By Alina Rezepova, Staff Writer
It is impressive that Saint Leo University brings together students from all over the world. Among the diverse nationalities studying at Saint Leo, there are students from Kyrgyzstan.
Kyrgyzstan is a majestic country located in Central Asia, on the other side of the world from America. Its official name is the Kyrgyz Republic, and it is also known as the “Land of the Sky Mountains.” The mountains of Kyrgyzstan hold a special place in the country’s history, as more than 90 percent of the Kyrgyz Republic’s territory is covered by peaks, some of which reach heights of over 7,400 meters.
Apart from the mountains, the country is also covered with glaciers (about 3,088 square miles). The harsh but incredibly beautiful nature of Kyrgyzstan has shaped a unique way of life over time, in which horses and community values still play an important role. Due to the remoteness of the regions from each other and the difficult terrain, people led a nomadic lifestyle, constantly moving their livestock across the high-altitude pastures. The people always stayed together, as their survival often depended on the support of others. To this day, the people of Kyrgyzstan are considered quite friendly and willing to help.
Kyrgyzstan has long been an important point in Central Asia, as in the distant past, it was at the intersection of trade routes and empires. There was a time the country played an important roleon the Great Silk Road, as trade routes from China and further to Central Asia and the West passed through Kyrgyzstan.
An interesting fact about Kyrgyzstan is that Halloween is not celebrated here. The Kyrgyz Republic has many other holidays, such as Nowruz, which is an important date that symbolizes the renewal of nature and the strengthening of human connections.
“Nowruz is a traditional Kyrgyz New Year that is celebrated in the spring, marking the beginning of a new season. In the past, people used to prepare a ‘stone porridge’ made from millet and hot stones to survive during periods of hunger. Nowadays, we simply prepare a traditional porridge called Sumalak, which symbolizes spring and rebirth,” said Nurzhamal Madiiarova, a sophomorecomputer science student.
The reason why Halloween is not celebrated in Kyrgyzstan is that it is associated with mysticism and death, which goes against the Muslim faith of the Kyrgyz people. Despite this, in recent years, the younger generation in major cities of Kyrgyzstan, such as Bishkek (the capital city), has been organizing costume parties throughout October, but these parties are not related to Halloween.
“The younger generation is having parties, but not in the Halloween theme,” said Sezim Sharshenalieva, a sophomore marketing student.
Kyrgyzstan is a unique country that has a culture based on faith, loyalty, and family. It is a completely different culture from the United States, and it has its own wonderful holidays and traditions. Due to the students from Kyrgyzstan, the community at Saint Leo is becoming more diverse and unique.
