Kyrgyzstan moves to rename Jalal-Abad city to Manas in effort to promote National identity

Kyrgyzstan's Jogorku Kenesh has passed a draft law in all three readings to rename the city of Jalal-Abad to Manas. The initiative originated from local residents and received unanimous support from the city council.

Mayor Ernisbek Ormokeev submitted the proposal, which was also endorsed by the presidential envoy to the Jalal-Abad region.

The renaming initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen national ideology and has gained support not only at the state level but also among the general public.

According to Kudaibergen Bazarbaev, Director of the State Agency for Civil Service and Local Government Affairs under the Cabinet of Ministers, the draft law aims to reinforce national values and identity through the symbolic act of naming the city after Manas - a legendary epic hero, a historical figure and a protector of the Kyrgyz people.

The explanatory note accompanying the bill states that the renaming is not expected to result in negative social, economic, legal, environmental or corruption-related consequences. On the contrary, it is viewed as an important step in consolidating national identity and civic pride.

The renaming of Jalal-Abad, currently the third most populous city in Kyrgyzstan, is expected to cost around 15 million Kyrgyz soms, which equates to approximately 171,750 US dollars.

Jalal-Abad has served as the administrative centre of its region since 1991. In recent years, the city has undergone significant infrastructure development, including the construction of apartment buildings, internal roads, a stadium and other public facilities, largely supported by the State Mortgage Company.

Reflecting the city’s growing importance, President Sadyr Japarov celebrated Independence Day on 31 August in Jalal-Abad, where he took part in the opening of a major administrative complex.

Additionally, the Chairman of the State Committee for National Security Kamchybek Tashiev announced the allocation of extra funding for regional development. In 2024, the Jalal-Abad region is set to receive 10 billion soms  (approximately 114 500 000 U.S. dollars) from the state budget, with more than 1 billion allocated specifically for the city.

With a population exceeding 184 000 people, the renaming of Jalal-Abad to Manas could serve as both a symbolic act of cultural revival and a catalyst for continued regional growth.

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