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and function . Within the grid layout , the central area of Bishkek had a feel , a sense of grandeur with large public squares and lush gardens . All displaying nods to the past , the recent past .
Bishkek has a chequered history that some historians suggest is quite young whilst others argue that it is ancient . The truth lies somewhere in between , as it is at least known that Bishkek , or the Osh Bazaar that preceded it , was established during the height of the Silk Road . Bishkek sits on a major crossroads of the once important trading route . The Osh Bazaar is one of the worlds great markets . A hive of wears , foods , household goods , and more . Easily a day or two could be lost exploring the labyrinth of lanes and stalls .
Further exploration of the streets gave little indication as to the age of the city , everything seemed to be from the Soviet era . Marble-clad office blocks , malls , and various government buildings , all splendid in their brutalist form , dominant yet somehow comforting , from afar . Venturing close gave some representation to the mid-1960s construction techniques .
Further away from the city centre
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