Unfortunately, this script was later lost. Shortly after their conversion to the Islamic faith, however, the Kirgiz adopted a new script that was based on the Arabo-Persian alphabet. Most of the Kirgiz are herdsmen who raise cattle, horses, sheep, camels, and goats. They live in white felt tents that are easily moved from place to place. While the men take care of duties such as chopping wood or cutting grass, the women are responsible for milking, shearing, and grazing the animals.
Women also take care of the household duties.
The Kirgiz eat mainly potatoes, onions and cabbage, since these are the only vegetables that can grow in this mountainous area. Their diet also includes imported products such as wheat, flour, rice, tea, salt and sugar. Alcoholism is a serious problem that dominates the lives of many of the Kirgiz. It is not uncommon for some of them to go on drinking binges that last several days at a time. Kirgizian marriages are arranged by the parents.