Karakol
Karakol is the fourth largest city of Kyrgyzstan, located near Lake Issyk-Kul from the east at the foot of the Teskey-Alatoo ridge. The history of Karakol began on July 1, 1869. Until 1868 there was Aksai fortification on this place. Staff captain Baron Kaulbars was instructed to study these territories and find the most convenient place to found a new city. It was then that the military-administrative center was built here, located on the route of the Great Silk Road, the caravans of which were sent from the Chui Valley to Kashgaria. Later, a city called “Karakol” appeared, were laid the first streets, squares, a guest yard, and the “Fortification Karakol”.
The city was named after the Karakol River, on which it was founded, "Karakol" means - "black river". However, exactly 20 years later, in 1889, Tsar Alexander the 3rd ordered to rename the city of Karakol to Przhevalsk, the rationale was to perpetuate the memory of Nikolai Mikhailovich Przhevalsky in Central Asia, who died of typhoid fever in Karakol, his wish was to be buried on the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake.
The layout of the city of Przhevalsk was strictly rectangular, and residential buildings were built mainly of mud. However, in 1887 there was a strong earthquake and the most of the city had been destroyed. Since then, people were building mostly wooden houses with porches and carved shutters, which gave Przhevalsk the appearance of a typically Russian city.
Przhevalsk was a green city. Tall trees grew along its streets, and their crowns created shade for the inhabitants. Everyone who built the house was ordered to plant a garden and an alley in front of the house. Also we have to mention, in comparison with other cities of Kyrgyzstan - Przhevalsk had a highly developed culture. Many famous scientists, cultural figures and travelers were born here.
After Kyrgyzstan gained independence, the city was returned the original name - Karakol. Today Karakol for tourists is one of the most attractive cities of Kyrgyzstan. In relation to Karakol, the definition of “tourist paradise” was fixed among the travelers, it’s so good, not only for its stunning nature, comfortable climate and cultural and entertainment facilities, but also unique historical monuments and great architectural complexes, which are in abundance here.