BAZAR DORDOY

Inaugurated in December 1991, this gigantic bazaar consists of thousands of freight containers bought from Kazakhstan and Russia, stacked and organized around 18 main aisles cutting through five distinct districts. On the ground floor the shop, upstairs the stocks. It is mainly wholesalers who come to Dordoy, a gigantic brewery of goods from China, Turkey or Central Asia, supplying the bazaars of India, Russia and the whole of the former USSR. Costumes, fabrics, leather, carpets, ceramics, traditional clothing and even modern DIY and electronic products: everything can be bought and sold in Dordoy. This tin town has grown steadily over the last 25 years to now house more than 35,000 people. Each district (Turkish, Chinese, Kyrgyz, European...) has its specialities and the quantities sold are such that a bus station and hotels had to be built to accommodate the traders who came from far away. You won't find a lot of handcrafted souvenirs, but take a walk around to taste the unique atmosphere and entertainment! For food and drink, you will find a few vendors selling drinks and snacks at the bazaar's main entrance, around the bus station, or simply in the bazaar's aisles, near the street vendors. For a little more comfort (and a real meal), go near the administration offices in the centre of the bazaar where the Café Lissi is located. Kyrgyz and Uyghur specialties.