For local authorities, the relocation of the Osh market is a step towards relieving Bishkek, while for tourists, it is an opportunity to enjoy exoticism. However, for many traders, this is a matter of survival. While discussions about moving from the city center continue, correspondents from 24.kg visited the market to hear the opinions of those who do not know what awaits them tomorrow. What are the reasons some are ready to relocate while others are preparing for closure? And why is trust in the authorities as important as the rental terms in this matter?
Waiting for Change: Details of the Relocation
The idea of relocating the market has been discussed by the authorities for several years. The new Osh market, located near the MTU "Prigorodnoye," is under construction, but specific conditions for the relocation have yet to be announced.
Entrepreneurs report that the authorities previously promised to provide them with spaces in the new complex for free and under more favorable conditions. However, information about the sale of trading spaces in the new building has raised serious concerns among them.
Entrepreneurs are actively sharing their worries on social media.
They emphasize that many of them work legally, pay taxes, and have financial obligations, making it impossible to purchase new spaces under current conditions.
Traders are calling on the Bishkek city hall to clarify the situation regarding the market relocation, specify the conditions for providing trading spaces, and offer guarantees for existing entrepreneurs.
Trading Space: Empty Promises vs. Commercial Offers
Representatives of the Osh market have appealed to President Sadyr Japarov to clarify whether they will be provided with spaces in the new market. The petition has been signed by over 500 traders who are asking to preserve their jobs and, in the event of the old market's closure, to provide spaces in the new complex.
According to the entrepreneurs, their appeal has been acknowledged, and the authorities promised to respond within 14 working days. They also inquired whether they could hold peaceful protests in case of an unsatisfactory response. The authorities recognized their right to protest but clarified that such events should be held in designated areas, such as the M. Gorky Park in Bishkek.
We spoke with sellers and buyers to find out whether they are ready to visit the new Osh market—some for work, others for shopping.
“I have loans, and if I am left without work, I just don’t know what to do,” says one entrepreneur.
Another seller from the clothing department describes the Osh market as the second most significant national treasure after Issyk-Kul. He notes that tourists love to stroll through its aisles, but if the new location offers better conditions, many are willing to relocate.
“We want to work in comfortable conditions, where it’s warm in winter and cool in summer, so we are waiting for offers from the management of the new complex and are ready to move,” the traders add.
Opinions of Buyers and Sellers: From Optimism to Closure
Buyers come to the Osh market from distant areas, such as Nizhnechuy. If public transport runs to the new complex and prices remain affordable, they are willing to go there as well.
“It’s cheap here, you can buy in bulk, there’s a wide selection, and prices are lower than in stores. If the market relocates, it will be inconvenient, but what can we do—we’ll have to go there. The main thing is that there’s convenient transport. I hope it will be orderly there; just look at the conditions in which people work here,” shares one buyer.
A man who has been working as a porter at the market for over 20 years says he is used to this place, but if he needs to relocate, he would gladly continue working there.
There is a popular spice trader at the Osh market, who has queues on weekends. He shares his advice and always pays close attention to customers. Having started with selling fish and vegetables, he now primarily deals with spices. When asked about the relocation, he responds, “You have to eat—where else can you go?”
However, the pet shop is likely to close after the Osh market relocates: who will go to the Prigorodnoye area for a parrot or cat food?
“For us, moving to a new place is unprofitable. While the new market gets established and people get used to it, it’s easier to close the business. Yes, there’s a lot of dirt here, but if people don’t litter, there won’t be any dirt,” believes the owner of the pet shop.
Old or New Market? A State of Uncertainty
The relocation of the Osh market remains in limbo. On one hand, a new trading complex is being built; on the other, thousands of people for whom this market is the only source of income and a familiar part of life.
Both sellers and buyers agree on one thing: relocation is only possible under clear and transparent conditions, with accessible transport infrastructure and the preservation of social prices in the market.
While official clarifications are absent, the uncertainty only heightens the anxiety of entrepreneurs and breeds rumors. In this situation, dialogue between city authorities and traders is crucial, as it affects not only the fate of one of the most famous markets in the capital but also the well-being of thousands of families.
