Osh Bazar. Bishkek. A pleasant assault on the senses.

What a magnificent backdrop, the snow capped peaks of the Tian Shan mountain range.

Osh Bazaar, in the western suburbs of Bishkek is one of its largest; it is not an ancient market it was only constructed in 1983.

It is quite sprawling, not confined to the main building, it seems stalls are set up wherever space can be found, I should imagine to the locals there is method in the madness, lost on travellers, walking round snapping away. It is where people come to buy and sell, very authentic and thankfully not overrun by tourists yet.

The Osh Bazaar is opened every day of the week between 8 AM and 8 PM. here you can buy all manner of things, the inside main market is mostly a mix of foodstuffs, sold from stalls stacked with spices, candied nuts, and freshly dried fruits, and vegetables.

Although the crowds, to some, could be overwhelming, just enjoy the moment, even when you are shoving a lens inside their personal space often there is no objection, no reaction, as though it is normal. Most of the time it feels like you are invisible to them.

Markets can be found in most towns and villages across the republic, “Bazar Kun”-Bazar Day- usually held on a Sunday. I guess they are not just places to buy and sell, but also a place to socialise and catch up on; for men: the latest news, for women: the latest gossip.

What????

You name it and you’ll find it on the Osh Bazaar:

A cobbler to mend your shoes

A grinder to sharpen your knives and scissors

and a bunch of Morrisons supermarket carrier bags; really? (Morrisons is the 5th largest supermarket chain in the UK)

When wandering a new country, I like to ignore dreary boring stylised organised museums, I find the best way to immerse myself in the culture is to visit places like this and get at insight into ordinary daily lives, see the way people dress, what they buy and how they talk (shout) to each other. Throw in the smells, and the noises it’s an experience that needs to be experienced.