# Manas

> city in Kyrgyzstan

**Wikidata**: [Q487689](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q487689)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manas_(city))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/manas

## Summary
Manas is a city in Kyrgyzstan and the capital of the Jalal-Abad Region. Originally named Jalal-Abad, it was officially renamed "Manas" in 2025, reflecting its cultural significance as the namesake of the national epic hero Manas. As of 2009, it has a population of 89,004 and serves as a major administrative and economic center in southwestern Kyrgyzstan.

## Key Facts
- **Country**: Kyrgyzstan.
- **Capital of**: Jalal-Abad Region (since 1990).
- **Population**: 89,004 (2009 census); historical populations include 14,961 (1939), 31,234 (1959), 44,285 (1970), 55,369 (1979), 70,855 (1989), and 70,401 (1999).
- **Area**: 88 square kilometers.
- **Elevation**: 763 meters above sea level.
- **Coordinates**: 40.9375° N, 72.98611111° E.
- **Timezone**: UTC+06:00.
- **Official name**: Changed from "Джалал-Абад" to "Манас" in 2025.
- **Website**: https://www.jalal-abad.gov.kg/ky.
- **Identifiers**: VIAF ID 139762792, GeoNames ID 1528249, GND ID 4801825-9, OpenStreetMap node ID 254466792.
- **Administrative history**: Part of Osh Region (1959–1990) and Jalal-Abad Region (1939–1959, 1990–present).

## FAQs
- **Where is Manas located?**  
  Manas is situated in southwestern Kyrgyzstan, at coordinates 40.9375° N, 72.98611111° E, with an elevation of 763 meters above sea level.

- **Why was the city renamed in 2025?**  
  The name change from Jalal-Abad to Manas honors the national epic hero Manas, symbolizing a shift toward reinforcing Kyrgyz cultural identity.

- **What is the population trend of Manas?**  
  The population grew steadily from 14,961 in 1939 to 89,004 by 2009, reflecting urbanization and regional development.

- **What regions has Manas historically belonged to?**  
  It was part of the Osh Region (1959–1990) and the Jalal-Abad Region (1939–1959, 1990–present), becoming the capital of the latter in 1990.

- **Why is Manas significant in Kyrgyzstan?**  
  As the capital of Jalal-Abad Region, it serves as a political, economic, and cultural hub, connecting rural areas to national infrastructure.

## Why It Matters
Manas plays a critical role as the administrative and cultural anchor of southwestern Kyrgyzstan. Its renaming in 2025 underscores its symbolic importance to national identity, while its historical population growth and status as a regional capital highlight its economic vitality. The city bridges historical traditions—evidenced by its former name—with modern governance, making it a focal point for regional development and cultural preservation.

## Notable For
- **Name change**: Renamed "Manas" in 2025 to honor Kyrgyzstan’s national epic hero.
- **Regional capital**: Serves as the administrative center of Jalal-Abad Region since 1990.
- **Historical growth**: Population increased from 14,961 (1939) to 89,004 (2009), reflecting broader urbanization trends.
- **Geographic significance**: Located at 763 meters elevation in the Fergana Valley, a key agricultural and transit corridor.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Manas is situated in the Fergana Valley of southwestern Kyrgyzstan at coordinates 40.9375° N, 72.98611111° E. The city spans 88 square kilometers and has an elevation of 763 meters above sea level, contributing to its role as a regional crossroads.

### Administrative History
- **1939–1959**: Part of the Jalal-Abad Region.  
- **1959–1990**: Administered under the Osh Region.  
- **1990–Present**: Re-established as the capital of the Jalal-Abad Region.  

### Demographics
Population figures reflect steady growth:  
- 14,961 (1939)  
- 31,234 (1959)  
- 44,285 (1970)  
- 55,369 (1979)  
- 70,855 (1989)  
- 70,401 (1999)  
- 89,004 (2009).  

### Name and Identity
Originally named "Jalal-Abad" (meaning "City of Glory" in Arabic), the city was renamed "Manas" in 2025. The new name honors the protagonist of the *Epic of Manas*, a foundational work of Kyrgyz literature, symbolizing a cultural reorientation.

### Infrastructure and Connectivity
- **Timezone**: UTC+06:00.  
- **UN/LOCODE**: KGJLD.  
- **Website**: https://www.jalal-abad.gov.kg/ky.  

### Cultural and Historical Significance
The city’s renaming and status as a regional capital underscore its dual role as a modern administrative center and a symbol of national heritage. Its location in the agriculturally rich Fergana Valley further solidifies its economic importance.

### Identifiers and Classifications
- **VIAF ID**: 139762792.  
- **GeoNames ID**: 1528249.  
- **GND ID**: 4801825-9.  
- **OpenStreetMap Node ID**: 254466792.  
- **Wikipedia Title**: "Manas (city)".  

### Visual Identity
- **Flag**: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Flag_of_Manas.svg.  
- **Seal**: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Jalalabad_coa.svg.  
- **Banner**: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Jalal-Abad_banner.png.  

### Academic and Encyclopedia Entries
- **Encyclopædia Britannica**: Listed as "Jalal-Abad".  
- **GREAT RUSSIAN ENCYCLOPEDIA ONLINE ID**: 1951278.  
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: n2004150953.  

### Related Categories
- **Category for people born here**: Q8052237.  
- **Category of associated people**: Q7912320.  
- **Category for people buried here**: Q7975705.  
- **Category for people who died here**: Q32371661.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. census of Kyrgyzstan 2009
3. 1939 Soviet census
4. 1959 Soviet census
5. 1970 Soviet census
6. 1979 Soviet census
7. 1989 Soviet census
8. 1999 census of Kyrgyzstan
9. GeoNames
10. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/kg.htm)
11. Virtual International Authority File