Issyk-Kul and majestic mountains, kalpaks, yurts, drinks, kurut... — thanks to them, Kyrgyzstan is recognized abroad. Every resident of the country or foreigner who has visited Kyrgyzstan at least once can easily find many "gems" that can become another business card of the Land of Heavenly Mountains.
A generous land, ancient traditions, and crafts have provided numerous items that will surprise even the most discerning and jaded tourist. Here are 10 examples of businesses that have become a business card for the country or can become one.
So life doesn’t seem too sweet
The most aromatic, natural, and best honey is produced in Kyrgyzstan, believe local producers. Foreigners agree, willing to pay significant amounts for this delicacy. For example, in Russia, a kilogram of honey costs 300-400 rubles, but Kyrgyz honey can sell for as much as 1,500 rubles. In Japan and China, a 200-gram jar can cost up to 500 soms when converted to Kyrgyz currency.
"In Kyrgyzstan, the price of a kilogram of honey is about 350 soms, which means, in addition to other advantages, it is also inexpensive. Therefore, it is often purchased by tourists," said beekeeper Talgat Zhanibaev.
Do-re-mi-FASOL'-lya-si
A completely new agricultural product for Kyrgyzstan is beans. They began to be cultivated right after gaining independence. Over this time, it has become a true brand. Turkey actively purchases it, and recently, as reported by the government press service, Italian businessmen have shown interest in our beans. Apparently, the Talas "gold" appeals to lovers of pizza and pasta.
A tough nut to crack, Kyrgyz style
In Kyrgyzstan, to the delight of sweet tooths, they produce jam from walnuts. According to producers, the product is quite exportable and is already being shipped abroad. Enthusiasts have creatively approached the recipe, resulting in new varieties. Those fighting sugar have replaced it with honey, while gourmets soak the nuts in cognac. So, you get both a filling and a drink.
Kurut
For lovers of color and opponents of cavities, there is also something to offer. Kurut, made from suzma, is so popular in the country that it can be found everywhere, from small pavilions to supermarkets. Kurut comes in various tastes and shapes: homemade and factory-made, with spices and without, round and elongated.
National drinks
One British person described maksym as "lumpy porridge with animal fat." But both Kyrgyz and tourists disagree with him. Maksym, chalap, kumys, bozo, zhorma — all these natural, healthy, and tasty drinks are very popular, and almost every family traditionally brews a good half of the national drinks themselves.
Don't count your chickens before they hatch
Recently, accessories in ethnic style have become popular, but interest in them is not limited to Kyrgyzstan; they are actively exported abroad.
"Leather bags, wallets, and other accessories made in ethnic style are popular in neighboring countries — Kazakhstan and Russia. Mainly, our citizens buy them to have something familiar while away from home. They also often give such gifts to their friends and acquaintances from the local population," says accessory producer Nadia Makmetova.
Magic carpet
Of course, this type of transport has not yet been produced in Kyrgyzstan. But Kyrgyz shyrdaks "fly" to other countries, where they enjoy well-deserved popularity.
"In England, Germany, and the UAE, there is a high demand for shyrdaks and other felt products. Foreigners are primarily attracted by the patterns, as they have nothing similar," continues Makmetova.
Symbol of the Heavenly Mountains
The national headwear — kalpak — is over 700 years old, but its significance remains great.
In Kyrgyzstan, a Day of the Kalpak has even been established. The Kyrgyz kalpak differs from the headwear of neighboring peoples. For Kyrgyz, it is white; for Kazakhs, it is multicolored; for Karakalpaks, it is black. The ceremonial uniform of Kyrgyz athletes at international competitions always includes a white kalpak. However, abroad, the Kyrgyz headwear can be seen not only on athletes but also on iconic actors.
Yurt — our beloved home
Another greeting from the nomadic past, but it cannot be called a rarity. The yurt is still used as a dwelling. Many tourists enjoy living in them, immersing themselves in the atmosphere of nomadic life. However, to live in a Kyrgyz yurt, it is not necessary to travel to Kyrgyzstan. The Kyrgyz yurt has become a successful British business.
Transforming a foreign beauty into a Kyrgyz peri
Craftswoman Lilia Avdji began producing dolls with national flavor. Orders started coming in from Russia and Kazakhstan.
"Most of them are ordinary Barbies. I remove their hair and knit them black hair, then I paint their eyes and eyebrows — a sort of unique makeup. In clothes with national patterns, they turn into real Kyrgyz beauties. By the way, buyers are also more interested in dolls in national costumes," said the craftswoman.
In fact, this list can go on indefinitely. Every resident of the country or foreigner who has visited Kyrgyzstan at least once can easily find many "gems" that can become another business card of the Land of Heavenly Mountains.
Source: Sputnik Kyrgyzstan
