Pishpek - Frunze – Bishkek: History of capital in photographs

The capital of Kyrgyzstan marks its 144^th anniversary today. During this time, it changed its name twice, having been both Pishpek and Frunze.

The plan for the design location of Pishpek with European-style buildings was approved on August 31, 1878. The street network was planned in a checkerboard pattern for construction of irrigation ditch network and natural ventilation of the city. Some of the buildings were made of wood. Despite the semi-desert, the residents planted gardens and parks.

In the late 1930s, professional architects arrived in the capital. During the war years, evacuated enterprises were placed in Frunze and new ones were built.

Active development of the city began in the post-war years, a series of standard projects appeared. Decorativeism and pomposity dominate in the architecture. Since the second half of the 1950s, mass construction had been carried out according to standard projects. A new Frunze master plan was approved in 1970.

There are 938 streets in modern Bishkek. The capital is considered to be the soul and heart of Kyrgyzstan, its political, economic, scientific and cultural center. The number of shopping and business centers is growing, while the size of shady recreation areas is reducing from year to year.