She was born in Ak-Bulak, where she began to master the art passed down to her by her parents. “My father created saddles and other horse equipment, while my mother worked with felt and made shyrdaks for the home. From childhood, helping them, I learned this craft,” shares the artisan's memories.
After finishing school, Zayrakan married a local resident and got a job at sewing factories in Ak-Suu.
“I also taught labor lessons at school, where I taught children handicrafts. Many of my former students still express their gratitude. When the factories closed after the collapse of the Soviet Union, I started taking orders at home. I felted wool, sewed shyrdaks, and even sent them abroad. My products were sent to Germany and Switzerland. This activity allowed me to support my family and provide education for my children,” Akmatova recounts.
Zayrakan also gathered women and girls from the village and taught them how to make felt shoes.
“Our products were even exported to Japan. Today, many of these women work independently and support their families, for which they express their gratitude to me. My grandson, who is in the 8th grade, has also started creating horse equipment. He has talent, and I teach him the techniques that my father once passed on to me: how to create patterns, how to work with leather, and much more,” she adds.
According to her, recently the ethno-style has become popular again. “I was afraid that the traditions of felting wool would be forgotten, but now it has become fashionable again to prepare shyrdaks as a dowry for brides. Prices for shyrdaks vary depending on quality. Since all products are handmade, high-quality shyrdaks cost from 30,000 soms and higher, even up to 100,000 soms. I continue to fulfill orders according to the wishes of clients,” explains Zayrakan.
One of her most valuable works is a tush kiyiz, which was embroidered in 1982.
“I spent three years creating it. Over 40 years, I have exhibited it at numerous exhibitions. At the 170th anniversary of Kydyr Ake, I was offered to sell it for 10,000 soms, but I refused. Kyrgyz art is passed down from generation to generation, and such things have high value,” she says.
“I also have another tush kiyiz that was sent to me as a gift by relatives from China. During the events of 1916, part of our family remained there and engaged in craftsmanship. About 20 years ago, they sent me a silk embroidered tush kiyiz. This is an invaluable gift for me, as those relatives are no longer alive, and it remains a cherished memory,” shares Zayrakan apa.
She raises five children and fifteen grandchildren.
Objects
Satellite
⛶
