Hello everyone, this is Sugiura, the editor-in-chief of Ashu Travel, a travel agency specializing in Central Asia.
When people think of Kyrgyzstan, they tend to focus on the untouched wilderness and the dynamic lifestyle of the nomadic people, but the felt is actually one of the things that attracts travelers. The stories that lie within each stitch and the colorful patterns are truly small works of art of Kyrgyz culture.
In this article, we will introduce the appeal of Kyrgyz felt, where you can see and buy it, and even the perfect items to take home as souvenirs!
Features and appeal of Kyrgyz felt
The colorful and cute Kyrgyz felt and embroidery. If you know the stories hidden in the designs, you will definitely be drawn in by the charm of the embroidery.
Colorful and cute! Kyrgyz felt design
The felt and embroidery of Kyrgyzstan is characterized by its eye-catching, cute use of color and detailed design. The colors, which are inspired by natural scenery, such as the red of a sunset, the deep blue of the sky, the warm orange, and the beige that reminds one of the earth, capture the heart at a glance.
The story of the nomads told by each stitch
The felt of Kyrgyzstan is firmly engraved with the lifestyle and values of the nomadic people.
The motifs of the “Oimo” patterns are diverse, including flowers, animals, and geometric patterns. They are imbued with wishes for the prosperity of the family, gratitude for nature, and long life and happiness.
Just by looking at the embroidery, you can get a feel for the history and culture of the region.
Molded with soap? Amazing construction method that creates durability
The traditional techniques for felt in Kyrgyzstan are ‘wet felting’ and ‘needle felting’. The shapes are created by rubbing with warm water and a stone, or by pricking with a needle, so there are no stitches. The fibers just get tangled up, and it becomes very strong.
Felt that blends in with the lives of nomads
Felt is a very popular material for everyday items in Kyrgyzstan. If you take a look at the lives of the nomadic people, you will find many practical and cute felt items.
A typical example is the yurt, the traditional tent of the nomadic people. The cloth is wrapped around the frame and the whole thing is covered with felt. It is strong and excellent at keeping out the cold, so it is comfortable inside the yurt in the morning and evening.
Then there is the felt rug called “Sirdak”. It is attractive for its bold and vivid geometric patterns, and is made by skillfully combining different colors of felt.
The “Karubakku” felt hat for men is also famous. It is used not only for special occasions, but also as an everyday item.
Felt connects culture and sustainability
Buying felt and embroidery souvenirs made by local artisans in Kyrgyzstan will also contribute to the sustainable development of the region.
Kyrgyzstan is a country that has abundant natural resources, but also faces the problem of poverty. By choosing products that make use of local resources, such as felt products, honey and jam, you can also support the future of the country.
Let’s go and see felt! Recommended tourist spots
Let’s enjoy the felt and embroidery of Kyrgyzstan and expand the enjoyment of our trip. We will introduce places where you can enjoy felt and embroidery in exhibitions and places where you can buy them as souvenirs.
Touching history at the exhibition [Bishkek National Museum of History]
The Kyrgyz National History Museum in the capital, Bishkek, is a popular tourist spot where you can learn about the history of Kyrgyzstan from the Stone Age to the present day. There are also displays related to Kyrgyz folk culture, including yurts and felt crafts. You’re sure to be impressed by the depth of the embroidery.
Кыргызский государственный исторический музей
Access：112 Chuy Ave., Bishkek 720040
A treasure trove of Kyrgyzstan’s treasures [OVOP Center]
The OVOP Center (One Village One Product) is an antenna shop where you can buy items from the One Village One Product movement supported by JICA in Japan. In addition to felt and embroidery products made by local artisans, there are also many attractive souvenirs such as white honey and juice.
There is a wide range of felt products, including stuffed toys, fashion accessories, and interior decorations. The stylish and cute items that will make you lose your head are all lined up, and just looking at them will make you feel like you’re on a trip.
A modern twist on tradition [Tumal]
Tumar is a stylish brand that designs traditional felt and embroidery in a modern way. They have a wide range of products, including cozy felt slippers and fluffy chair pads, which are displayed in a stylish way like a gallery.
Many of the designs are sophisticated, so they go perfectly with Scandinavian and modern interiors. They also make great souvenirs for your home.
Experience the traditions and warmth of Kyrgyzstan [yurt accommodation]
An essential part of any trip to Kyrgyzstan is a visit to a yurt, a traditional dwelling. Inside the yurt, handmade felt products are spread out, and you can experience the wisdom and culture of the nomadic lifestyle while staying overnight.
Of course, you won’t want to miss the spectacular view from the yurt, or the Kyrgyz dishes made by the nomadic mother. Let’s go and have a special experience that will bring you closer to the culture and lifestyle of the Kyrgyz people in a warm space that goes beyond being just a place to live, and is in harmony with nature!
Recommended tour where you can stay in a yurt
If you’re planning a trip to Kyrgyzstan to see felt, we recommend the “Tour of Lake Kol-Uckok by horseback while viewing the great outdoors” from Ashu Travel.
・Experience staying in a yurt and immerse yourself in the culture!
Experience the life of a nomad in a yurt! We offer a special time spent in a traditional dwelling.
・Looking for local souvenirs in Bishkek
The capital city of Bishkek is full of unique souvenirs handmade by local artisans, such as shirdak and felt goods.
・Local Japanese-speaking guide
A guide who knows all about Kyrgyz culture will give you a tour in Japanese. Be sure to ask them what kind of souvenirs would be appreciated!
Let’s go find the heart-fluttering Kyrgyz felt!
Kyrgyz felt is an art form that is packed full of the wisdom and love of the nomadic people. It has a charm that makes you feel as if each stitch is saying, “Look at our culture!”. When you stay in a yurt or look for souvenirs in Bishkek, embroidery and felt products are the stars. You’re sure to find something that will make you excited and think, “This would look so cute in my house!”.
Why not enjoy the moment when your heart flutters at the sight of beautiful culture and cute souvenirs?
Other recommended tours where you can stay in a yurt
At Ashu Travel, we also offer tours where you can experience the life of a nomad.
Full of charm of Central Asia! Official Instagram here
account name： @ashutravel_jp
URL: https://www.instagram.com/ashutravel_jp/
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