On September 5, 2025 the Ministry of Digital Development and Innovative Technologies of the Kyrgyz Republic puts into circulation a series of Kyrgyz Express Post postage stamps: "Interhelpo. Czechoslovak Industrial Cooperative, 100 years".
In 2025, Kyrgyzstan celebrates a significant anniversary in its history – the 100th anniversary of the "Interhelpo" cooperative. This cooperative made a significant contribution to the industrial, social, and cultural development of Kyrgyz society.
The Interhelpo cooperative ("International Workers’ Aid," translated from the international language Ido) was founded in 1923 in Czechoslovakia, in the city of Žilina. Its members were workers of various professions – builders, engineers, electricians, textile workers, and artisans, as well as doctors and teachers. The group numbered about 1,070 people, including their family members. In 1925, the first group of Interhelpo members arrived in the capital of Soviet Kyrgyzstan at Pishpek station (now Bishkek).
A special role in the history of Interhelpo was played by Rudolf Pavlovič Mareček (1888–1970), a Czechoslovak revolutionary, engineer, and organizer of socialist construction in Central Asia. He was one of the key inspirers behind the resettlement of Czechoslovak workers to Kyrgyzstan, actively participated in the construction of the first industrial facilities in the city of Frunze, and initiated many infrastructure projects. Thanks to Mareček and his colleagues, brick, textile, sewing, and furniture factories were established; the first water supply systems, roads, and power lines were laid; and European-style schools, hospitals, and residential buildings were constructed. Many buildings and industrial facilities constructed by Interhelpo members have been preserved in Bishkek to this day. It is important to note that the Interhelpo cooperative also became a significant training ground for skilled personnel for the young Kyrgyz Republic.
The history of Interhelpo ended in 1943, when the cooperative's property was transferred to the state. However, the memory of this phenomenon and the selfless help of hundreds of Czechs and Slovaks is still honored by the Kyrgyz people. The National Historical Museum holds rare exhibits dedicated to the life and work of Interhelpo members, and descendants of some of them still live in Bishkek and other cities of Kyrgyzstan. KEP is proud to note that the creation of this new stamp issue was actively supported by Lada Mareček and Elvira Mareček – respectively the great-granddaughter and granddaughter of the founder of Interhelpo – who currently reside in Bishkek. It was Elvira Mareček who authored the portrait of Rudolf Mareček featured on the KEP stamp. She also redesigned the Interhelpo emblem, originally created by Mareček himself, for its 100th anniversary. The updated emblem is also depicted on the KEP stamps.
The issue is rich in historical details. The upper margin of the miniature sheet features a photograph of Rudolf Mareček bidding farewell to the first transport at the Žilina railway station (he was unable to travel with the first group to Kyrgyzstan for reasons beyond his control). The first coupon on the right shows one of the earliest workshops, set up directly under the trees shortly after arrival in Pishpek. The second coupon next to it depicts the first Fordson tractor brought by the Interhelpo cooperative in 1925. The third and fourth coupons (lower left) feature the first sewing workshop of Interhelpo and a commemorative plaque displayed in Bishkek.
KEP is confident that this new stamp issue will contribute to celebrating the centenary of Interhelpo and to the development of friendship and fruitful cooperation between the peoples of Kyrgyzstan, Czechia and Slovakia. We look forward to welcoming many visitors to the famous “Sberatel 2025” Collector Fair in Prague, where they will be able to visit the KEP booth and see the new issues.
