COVER N. 297 - KYRGYSTAN

Postmark: ? 12.07.23

Posted on the 12th July; Received on the 14th August 2023

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And here is proof that even if C6 envelopes are not allowed to be used in Kyrgystan, they are at least allowed to be postmarked, thanks to the persuasive powers of Alex.... small wonder, though...who would say no to The Phantom?

So this was the cover that was inside the C5 envelope (#296) Alex sent me. A double treat, that allowed me to tick the box for the second Kyrgyz postal operator. Thanks a lot, mate.

Two historic personalities were chosen for the stamps Alex used on this cover:

- Absamat Masaliyev (1933-2004) was the leader of the Kyrgyz Communist party from 1985 until his death in 2004, having thus led the party throughout the transition of Kyrgystan from a soviet republic into a independent country, that is to say, from first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Kirghizia into first leader of the actual Party of Communists of Kyrgyzstan.

On 10APR2008, Kyrgyz Pochtasy SE issued a two stamp set (10 and 15 som) honouring Kyrgys heroes. Masaliyev portrait features on the 15 som stamp as well as the Ak-Shumkar Medal, the country's highest  state award, identifying its holder as Hero of the Kyrgyz Republic.

- Taylak Baatyr (1796-1838), from what I could grasp over sparse notes on the Internet, was the leader of Kyrgyz tribes in their fight against neighbouring Kokand invaders, and it seems that this fact played a key role in the preservation of a Kirgiz national identity, so much so that his memory was honoured by Kyrgyz Pochtasy SE with the 55 som  stamp issued on 30JUL2016,on the occasion of the 220th anniversary of his birth.

The Postmark is  not easy to read, but I think I can read Bishkek (the country's capital) on the bottom part of it.