In a significant move reflecting changing sentiments towards the Soviet past, Kyrgyzstan has removed its tall statue of Vladimir Lenin, believed to be the tallest in Central Asia. The 23-meter monument, which had loomed over the city of Osh for half a century, was quietly taken down earlier this week. In images circulated over the weekend, the statue can be seen flat on the ground after a crane operation. This decision aligns with a growing trend among former Soviet republics to redefine their national identities with reduced emphasis on prior associations with Russia.
Kyrgyzstan Parts Ways with Lenin: Iconic Statue Removed
Kyrgyzstan Parts Ways with Lenin: Iconic Statue Removed
Kyrgyzstan's tallest Lenin statue has been dismantled as the nation seeks to shed Soviet ties and reshape its identity.
While the Kyrgyz authorities claimed that the statue's removal was part of efforts to enhance the city’s “architectural and aesthetic appearance,” they also remain cautious of potentially offending Russia, especially after Moscow's recent installation of a new Josef Stalin statue. The city officials indicated that the Lenin statue would be replaced with a flagpole, similar to other instances in the country. Despite gaining independence 34 years ago after the Soviet Union's dissolution, Kyrgyzstan still carries traces of its Soviet heritage, including names and symbols that linger across the landscape.
