Mujeeb Jaihoon, an Indian-born writer from the UAE, first met the Kyrgyz in northwest China. After visiting the Kyrgyzstan’s pavilion at Expo 2020 in Dubai, he decided to come to Kyrgyzstan. He told 24.kg news agency about his trip. I live in Sharjah (one of the seven emirates of UAE), a cultural haven known as a literary powerhouse of the region. The Sharjah International Book Fair is among the world’s top three in the world. Professionally, I work in an investment body of the Government of Sharjah. I am popularly known for my creative engagements as a writer and community activist. I am also a passionate traveler, who incorporates my journey experiences into my writings. How did you hear about Kyrgyzstan? In March 2015, my son and I had traveled to Tashkurgan, the north west region of China, which has borders with several countries including Kyrgyzstan. While at the historic town, which was a major stop for the Silk Road, we had stayed with a Kyrgyz family in their yurt. I learned many aspects of Kyrgyz life and their respect for guests and visitors. I also recall them watching Indian films even in the land, which was located more than 3,000 meters above the sea level. Moreover, during the Expo 2020 world exhibition held in Dubai, I happened to visit the Kyrgyzstan pavilion which inspired me to learn more about their culture and wonderful destinations.

Additionally, the e-Visa convenience also acted as a catalyst in my decision to visit Kyrgyzstan.

You are a writer. Can you tell a little about your work? Will the visit to Kyrgyzstan be reflected in it? I have authored nine books, including Slogans of the Sage and The Cool Breeze from Hind. Some of my writings have been translated into Italian, Arabic and Malayalam (spoken in South Indian state of Kerala). I am also associated with several Indian educational institutions, besides playing an advisory role in community development projects. I am also a regular speaker on issues pertaining to education and women empowerment. Education is vital for society’s progress. No nation can progress with education. Women empowerment means empowering the future generations.

Mothers are the primary teachers of children. Safety and security of women are the true hallmark of a nation’s development. – Mujeeb Jaihoon

One of my poetry anthologies Mothers & Martyrs is dedicated to women and her plight. As a prolific traveler, I have extensively traveled to cradles of ancient civilizations in various parts of the world. My travel and literary articles can be reached on www.jaihoon.com I will give a separate treatment — visual and literary — for the Kyrgyzstan travel experiences, which will be published in my blog and across my social media accounts. Unlike my previous journeys, I had broadcast many live videos from Kyrgyzstan cities of Bishkek and Issyk-Kul. What surprised you in Bishkek and Kyrgyzstan? I was swept by the warm hospitality of the Kyrgyz tribes and their preservation of their historical legacy and language.

Despite the onslaught of globalization, the Kyrgyz people continue to uphold their cultural values and pride in their heritage. – Mujeeb Jaihoon

Even the cuisine is very ethnic in presentation. Despite Bishkek being a metro city with several foreigners, it has more or less maintained the Kyrgyz touch in modest proportion. The Issyk- Kul region, with green mountains and fresh water lake, is of breathtaking beauty. I feel the world is yet to discover this natural paradise with fresh air and warm natives. The keenness of Kyrgyz government in promoting this country as an educational hub is commendable. I was impressed by the numerous universities and schools, which would help to develop the human capital of this emerging nation. I could easily find every now and then foreign students across the avenues of Bishkek. This shows Kyrgyzstan has an open door policy for outsiders as well. What in Bishkek reminds you of your hometown? Bishkek is home to several fascinating monuments. However, one structure, which at once reminded me of my hometown was the Bishkek Central Mosque, which closely resembled the Sharjah Grand Mosque with very similar patterns and colors. Besides, the dates and dry fruits of the traditional Osh market was also reminiscent of the markets in Sharjah, though in lesser size and variety. The delicious cuisine at the Indian restaurants in Bishkek also brought to mind the spicy delicacies in my hometown. What is your favorite place in Bishkek? It is difficult to pinpoint an exact place since I loved several aspects of the city. The coffee shops and historical sites really excited the wanderlust in me. The Oak Park stole my heart, while the Osh market stirred my taste buds. What national dishes did you like? I mostly enjoyed the aralash drink, the mix of maksym, a sour drink made from barley, wheat, millet and corn, and chalap, fermented milk diluted with water. I was fortunate to attend a royal dinner arranged by a Kyrgyz elite. It was the most royal dinner I have ever had with a vast selection of fruits and salads, salmon fish, rice and lamp delicacies. I enjoyed innumerable servings of green tea from the generous host as well. You have mentioned the warmth of the people. What else did you like or dislike about the people of Kyrgyzstan? The people are very warm and friendly.

I did not feel like a stranger, neither on streets nor in any malls or institutions. Kyrgyz men and women are welcoming and helpful to foreigners – Mujeeb Jaihoon

I met several inspiring natives from the field of art, education, community service, tour guides and I cannot recall a single unpleasant moment. One evening in a cafe at Bishkek I came across a young lady — film director, who was absorbed in reading a novel by Chinghiz Aitmatov. She was an ardent fan of the Kyrgyz writer and was proud of his writings. Being a writer, this touched me deeply to see the youth of Kyrgyzstan taking pride in their native authors, which is a good sign for the literary future of the country. I also witnessed several readers in the Bayalinov library, where the staff warmly accepted my book to place in the shelves. Reading is the most crucial intellectual activity to prepare a nation for the future challenges. As you read, so shall you reap. Besides a few instances, when Kyrgyz locals did not understand English communication, I did not face any serious disappointments across Kyrgyzstan. ***   This interview was originally published on https://24.kg/english/238877_How_meeting_with_the_Kyrgyz_in_China_brought_writer_Mujeeb_Jaihoon_to_Bishkek/