Monuments Tour (Self Guided), Bishkek

A monument to Lenin stands in the center of Bishkek, as it once did in the majority of cities, towns and villages located in the former Soviet Union. The statue depicts Lenin standing tall with his arm stretched, pointing to the "happy future". This monument is probably the only remaining statue of this famous revolutionary leader in Central Asia, and stands as a reminder of an important period in Kyrgyzstan's history.

The Victory Monument stands appropriately enough on Victory Square. This memorial is dedicated to the victory of the Allies over Nazi Germany. The statue is of a woman, representing all the mothers and wives that had to wait for their sons and husbands to return home. National symbols, such as the Kyrgyz yort, also adorn the memorial. It is a breathtaking site, as it illustrates the costs of war in a very memorable way.

Bibisara is a monument dedicated to a famous Bishkek ballerina. She contributed a great deal to the development of the Kyrgyz Ballet School. In addition to her dancing skills, she was a famous trainer, teaching generations of ballerinas. The monument now rests on a small square near the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

The Alay Tokombaev monument stands opposite the Opera and Ballet Theater. This monument is dedicated to the famous Kyrgyz writer Alay Tokombaev. Tokombaev contributed to the literary heritage of Kyrgyzstan and to the development of the Kyrgyz alphabet.

Toktogul Statue memorializes a famous Kyrgyz poet, singer, and instrumentalist. In addition to this monument, a street, a museum and a power station in Bishkek carry his name. Toktogul Statue was made of bronze in 1974 and stands near the Theater of Opera and Ballet.

Martyrs of the Revolution, also called the Statue of War, is a monument that won the 'All Union Lenin' prize during the Soviet era. The monument includes statues of a woman with socialist warriors behind her that died at the hands of "rich peasants". It was made in 1978 and is an excellent example of statues from the Soviet era.

The Statue of Pushkin stands in front of Slavic University. Russia's influence on Kyrgyzstan was once quite strong, and this is reflected in the number of statutes in the city of Bishkek that represent famous Russian figures. Pushkin was one of the greatest Russian poets, known around the world. The monument to this poet was erected in 1999.

Mikhail Frunze was a Bolshevik and revolutionary leader. He was born in Bishkek but lived primarily in Russia. He was closely related to Lenin. During the Soviet era he was so famous that the city of Bishkek was known as Frunze. Many monuments of Frunze stand in Moscow, and many streets bear his name there. His statue in Bishkek stands at the end of Erkindik Boulevard. He is depicted riding his horse, leading the Red Army into the city.