Queen Kurmanjan of the mountains

by Bubaisha Arstynbekova

The rise to power and legendary diplomacy of Kyrgyzstan’s first female ‘Datka’ and Central Asia’s first stateswoman, are revered throughout her country, with Kurmanjan’s life and achievements explored in film, literature and poetry. Hailed as ‘Mother’ of the Kyrgyz nation, she is honoured by monuments in Bishkek and Osh and her image, from her only photograph taken when she was 96, adorns the 50 som banknote.