Houston Hosts Grand Opening of Texas Kyrgyz Foundation, Empowering Local Diaspora

On April 27, 2025, the Kyrgyz community in Texas marked a historic milestone with the official opening of the Texas Kyrgyz Foundation in at the Turkish Raindrop Foundation, Houston. As one of just a handful of officially registered Kyrgyz foundation in the United States, the event represented a significant step toward uniting and empowering the diaspora.

Formally registered in March 2025, the TKF supports the Kyrgyz diaspora in Texas and beyond. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit aims to preserve, celebrate and pass on the rich cultural heritage, language and values of the Kyrgyz people to future generations. The foundation operates under a seven-member board, with a president elected every three years, with several committees focused on student issues, event planning, business development, external relations and family affairs.

Throughout the year, the foundation hosts cultural and social events, including Nowruz on March 21, Independence Day on August 31, Eid celebrations, and a December sports tournament. These initiatives aim to strengthen community ties, maintain cultural identity, and create opportunities for younger generations.

The grand opening ceremony drew approximately 170 guests, with visitors traveling from as far away as Dallas and Austin to attend. Guests shared heartfelt congratulations, underscoring the foundation’s importance for the Kyrgyz community in the US. The program featured traditional music, live komuz performances, and excerpts from the Kyrgyz epic Manas, creating a festive and inspiring atmosphere.

The event also saw the organization auction off traditional Kyrgyz beverages like bozo and maksym, alongside handmade items such as whips and an ak kalpak, the Kyrgyz national hat, which raised $2,500 — a gesture of generosity and cultural pride. The gathering exuded warmth, unity and joy, reflecting the enduring spirit of Kyrgyz culture abroad.

Nargiza Ozek, a board member of TKF, reflected on the organization’s broader mission of preserving cultural identity and nurturing a sense of belonging among younger generations: "We do not become a mankurt [a term penned by the late Kyrgyz writer Chyngyz Aitmatov, meaning one who has turned away from his or her roots] character. Even if it is a small organization, we and our families, kids know our culture, where we belong, our country, our language. Kids will have some familiarity with our culture."

Looking ahead, the foundation emphasized its inclusive vision, aiming to unite Kyrgyz individuals across Texas and welcome all who identify with Kyrgyz culture, regardless of background. Organizers expressed confidence in building a strong, collaborative community dedicated to supporting one another.