Social Customs and Gifts in Kyrgyzstan
It is typical to be asked to a local's home, especially in the countryside, as Kyrgyz people are quite hospitable. People from other countries are frequently invited to social events like weddings and birthday parties. If you accept an offer, make sure to bring a present. If you know your host drinks alcohol, local delicacies or a bottle of vodka are also excellent options. If it's a coworker you don't know well, you can just wish them well and maybe even send flowers, but that's normally reserved for women. If you give someone flowers, keep in mind one simple rule: the number of flowers you bring on certain occasions matters a lot. At funerals, an even number of flowers are delivered. Any other event that calls for an odd number of flowers. If it's your friend's 30th anniversary, you most definitely don't want to bring 12 carnations (or roses, or any other flower).
It is not important for visitors to arrive at a private party promptly; you are allowed to be a few minutes late. Take off your shoes when you come for supper and leave them at the door. Let your host show you to your seat and take the lead throughout any rituals that may be held for you as a guest. The first of them is frequently a toast with a glass of vodka (for the locals who do use alcohol); if asked to make a toast in return, remember to thank your host for their hospitality and good luck. Regularly, people are invited over without a specific purpose. There are specific sitting arrangements for attendees at a typical informal Kyrgyz celebration, so be aware of that if you are invited. Typically, the oldest person or special guest is invited to take a seat at the head of the table, or "tyor," as it is known in Kyrgyz (the seat most distant from the door). In order to serve as "waiters," young people or hostesses sit near the door. They carry and remove the dishes, make the tea, and perform other tasks. In general, you work more when you're younger. When visiting someone, bring some treats or mementos for the kids.
A restaurant or cafe can occasionally be used to celebrate a particular occasion. Identify the time to arrive and the amount of money to bring in advance. An invitation may indicate that the host is treating in some situations, while in others it may be an "everyone pays for himself/herself" scenario. In Kyrgyzstan, the concept of personal space is simply nonexistent. This might come as a surprise to a Westerner who is accustomed to the 60-centimeter rule of distance. People here are used to chatting close to you, so you might want to move aside when conversing with them. However, if you do, they will likely want to approach you again. Please don't take that as an insult, as awkward and weird as it may sound to you. Family customs may hold the key, as Kyrgyz people typically live in close quarters with five to six other people.
