Boz Boltok is one of the most famous natural landmarks around the capital. It was here that the Soviet artist Semyon Chuykov created his famous painting "Daughter of Soviet Kyrgyzstan," in which the mountains became a symbol of Bishkek.
According to the ecological project ecomap.kg, the slopes of the mountain are witnessing the destruction of rare species of plants and animals listed in the Red Book, which is happening due to active extraction of inert materials.
Previously, residents and nature defenders have raised the issue of the need to protect Boz Boltok as a historically and culturally significant site. Memorial signs and flagpoles have been installed on neighboring peaks, and tourists and city dwellers come here, viewing the mountains as an important part of the capital's panorama.
On April 25, 2022, the president signed a decree granting Mount Boz Boltok the status of an archaeological and historical reserve.
However, dozens of companies continue to operate in the mountain area, having obtained licenses for the extraction of clay and gravel.
Ecologists emphasize that the problem is not limited to just landscape changes. Quarry mining in the suburbs of Bishkek has already led to the destruction of habitats for rare species of flora and fauna, including red-listed species, in areas located near the city. Restoration of such ecosystems may take decades, and in some cases, lost communities cannot be returned.
The drone video clearly demonstrates how far the work has progressed: part of the slope has already turned into a stepped excavation, and signs of reclamation are not visible. Against this backdrop, residents of nearby villages and dacha communities are demanding explanations from government authorities about whether the mountain will be included in the Register of specially protected objects and whether industrial extraction will finally cease.
For local residents, Boz Boltok holds sacred and historical significance, as it is associated with the name of Baytik Batyr — a legendary hero mentioned in folk legends as the protector of this land. At the base of the southern slope of the mountain lies the mausoleum of Baytik Batyr, which serves as a place of memory and veneration.
