New Osh Bazaar Will Be Fully State-Owned, Says Kyrgyz Official

The transfer of traders from Bishkek’s old Osh Bazaar to a new complex will begin soon, according to Kanybek Tumanbaev, the Kyrgyz president’s affairs manager. He made the statement while inspecting the construction site.

Tumanbaev said construction of the new bazaar is about 90 percent complete. Before traders move in, every retail space must be ready and meet the required standards. He ordered checks of the engineering systems and instructed officials to prepare the market for winter.

“The most important thing is that the quality must be good,” Tumanbaev said. “Winter is coming, so it must be warm inside.” He also called for inspections of all systems, including the gas supply, as well as the landscaping around the site.

The official described the project as a state facility and demanded detailed oversight. He said all processes should be electronic, with numbered retail spaces entered into a unified database. Traders will be able to pay rent through Tunduk, Kyrgyzstan’s digital services platform.

The new market covers 155,000 square meters. Its design includes nine buildings of two to four floors, along with storage areas, refrigeration centers, sports halls, a mosque and medical points. Construction began in September 2024. Once traders move, authorities plan to close the old Osh Bazaar and create a modern green recreational zone on its grounds.

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The most important thing is that the quality must be good. Winter is coming, so it must be warm inside.