Following Urkun's Path: A Week-Long Memorial March to Be Organized

To mark the 110th anniversary of the tragic Urkun events of 1916, a week-long memorial march will take place from July 25 to July 31, 2026. The journey will span approximately 100 kilometers, starting from the village of Tosor in the Issyk-Kul region and concluding at the Sook pass.

This commemorative event is being jointly organized by the research platform "Esimde" and the local organization "Tosor Koomu." This marks the sixth consecutive year these organizations have collaborated on a memorial march. The primary objective is to honor the memory of those who perished during the Urkun tragedy, ensuring that this significant historical event is preserved and passed down to future generations.

The march also seeks to raise public awareness of the historical sites associated with Urkun, encouraging their preservation and fostering a culture of remembrance. Organizers emphasize that the event is not only about reflecting on a tragic chapter of history but also about ensuring such events never happen again. Participants will follow one of the actual routes taken by people seeking refuge during the 1916 tragedy.

Approximately 50 individuals from various regions of Kyrgyzstan, as well as from neighboring countries, are expected to participate. The memorial march will commence following a commemorative event on July 25, which will include a prayer for the victims, a tree-planting ceremony, and then the participants will begin their trek. The route has been expanded annually, reflecting a growing commitment to remembering this historical tragedy.