Pilgrims flock to sacred mountain

	SLIDESHOW
Muslims often journey to Mount Solomon, located in Osh, Kyrgyzstan, because it is believed to have magical powers

From Aliya Karabayeva
CNN Student Bureau

OSH, Kyrgyzstan (CNNSB) -- Mount Solomon, located in the 3000-year-old city of Osh, is significant for many Muslims, who believe it possesses magical powers and the ability to heal the sick. Many climb to the top to pray for health and happiness.

The city of Osh, in southern Kyrgyzstan, lies along the ancient Silk Road used by traders to travel between China and Europe. Kyrgyzstan, formerly a republic of the Soviet Union, is bordered by China to the south, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan to the west and Kazakhstan to the north.

Drawings left behind by the area's earliest residents can still be found on the mountain. Archaeologists have determined the area was first settled around 1,000 B.C.

During the Middle Ages, Osh was a regional center for Islam. Legend says the prophet Solomon visited the city's mountain to pray, so the mountain was named for him.

VIDEO CNN Student Bureau's Aliva Karabayeva and friends explore the features that make the mountain a sacred spot in Osh, Kyrgyzstan Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)     ALSO Years after independence, Kyrgyzstan struggles

Still, steady numbers of Islamic pilgrims climb the steps leading to the top of Mount Solomon. Along the way, many stop to tie pieces of their clothing to trees while they make a wish.

Near the top is a section of smooth rock on which people with back and leg troubles slide down seven times as they pray to be made better. Women who have been unable to have children stop at the door of a cave on the mountain's side to pray for fertility.

Even if the mountain does not heal the sick, for many it serves as a good place for relaxation and exercise. To make sure visitors know its long history, a museum was recently opened at the base of Mount Solomon.

CNN Student Bureau's Aliya Karabayeva, a 15-year-old student from Osh, Kyrgyzstan, climbed Mount Solomon to file this report.

Russian President Putin in Minsk for a two-day visit
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Kyrgyz embassy in USA and Canada
CIA -- The World Factbook 2000 -- Kyrgyzstan

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