The history of Kyrgyz literature dates to the early 19th century, from the poems of Moldo Nïyaz to stories written in "Old Kyrgyz".^[1] It is an important facet of the culture of Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyz literature is not only written, but also spoken, and passed down from generation to generation.^[2] Much of the literature in Kyrgyzstan is poetry.

Notable works and authors

Famous works

• The Epic of Manas, originally called Манас дастаны
• Kojojash, a lesser epic poem
• The Day Lasts More Than a Hundred Years

Famous authors

• Chinghiz Aitmatov^[3]
• Kasymaly Jantöshev
• Jolon Mamytov, famous for his love poems
• Alykul Osmonov
• Tugelbay Sydykbekov, the first person to receive the title, Hero of the Kyrgyz Republic
• Aaly Tokombaev
• Kasym Tynystanov
• Tologon Kasymbekov
• Mukay Elebay (wrote the first novel in Kyrgyz, "The Long Road")