Why did cities such as Almaty and Bishkek develop near the northern Tien Shan?

Cities such as Almaty and Bishkek developed near the northern Tien Shan primarily due to the unique geological and hydrological features of the region. As mountain streams plunge down the steep slopes of the outer ridges, they flow out onto the plains and form vast, fan-shaped deposits of silt and mud.1

These fertile alluvial fans provide the ideal environment for human settlement, as they allow for the development of oases. Furthermore, irrigation serves as the fundamental basis for habitation in these areas, utilizing both traditional underground aqueducts and large canal networks to support agriculture, including the cultivation of fruit trees, cotton, and wheat. This combination of fertile soil and reliable water access has historically supported the growth of these major population centers.123