Suyunduk was born on September 14, 1968, in the village of Tilekmat, in a large family where she was the seventh child among ten. After receiving an education in the mathematics department of the pedagogical institute in Karakol, she worked as a teacher for only a year before getting married and dedicating herself to her family.
In 1993, she married Zhanaly Akmatov, and they had six children and four grandchildren. Her husband works as a journalist and is currently employed at the local museum, which helps preserve Kyrgyz traditions. Suyunduk noted that her husband supports her passion as she continues the traditions of Kyrgyz folk art.
Since childhood, Suyunduk has been engaged in handicrafts, particularly wool processing and the creation of shyrdaks (felt carpets). At one point, she participated in a tourism seminar and, inspired by it, began to engage in the craft again. "My daughter-in-law signed up for the seminar but couldn't go, so I replaced her. This became a turning point," she said.
At the seminar, she met other craftswomen from the Jeti-Oguz district, and together they formed a group for making felt products. They mastered various techniques, including stitching and felting, and actively participated in training sessions and exhibitions, which allowed them to develop their skills.
According to Suyunduk, modern versions of traditional Kyrgyz shyrdaks and tush-kiyizs are now made in new styles, including panels and rugs for tourists. During the summer, she hosts guests at the summer pasture Kök-Jayyk, where she already has three yurts.
At the summer pasture, Suyunduk welcomes both local and foreign tourists. "The summer attracts many domestic travelers, and we are happy to see how they appreciate our nature and culture," she added.
Foreign guests are also interested in Kyrgyz cuisine. "Kuurdak is the dish they order most often. We also offer ayran and kaymak, and they highly value our national products," she said.
In recent years, restrictions have been imposed on livestock grazing to protect the Kök-Jayyk summer pasture, so milk for making kumys is ordered from the Kochkor district. Suyunduk uses an old wooden bucket that was passed down to her by her mother-in-law and considers it a valuable heritage. She also urges guests to treat nature with care and to follow the rules of conduct at the summer pasture.
Additionally, Suyunduk sells her products to tourists. She notes that small felt items, such as wool slippers, are popular. Although modern youth show little interest in the craft, for her, this activity is not only a source of income but also a means of spiritual growth and communication with people.
"I strive to pass my skills on to my daughters and daughters-in-law, teaching them to stitch shyrdaks and create products. This is important for preserving Kyrgyz art," she concluded.
