1. History and Significance
In 1975, while Kyrgyzstan was still part of the Soviet Union, the city of Osh erected a 23-meter (75-foot) statue of Vladimir Lenin, long regarded as one of the tallest Lenin monuments in Central Asia.
2. Reason and Process of Removal
In June 2025, with the aid of a crane and without any public ceremony, the statue was carefully lowered to the ground. In a statement, Osh City Hall described the action as a routine step in “urban planning” intended to enhance the “architectural and aesthetic appearance” of the area.
3. Political Framing
Authorities emphasized that the removal was not politically motivated but part of standard city development. They noted that Lenin statues have likewise been dismantled or relocated in Russian cities such as St. Petersburg and Belgorod.
4. What Will Replace It?
City Hall announced that a flagpole will be installed on the vacated site—mirroring what was done in the capital, Bishkek, after a different Lenin statue was moved.
5. Broader Context
Since gaining independence, many Central Asian countries have sought to reduce Russian influence by removing Soviet symbols. Yet only a week earlier, Russia unveiled a new monument to Joseph Stalin at one of Moscow’s busiest metro stations, reflecting a contrasting view of the Soviet legacy.