Kyrgyzstan's Popular Bazaar Stricken By Blaze

A fire broke out at Bishkek's Osh Bazaar, sweeping through 3,500 meters of the market before firefighters could put out the blaze.

Photos by Danil Usmanov Jan 30, 2018
Firefighter walks through debris A firefighter walking through debris after a major blaze at Bishkek’s Osh Bazaar.
Fire engines at blaze in Osh Bazaar Fire engines at the scene of a major blaze at Bishkek’s Osh Bazaar.
Market trader covers face from fumes A market trader covering his nose with his jacket after a blaze at Bishkek’s Osh Bazaar, where many of the destroyed goods were synthetic and poured out poisonous fumes.
Soot-soiled mannequins Soot-soiled mannequins piled up in a clothing store following a major blaze at Bishkek’s Osh Bazaar.
Firefighters inspecting fire-damaged area Firefighters inspecting the scene after a major blaze at Bishkek’s Osh Bazaar.
Wares damaged in Osh Bazaar blaze Market workers carrying away wares damaged in the blaze at Bishkek’s Osh Bazaar.
Market workers sorting through shoe pile Market workers sorting through piles of shoes following a blaze at Bishkek’s Osh Bazaar.
Destroyed clothing at Osh Bazaar fire Clothing destroyed during a blaze at Bishkek’s Osh Bazaar lying uncollected by the side of the street.
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A blaze broke out on January 30 at a popular bazaar in Kyrgyzstan’s capital, destroying dozens of stalls and storerooms.

The fire reportedly began around 8:30 a.m. local time. Management at the Osh Bazaar immediately began evacuating workers and customers, while the first firefighters arrived at the scene about an hour later.

The cause of the fire is not yet known. Firefighters have said they suspect it may have been sparked by a short circuit.

The flames spread over an area of around 3,500 square meters, equivalent to around half a football field. Emergency Services Minister Kubatbek Boronov announced at 6:30 p.m. that the fire had been put out completely.

Although many shopping centers have opened in Bishkek over the past few years, bazaars remain the favored place in which to buy affordable clothes and homewares. The bulk of the goods on sale tend to be low-cost imports from China.

Danil Usmanov is a Bishkek-based photographer. 

Danil Usmanov is a photo and video journalist based in Bishkek.