Optimization of the Buffer Zone "Sulaiman-Too". UNESCO Experts Arrive in Kyrgyzstan

On January 7, the Minister of Culture, Mirbek Mambetaliev, held a meeting with international experts regarding the UNESCO World Heritage site "Sulaiman-Too." This information was released by the press service of the Ministry of Culture.

Specialists arrived in Kyrgyzstan to participate in a project aimed at optimizing the boundaries of the Sulaiman-Too buffer zone, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Their work will take place from January 7 to 12.

International UNESCO experts in Kyrgyzstan working on the "Sulaiman-Too" site.
The expert group includes:

• Dmitry Voyakin - goodwill ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan, member of the National Commission of Kazakhstan for UNESCO and ISESCO, authorized representative of the Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan at MondiaCult 2025, coordinator of the "Central Asian Archaeological Landscapes" (CAAL) project, University College London (UCL);
• Kai Waize - former president of ICOMOS Nepal, now coordinator of the ICOMOS Asia-Pacific Regional Network;
• Nargiz Aituganova - researcher in cultural world heritage.

International UNESCO experts in Kyrgyzstan working on the "Sulaiman-Too" site.
During the visit, the development of a new nomination aimed at optimizing the boundaries of the buffer zone is planned, as well as conducting an impact analysis on the world heritage site.

International UNESCO experts in Kyrgyzstan working on the "Sulaiman-Too" site.
During the meeting, important aspects of preserving "Sulaiman-Too," the implementation of UNESCO recommendations, and steps towards preparing an updated nomination were discussed. The minister emphasized the importance of productive cooperation with international specialists and expressed readiness for comprehensive interaction to preserve the unique cultural heritage of the Kyrgyz Republic.

International UNESCO experts in Kyrgyzstan working on the "Sulaiman-Too" site.
It is worth noting that in 2009, "Sulaiman-Too" was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites, which ensures its international level of protection. Currently, the buffer zone covers about 4,788 hectares, but the government believes that this area can be reduced to free up land for the needs of the city.