Ala-Too Square (probably pronounced "alla-toe") is the ceremonial heart of Bishkek. The communists used to it to hold parades, and a statue of Felix Dzerzhinksy, founder of the Cheka (now the KGB) dominated the scene.

Now the Kyrgyz use it for all kinds of gatherings, and Dzerzhinsky's statue has been replaced with one of a woman holding out a flaming wreath; she represents liberty (erkindik in Kyrgyz). (They kept the plinth - the base of the statue.) Behind it is the national flagpole, guarded by sentries (see the WS).

Technical: Cropped to correct a tilt. Levels to adjust the shadows (it was a bit underexposed).

The is a closer shot of the base of the national flagpole and the sentries guarding it.



I found a note on the internet warning against approaching the sentries to pose with them for pictures - that is NOT what they are there for, and you will be arrested. However, as none of us did so at the time, I can't say for sure what would happen. Still, don't try it is my advice.