Kazakhs

The Kyrgyz and the Kazakhs are closely related.  They both share a nomadic culture - but whereas the Kyrgyz wander the mountainous countryside of the Tien Shan, the Kazakh wandered the steppes.  Some people say that the name Kazakh means "steppe wanderer" - although other sources suggest a different interpretation: "free warrior".  It has been said that whereas the Kazakhs were nomads that travelled horizontally, the Kyrgyz were nomads that travelled vertically.

At one time the Kazakhs were known as Kyrgyz, and the present day Kyrgyz were known as Kara-Kyrgyz ... which can lead to a great deal of confusion when reading historical accounts.

They trace their origins back to the 15th century, when rebellious tribes broke away from Uzbekistan and settled in the territory of current day Kazakhstan. 

Due to their proximity to Russia - and extensive contact with Russians over the years, they are probably the most Russified of all the Central Asian peoples.  Most adopt Russian (western style) dress except for special occasions when they wear clothes which appear close to Kyrgyz costume.

The small Kazakh community - about 1% of Kyrgyzstan's population - lives mostly close to the border with Kazakhstan: in Talas, Kara Balta, Karkara and Karakol.  The Kazakh community is becoming increasing involved in investing in the Kyrgyz economy.