Elderly family members, especially grandparents, play the role of mentors, teaching younger generations about family history, traditional crafts, etiquette, and customs. Today, despite urbanization, these traditions persist. Although extended families are less common in cities and living conditions have changed, respect for elders and family roles remain important elements of Kyrgyz national identity.
Because Kyrgyz people were always moving, it was difficult to write things down and safeguard them. The family culture of the Kyrgyz people has evolved over centuries amid nomadic life, harsh climates and close tribal ties. The family has been and remains the center of education, the transmission of values and traditions, and the primary institution for preserving cultural memory.
