Dordoi Bazaar in Pictures
Business and Economics, Kyrgyzstan, Photoblog5 Comments
Starting from a small market in the outskirts of Bishkek, Dordoi has grown into a huge distribution center for chinese goods (mainly textile) almost for entire Central Asia and partially Russia. Some estimate that around 100, 000 people are employed directly or indirectly in the market. Today, it is surrounded by residential areas with its own mosque, cafes, shopping areas (food), parking lots etc. (here is a google map link, if want to see the scale)
But in this post, I will not discuss anything global. We will take a walk through a small portion of the market, but I am sure you will get the idea.
Thousands of people walk through this entrance everyday to buy and sell.
Parking lots are full on weekends. They are poorly regulated... or should I say not regulated at all. Drivers are somehow self-regulated.
Not sure if these parking areas are even legal.
Containers are the main construction material. All boutiques and storage areas are made of containers.
Almost like a shopping mall but without air conditioning, music, comfort... well yeah, nothing like shopping malls.
Most people come here for clothing.
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Sellers come here early and layout their goods. Bazaar opens around 7 am and trading is over by 4 pm.
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Often their job seems pretty easy - just sit there and collect the money. But it is tough, trust me. Especially in winter: market electricity grid is very weak and the administration prohibits usage of heaters.
Shoes for a little over $5 on sale.
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It's not easy for buyers as well. Passing 100 meters through the crowd makes it look like a whole kilometer.
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All available areas are stuffed with goods.
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Like anywhere, most of the goods are for women. Demand - what more can I say?
All colors and sizes.
All brands...
Some sellers even charge (around 20-30 cents) for trying clothes on.
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Ice cream is very popular in spring and summer time.
Mobile fast food: soups, meat, chicken, noodles, tea, coffee, pastries... almost everything is delivered to containers.
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Ads - engines of progress trade.
Thank you for shopping!
PS On the way out, I noticed this ad which is dubbed in chinese - this is something never seen before. Dordoi has a growing section with chinese traders.
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[...] 26th, 2011 § Leave a Comment Here are some photos of what many believe is the largest bazaar in all of Central Asia, found in [...]
‘Almost like a shopping mall but without air conditioning, music, comfort… well yeah, nothing like shopping malls’
Love it. Thanks!
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[...] Kyrgyzstan bazaar [...]
Brilliant! Thanks!
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murzaki Reply:
May 12th, 2011 at 2:30 pm
@Ben, my pleasure! :-)
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