Place Names as an Ecotourism Resource for the Alai Valley of theKyrgyz Pamir

Abstract

This study examines the place names shown on the 1:200,000 topographic map of the Lenin Peak area, located in southern Kyrgyzstan. A total of 125 place names were researched and divided into five distinct categories: names related to physical characteristics such as topography (77), names related to flora and fauna (23), names related to colour (17), names after people (13), and names with other meanings (44). The study argues that place names can be an important ecotourism resource for the area in question. Furthermore, this study includes nine place names that are not shown on the map but are regarded as potentially important for tourists. Developing ecotours using the place names may lead to an enhanced experience for tourists visiting the area.