is exercised by government; legislative is both by government and parliament. In the beginning of the formation of the republic, there were 350 deputies in parliament, mainly communist. Akayev changed it to bicameral in 1994 referendum with the aim to democratize the government. In 1993 Constitution was accepted that separated government into three branches to balance the ruling: executive, legislative, judicial. Feb 1995 – 35 legislative and 75 people representatives chamber was formed.
The presidential power increased as the result of 2003 referendum, though in the early 2000s, Akayev’s informal power base started to weaken as he increasingly favored northern clans over the southern. In 1996 amendment about presidential governance. Akayev formed puppet parliament.
In 2002 there were more and more illegal forms of ruling. Kyrgyzstan was recognized as totalitarian country. In 2003 referenda the presidential ruling was made stronger than parliament. On March 13, 2005 Parliament elections were extremely corrupted. The documents were falsified.
Major event to affect KG politics between September 2001 and mid 2002 is what is called “Beknazarov affair.” 5 KG citizens were killed and 50-100 wounded by police on March 2002 in the Aksy place while taking part in anti-governmental demonstrations demanding the release of Azimbek Beknazarov, the imprisoned member of the Jogorku Kenesh (who got into prison mainly because of harsh criticism of government on territorial issues with China).
Reasons for tulip revolution:
Political: 1) akayev centralization and regionalization of power. 2) Weakness of state institutions and civil society. Economic: 3) corruption. 4) Poverty, more than half of the population lived under poor rate. 5) Crisis with land (in 2005 30,000 people were ready to seizure land. 17 places around Bishkek were full of people in novostroikas). Internal: 6) high criminality and artificial programs to reduce criminality in the country.
Other POSSIBLE sources that led to revolution are Russian and American interests. US foreign investments to KG, in 2002 was $20 mln, in 2005- $11.7 mln, Russian investments 2002- 17,1 mln, 2005- 8.1$ mln. Regional policy with CIS (UZ&KZ). Exploitation of water and energy resources by these countries. From KZ diesel, wheat, food was imported.
So in March 24, 2005 protesters stormed the presidential compound in Bishkek demanding Akayev to step down that led him to run away to Moscow, where he works as a math professor now. Bakiev was chosen as President the same year. Following the year 9/11 KG agreed to allow US forces to use Bishkek Manas airport as a base, but in January 2009 Bakiev announced the closure of the base, the decision that was made after Russian offered KG more than $2bln in loans and other financial help.
ECONOMIC situation
98% of final products were distributed to different economic and industrious regions of Soviet Union before 1991. This made collapse of national economy. In 1992, program for economic reform: privatization, land reform and state investment.
Priority was given to transition of market economy.
Liquidation process of state orders rejecting communistic administrative planned economy.
1991 – Law of privatization. Stages of privatization:
1991-1993 priority was given to companies in construction, services and trade industries.
32.6% of industries were private, 18% were construction sphere privatized.
1994-1998 mass privatizations happened unjustly and illegally.
Non-state sector produced 50% of products. Efficient input was forming of different forms of property:
1) State, 2) state and private, 3) private.
Unevenness of privatization was seen throughout the country. The light industry was lesser level than heavy industries privatized. Trade, service were privatized but infrastructure, energy sphere remained state owned. Unemployed 15,2% was in 1994-1998, especially in the south.
Akayev tried to make privatization reforms by:
1. organization committee on privatization to control
2. Simplification of tax system. Introduction of equal rights to domestic and foreign industries in the territory of KG.
1998-1999 financial crisis. As the country was unable to service regularly the foreign debt in 2002 some of the debt was wrote off by Paris Club, in 2005 the second crisis. The same year according to agreement with Paris Club, the country could not write off anymore of its debt. One way to reduce was to raise budget revenue and pay the debt. In 2005 KG became one of Heavily Indebted Poor Countries of the world. It applied to the program to payoff the debt. Kulov was pro-HIPC, Bakiev was at first ready, but then disagreed (2bln debt).
He created “KURS na obnovlenie strany” - country modernization. Eco-social development program for 10-15 years was introduced after determination of current situation that put forward several ideas about the handling of the crisis.
“Political Nation” – union of people with common interests and mutual goals. Integration of KG people into one – ideology.
New plan is about the people abroad. There are 500,000-1 mln. KG people are abroad now because of the labor migration. They have improper registration, no property and Bakiev is trying to setup the plan to come them back without any reprisal.
CULTURE
KG has a wide mix of ethnic groups and cultures, though majority are Kyrgyz. Ethnic Groups: In 1994, 52 percent Kyrgyz, 22 percent Russian, 13 percent Uzbek, 3 percent Ukrainian, 2 percent German.Dominant religion is Sunni Islam. High literacy rate 99%. There are two official languages at work: Russian and Kyrgyz. In the early 1990s, the Akayev government pursued an aggressive policy of introducing Kyrgyz as the official language, forcing the remaining European population to use Kyrgyz in most public situations. But in March 1996, Kyrgyzstan's parliament adopted a resolution making Russian an official state language alongside. National cuisine. Kyrgyz cuisine is very rich and unique.The cuisine of Kyrgyz people is rich in dishes made from flour and meat. The best Known meals and drinks of Kyrgyz people are: Besh-barmak – boiled meat meat with small pieces of dough and bouillon; Boorsoks – pieces of dough, fried in a oil; Chuchuk – fatty sausage made from a horse meat (delicious); Shorpo – traditional Kyrgyz soup; Chak-chak – drink, made from best sorts of barley, wheat and corn Heroic Epic Manas is the greatest art-property of the Kyrgyz people, handed down from generation to generation and refined over the centuries, it is a living heritage of the "Aksakal" the wise sages and the "manaschy", the oral narrators. The "EPOS MANAS" contains a wealth of ancient wisdom. It traces the origins and historical roots of many communities of Central Asia, hence it is a most valued ethnological and cultural source material. Today it occupies a most worthy place amongst the masterpieces of popular literature of the world. In recognition Unesco declared the year 1995 as the "Year of Manas.”