World Heritage Identification Number: 1230
World Heritage since: 2009
Category: Cultural Heritage
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan
Continent: Asia
UNESCO World Region: Asia and the Pacific
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Exploring the Spiritual Heart of Central Asia: Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain
The Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain, nestled within the heart of Kyrgyzstan, stands as a testament to the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Central Asia. This majestic mountain range, encompassing five distinct peaks, has been a focal point for travelers and pilgrims for over one and a half millennia. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009, Sulaiman-Too offers a unique blend of pre-Islamic and Islamic beliefs, making it a remarkable example of religious syncretism.
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain Kyrgyzstan dominates the Fergana Valley and forms the backdrop to the city of Osh, at the crossroads of important routes on the Central Asian Silk Roads. For more than one and a half millennia, Sulaiman was a beacon for travellers revered as a sacred mountain. Its five peaks and slopes contain numerous ancient places of worship and caves with petroglyphs as well as two largely reconstructed 16th century mosques. One hundred and one sites with petroglyphs representing humans and animals as well as geometrical forms have been indexed in the property so far. The site numbers 17 places of worship, which are still in use, and many that are not. Dispersed around the mountain peaks they are connected by footpaths. The cult sites are believed to provide cures for barrenness, headaches, and back pain and give the blessing of longevity. Veneration for the mountain blends pre-Islamic and Islamic beliefs. The site is believed to represent the most complete example of a sacred mountain anywhere in Central Asia, worshipped over several millennia.
Encyclopedia Record: Sulayman Mountain
The Sulayman Mountain is the only World Heritage Site located entirely in the country of Kyrgyzstan. It is located in the city of Osh and was once a major place of pre-Muslim pilgrimage.Additional Site Details
Area: 112 hectares
(vi) — Directly associated with events or living traditions
Coordinates: 40.5311111111 , 72.7827777778
Image
© Nefesh03, CC BY-SA 4.0 Resized from original. (This derivative is under the same CC BY-SA license.)
