Resident of the village of Samarkandek in the Batken region, Azamat Aitbaev has been weaving baskets from twigs for 15 years and makes a living from it. This village faces problems with water supply, which has led many people to move to the city, increasing the number of unemployed.
In such conditions, the craftsman earns by producing goods needed by the local residents.
“I prepare the twigs for weaving in winter. It’s more convenient, as they become brittle later. I cut them into three groups — thin, thick, and long. I weave large baskets from the long twigs and small ones from the short ones. Large baskets are convenient for storing bread, as the dough doesn’t stick. Medium baskets are used for holidays; they are carried as gifts. These baskets are smooth, and nothing sticks to them. Baskets with handles are used for drying products like dried apricots. Now everyone is used to such baskets,” the craftsman explains.
The craftsman can weave one basket in an hour.
“This craft was passed down to me from my father. He was also a craftsman. I continue his work, weaving baskets for both hobby and income. I can make them to order, even without specific requests. They are always reliable. If the baskets are green now, they change color over time. These twigs are strong. Other twigs break, but these are more flexible. My baskets are sold throughout the region; I bring them to markets in Ak-Sai, Ak-Tatyr, and Samarkandek, and they are in demand. I make them when I have free time, especially in winter. I used to sell baskets for 30-50 soms, but now they cost from 300 to 500 soms. Large ones are 500 soms, medium ones are 400 soms, and small ones are 300 soms. My children are not interested in this craft. In our village, the youth move to the city. It is difficult to engage in livestock farming at the border. Agriculture is impossible due to a lack of water. We grow apricots, as they do not require much water. In season, we dry apricots. There are many unemployed in the village. I started weaving baskets because it was profitable. I didn’t do this before, but over time I learned,” says Azamat.
Aitbaev is now 48 years old and is the father of six children.
