Kyrgyzstan’s open call for a new national anthem: Even foreigners can apply

Kyrgyzstan is set to select a new national anthem by April 2025. The country’s Ministry of Culture announced the contest on Feb. 7, and so far, 564 entries have been submitted, with 91 shortlisted. The author of the winning anthem will receive 1.5 million soms (nearly $17,500), according to the Kaktus.media news portal.

Applicants may submit multiple versions of the anthem. So far, 388 individuals have submitted a total of 564 entries. The Ministry of Culture noted that even foreigners have participated in the contest.

Musicians, poets and songwriters are encouraged to participate in the competition. The new anthem must reflect patriotism, national identity and traditions while adhering to the standards of the Kyrgyz literary language.

Contest prizes:

1st place – approximately $17,500.

2nd place – $11,500.

3rd place – $5,800.

4th and 5th places – nearly $3,000.

In the fall of 2024, Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu, speaker of Kyrgyzstan’s parliament, proposed changing the national anthem. He argued that the current anthem, adopted during the country’s transition from the Soviet Union, is difficult to sing.

The anthem change follows Kyrgyzstan’s decision in 2023 to modify its national flag, altering the sun’s rays from a wavy to a straight design.