# Kerben

> place in Jalal-Abad Region, Kyrgyzstan

**Wikidata**: [Q2355674](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2355674)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerben,_Kyrgyzstan)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kerben

## Summary
Kerben is a city located in the Jalal-Abad Region of Kyrgyzstan. It serves as the administrative capital of the Aksy District, a role it has held since 1935. Formerly known as Karavan, the city was officially renamed Kerben in 2004 and features an elevation of 1,296 metres above sea level.

## Key Facts
*   **Classification:** City (large human settlement).
*   **Location:** Jalal-Abad Region, Kyrgyzstan.
*   **Administrative Role:** Capital of Aksy District (since October 29, 1935).
*   **Area:** 0.99 square kilometres.
*   **Elevation:** 1,296 metres.
*   **Timezone:** UTC+06:00.
*   **Postal Code:** 720600.
*   **Licence Plate Code:** 04, D.
*   **Population:** 14,141 (2009 census, preferred value).
*   **Coordinates:** 41.5° N, 71.75° E.
*   **Official Names:** Караван (Karavan) until 2004; Кербен (Kerben) from 2004 onwards.
*   **Websites:** `https://Kerben.aksy.kg` (Kyrgyz) and `https://kerben.gov.kg` (Kyrgyz/Russian).

## FAQs
**What was Kerben previously called?**
The city was officially known as Караван (Karavan) until 2004, when it was renamed Кербен (Kerben).

**What is the population of Kerben?**
The preferred population count is 14,141 residents based on the 2009 census point in time. Historical data shows growth from 2,007 residents in 1939 to 13,929 in 1999.

**Where is Kerben located geographically?**
Kerben is situated in the Aksy District of the Jalal-Abad Region in Kyrgyzstan at an elevation of 1,296 metres, falling within the UTC+06:00 timezone.

**What administrative functions does Kerben serve?**
Kerben serves as the capital of the Aksy District. It also contains several subdivisions and parts, including localities such as Ak-Döbö, Külük-Döbö, Bospiek, Jerge-Tal, and Kızıl-Kapçıgay.

## Why It Matters
Kerben acts as the administrative heart of the Aksy District, providing governance and infrastructure for the region. Its renaming in 2004 marks a significant moment in its local history, distinguishing it from its Soviet-era identity as Karavan. The city maintains a digital presence through multiple official government portals and is documented across a wide array of international knowledge bases, including Wikipedia editions in 22 languages.

## Notable For
*   **Administrative Hub:** Serves as the capital of the Aksy District.
*   **Historical Renaming:** Underwent an official name change from Karavan to Kerben in 2004.
*   **International Documentation:** Has a significant digital footprint with Wikipedia articles in 22 languages, including Kyrgyz, Russian, English, Chinese, and Persian.
*   **High Elevation:** Situated at an altitude of nearly 1,300 metres.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Kerben is a city situated in the Jalal-Abad Region of Kyrgyzstan. It lies at coordinates 41.5° latitude and 71.75° longitude. The city covers a total area of 0.99 square kilometres and rests at an elevation of 1,296 metres above sea level. It operates within the UTC+06:00 timezone.

### Administration and Governance
The city is the administrative centre (capital) of the Aksy District, a position it has held since October 29, 1935. The local government maintains two official websites: `https://Kerben.aksy.kg` (primarily in Kyrgyz) and `https://kerben.gov.kg` (available in both Kyrgyz and Russian). The city utilizes the postal code 720600 and the licence plate codes 04 and D.

### History and Nomenclature
Historically, the city was officially named Караван (Karavan). This name remained in use until 2004. Following 2004, the city's official name was changed to Кербен (Kerben).

### Demographics
Kerben has experienced consistent population growth over the 20th and early 21st centuries according to census data:
*   **1939:** 2,007
*   **1959:** 2,978
*   **1970:** 5,879
*   **1979:** 9,713
*   **1989:** 11,649
*   **1999:** 13,929
*   **2009:** 14,141 (Preferred value)

### Sub-divisions and Components
The city entity includes several parts and settlements: Ak-Döbö, Külük-Döbö, Bospiek, Jerge-Tal, and Kızıl-Kapçıgay. It also encompasses specific Wikidata-identified entities Q15517790, Q12830721, Q12831450, and Q15517803.

### Identifiers and External Links
Kerben is indexed by various global databases and has several unique identifiers:
*   **Geonames ID:** 1528052
*   **Freebase ID:** /m/03wd209
*   **GNS Unique Feature ID:** -2332072
*   **Who's on First ID:** 1226450091
*   **Snarc ID:** Brescia Calcio
The city is categorized under "Category:Kerben" on Wikimedia Commons and features a coat of arms available via Wikimedia.

## References

1. GEOnet Names Server. 2018
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. census of Kyrgyzstan 2009
4. 1939 Soviet census
5. 1959 Soviet census
6. 1970 Soviet census
7. 1979 Soviet census
8. 1989 Soviet census
9. 1999 census of Kyrgyzstan
10. [Source](https://kerben.aksy.kg)
11. GeoNames