Ala-Too Square, Bishkek

Ala-Too Square is the central square in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The square was built in 1984 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Kyrgyz SSR, at which time a massive statue of Lenin was placed in the square's center. The square was known as Lenin Square until Kyrgyzstan gained its independence from the USSR in 1991. The square serves as a place for state events and celebrations. © iStock/Leonid Andronov