The Manas Sculptural Complex, Bishkek
The Manas Sculptural Complex, completed in 1981, is a striking monument located in Manas Square, near the City Philharmonic in Bishkek. Dedicated to the legendary hero of the Kyrgyz national epic, this complex is a celebration of cultural heritage and unity.
The centerpiece of the complex is a towering statue of Manas, the epic hero, astride his magical steed Ak-Kula, holding a sword as he battles a fearsome dragon. Flanking him are statues of his wife, Kanykei, a symbol of strength and loyalty, and the wise sage Bakai, his trusted spiritual guide. Together, these figures embody the values of courage, wisdom, and unity that are central to the epic.
The square itself is paved in red granite and features additional busts of manaschi—traditional storytellers who have preserved the epic for over a millennium. These sculptures, along with fountains, add to the grandeur of the space. The epic of Manas, recognized by UNESCO in 1995 during its 1,000th anniversary, is a monumental work of Kyrgyz folklore. It weaves together myths, fairy tales, and traditions around the heroic figure of Manas, portraying him as a unifier and defender of his people against invaders.
The Manas Sculptural Complex serves as a profound reminder of the Kyrgyz people's history and their enduring connection to their cultural roots, making it a must-visit landmark in Bishkek.
The centerpiece of the complex is a towering statue of Manas, the epic hero, astride his magical steed Ak-Kula, holding a sword as he battles a fearsome dragon. Flanking him are statues of his wife, Kanykei, a symbol of strength and loyalty, and the wise sage Bakai, his trusted spiritual guide. Together, these figures embody the values of courage, wisdom, and unity that are central to the epic.
The square itself is paved in red granite and features additional busts of manaschi—traditional storytellers who have preserved the epic for over a millennium. These sculptures, along with fountains, add to the grandeur of the space. The epic of Manas, recognized by UNESCO in 1995 during its 1,000th anniversary, is a monumental work of Kyrgyz folklore. It weaves together myths, fairy tales, and traditions around the heroic figure of Manas, portraying him as a unifier and defender of his people against invaders.
The Manas Sculptural Complex serves as a profound reminder of the Kyrgyz people's history and their enduring connection to their cultural roots, making it a must-visit landmark in Bishkek.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bishkek. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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The Manas Sculptural Complex on Map
Sight Name: The Manas Sculptural Complex
Sight Location: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (See walking tours in Bishkek)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (See walking tours in Bishkek)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Create Your Own Walk in Bishkek
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bishkek is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bishkek Introduction Walking Tour
The capital city of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, is set against the picturesque backdrop of the snow-capped Tian Shan mountains at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level.
Compared to other major cities in Central Asia, Bishkek has a relatively short history. It was founded in 1825, as the Pishpek fortress, during the Russian colonization of the region. The fortress served as an administrative... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Compared to other major cities in Central Asia, Bishkek has a relatively short history. It was founded in 1825, as the Pishpek fortress, during the Russian colonization of the region. The fortress served as an administrative... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Soviet Era Architecture and Monuments Tour
While nomadic communities of yurt-living, horse-riding sheep herders are still thriving in the most remote valleys of Kyrgyzstan, the capital city of Bishkek shows a different facet of this Central Asian nation.
Built practically from scratch during the Soviet era, Bishkek experienced significant transformation in terms of urban planning and is packed to the rim with a well-preserved... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Built practically from scratch during the Soviet era, Bishkek experienced significant transformation in terms of urban planning and is packed to the rim with a well-preserved... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles