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🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan /Culture & Society

Kyrgyz Sea instead of Issyk-Kul? What's being discussed on social media

From 24.kg · () Russian

Translated from Russian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Social media users in Kyrgyzstan are discussing a proposal to rename Issyk-Kul lake to "Kyrgyz Sea."
  • Proponents argue the name would symbolize national identity and highlight the lake's significance to the Kyrgyz people.
  • Critics worry about changing the historical name and the practical implications of renaming, with some suggesting "Kyrgyz Sea" as an unofficial or artistic designation.

A debate is unfolding on Kyrgyz social media regarding a proposal to rename the country's famed Issyk-Kul lake to "Kyrgyz Sea." The discussion gained traction amid the UIM F1H2O World Championship stage held on the lake.

Facebook user Yerzhan Suleiman initiated the idea, suggesting "Kyrgyz Sea" as a symbol of national identity that would underscore the lake's belonging to Kyrgyzstan. He believes that for Kyrgyz citizens, Issyk-Kul's scale and importance transcend that of a typical lake. Suleiman also pointed out that the international name "Issyk-Kul" does not inherently convey its status as a national symbol to non-Kyrgyz speakers.

It is not just a name change. It is a question of self-discovery of the people, respect for their history and the spiritual heritage we will leave for future generations.

— Adilet KalygulovA social media user explaining his support for renaming Issyk-Kul lake to 'Kyrgyz Sea' as a matter of national identity.

Supporters, like user Adilet Kalygulov, view the proposal as more than a name change; they see it as a matter of national self-awareness, respect for history, and preserving spiritual heritage for future generations. They note that many bodies of water globally, geographically lakes, are named "seas," citing the Caspian, Aral, and Dead Seas as examples.

The Caspian Sea, the Aral Sea, and the Dead Sea are examples that the word 'sea' in a name does not necessarily mean part of an ocean.

— Adilet KalygulovA social media user providing examples of geographical bodies named 'sea' that are not oceans, in support of renaming Issyk-Kul.

However, the proposal has met significant criticism. Many users argue against altering the lake's historical name, with some stating, "Let the lake remain a lake." Others question the practical necessity of a new name, while some highlight the potential logistical challenges, such as updating documents, maps, and signage. Compromise suggestions include keeping Issyk-Kul as the official name and using "Kyrgyz Sea" informally or artistically. Some users have even humorously proposed "Kyrgyz Ocean."

Amidst this naming debate, Orientalist Bolot Zhusup offered an alternative etymological perspective. He suggested that the name "Issyk-Kul" might not derive from the water's temperature, as commonly believed, but from an ancient Turkic word for "sacred." He cited linguistic sound changes in Turkic languages to support his theory that "Isyk" could be a preserved older form related to "Ysyk" (sacred).

Let the lake remain a lake.

— unnamed userA quote from a social media user expressing opposition to renaming Issyk-Kul lake.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by 24.kg in Russian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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