Getting to Osh from Bishkek can be a fascinating experience. The low flying aircraft allows for an excellent opportunity to view the rough terrain of the Fergana range of the Central Tien - Shan (Celestial Mountains in Chinese) range.  This mountain region has several dozen of 5,000 meter (16,000 foot) high peaks. (see maps section).

Crossing the Fergana range by air (one hour flight) is one quick way to reach Osh from Bishkek. Crossing by land takes long and is cumbersome. Roads are mostly closed during the winter months. The Fergana range separates the country into two distinct cultural regions and contributes to centrifugal forces that challenge the integrity of Kyrgyzstan.

Second largest city, Osh (pop. 310,000) is one of the oldest dating back to the 5th Century. An important cross road along the Silk Road, it houses a large mixture of peoples, but dominated by the Uzbek ethnic group.  The border with Uzbekistan is but 8 km (5 miles) away from Osh.

Osh is dominated by a limestone mountain that has important religious significance to Muslims. Named Suleiman’s (Solomon’s) throne, it is said that the prophet prayed here in the 16th century.  It is nicknamed “Little Mecca,” and is considered as among the holiest sites of Central Asia.  For centuries, pilgrims come from afar and make the hike to the top to pray inside the Dom Babura (Babur’s House).  It is said that even Prophet Mohammed prayed here.  A large Muslim cemetery is located at the foot of the hill.

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 Osh spreads out into fertile agricultural lands.

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