Manas
Манас району | |
|---|---|
 Coat of arms | |
 | |
| Country | Kyrgyzstan |
| Region | Talas Region |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1,198 km2 (463 sq mi) |
| Population (2021) | |
| • Total | 37,505 |
| • Density | 31/km2 (81/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+6 |
Manas (Kyrgyz: Манас району) is a district of Talas Region in north-western Kyrgyzstan. Its area is 1,198 square kilometres (463 sq mi),[1] and its resident population was 37,505 in 2021.[2] The administrative seat lies at Pokrovka.[3]
The district is named after the mythical Kyrgyz national hero, Manas, who is said to have been born in the Alatau mountains in the raion. A few kilometers outside Talas lies a mausoleum, supposedly that of Manas, called the Kümböz Manas. However, the inscription on its richly-decorated facade dedicates it to "...the most glorious of women Kenizek-Khatun, the daughter of the Emir Abuka".
The building, known as "Manastin Khumbuzu" or "The Ghumbez of Manas", is thought to have been built in 1334. It now contains a museum dedicated to the epic. A ceremonial mound also lies nearby.
