On December 29, 2025 the Ministry of Digital Development and Innovative Technologies of the Kyrgyz Republic puts into circulation a series of Kyrgyz Express Post postage stamps: "Kyrgyz Musical Instruments".
Music has always held a special place in the culture of Kyrgyzstan. It accompanied the Kyrgyz people through all stages of life – from military campaigns and welcoming guests to festive celebrations and memorial rituals. Musical instruments carried the memory of generations, helping to preserve history, legends and the national epic "Manas". Today, traditional melodies are heard not only in folklore ensembles but also on modern stages, and some instruments are gaining new popularity in ethno-jazz and experimental music.
Kyrgyz musical culture has ancient roots and is richly represented by folk instruments, each of which reflects the character and soul of the nation. The new issue of KEP stamps features two characteristic Kyrgyz musical instruments – the temir komuz and the komuz. The coupons of the miniature sheets depict folk performers, the First Day Cover presents another Kyrgyz musical instrument – the Kyl kyiak.
The Temir komuz is one of the most ancient Kyrgyz plucked lamellophones, a type of jaw harp. It is made of metal and produces unique, vibrating sounds created by the oscillation of the tongue within the performer’s mouth. Small in size, the temir komuz traditionally accompanied epic tales, folk songs, and improvisations, conveying mood and rhythm through breath and movement. Today, it is also used in contemporary music projects, connecting ancient traditions with new forms of art.
The Komuz is a symbol of Kyrgyz musical tradition and spiritual heritage. This three-stringed plucked instrument is carved from a single piece of wood, most often apricot or walnut. The komuz produces a melodic and expressive sound, used to perform folk melodies, dances and to accompany the "Manas" epic. Modern musicians continue to experiment with the komuz, incorporating it into compositions of various genres – from classical music to ethno-rock – while preserving its cultural essence.
All three instruments are an integral part of Kyrgyzstan’s cultural identity. They embody the harmony of nature, the rhythm of life and the creative inspiration of the people, bridging the past and the present through the language of music.
