Preserving Kyrgyzstan’s nomadic traditions
In a Bishkek museum, when I spotted this photograph of Kyrgyz nomads on the move, I was intrigued. What was the woman’s enormous turban...
“Golden hands” produce Kyrgyz shyrdaks
Shyrdaks are Kyrgyz felt carpets, handmade made using patterns and sewing techniques handed down through generations. Always produced by a community of women, they...
Kyrgyz felt travels its own Silk Road to high fashion
Designers in Kyrgyzstan are doing wonderful things with Kyrgyz felt these days. On a May afternoon in Bishkek, I visited the atelier of Aidai...