Among the many blacksmiths working there, Rustam Turgunov stands out, continuing the family business inherited from his father, and he has been in this craft for over 40 years.
“We produce agricultural tools such as hoes, shovels, axes, and other necessary implements. Right now, we have an order from Batken for 200 pieces, and I am fulfilling it,” he shared.
Rustam, who continues his family's traditions, is confident that his sons will carry on this work. “My great-grandfather, grandfather, and father were also blacksmiths. We don’t know if our earlier ancestors practiced blacksmithing, but the craft has a history of about two thousand years,” he noted.
The blacksmith produces a wide range of products, from horseshoes to agricultural tools. Many clients specifically place orders with him.
Gallery: Temir Usta Rustam Turgunov.
“I mainly make horse harnesses. I also make pruning shears for trees, rakes for hay, and hoof care knives,” he added.
There is high demand for Rustam's horseshoes, and his products are often ordered even from Bishkek. Additionally, he receives orders from clients in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, which is attributed to the high quality of his products.
“The demand for my horseshoes is great. I am currently fulfilling orders from Bishkek, and sometimes they are sent to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. We don’t have a ‘sales season’—the number of horses in Kyrgyzstan is growing, and our horseshoes are bought year-round,” he explained.
Before starting production, blacksmiths carefully check the quality of the metal. Products made from low-quality metal quickly fail, so only durable metal parts are used.
“We make horseshoes from rebar brought from Russia, which is of high quality. The other products are made from parts of old trucks produced in the USSR, as strong metal was used back then,” the master clarified.
With regret, Rustam notes that the number of those willing to continue the blacksmithing craft is decreasing. Although he is teaching his son the trade, the master believes that “the future of the craft remains uncertain.”
Throughout his career, he has trained over 20 apprentices, some of whom have already opened their own workshops and work independently.
“Right now, I am teaching my son, but many young people go abroad for work. It’s sad because blacksmithing is beneficial for health and promotes physical development,” he remarked.
The 54-year-old blacksmith earns between 2,000 to 4,000 soms a day. He adds that on days of intensive work, his income can double.
“If you work honestly and diligently, success will come. Usually, we earn 2,000–4,000 soms a day. We take a break twice a week to avoid burnout. Sometimes, it’s possible to earn 6,000–8,000 soms in a day if you work a lot,” he shared.
Rustam Turgunov is married and raises four children: three daughters and a son.
