Recently, a scientific and practical conference was held in the city of Manas, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Chyngyz Aitmatov and the 40th anniversary of the Issyk-Kul Forum. In his speech, Kapalbaev noted that within the framework of the doctrine "Uluu Dem — Duyunuluk Biyik" [“National Spirit - Global Heights”], the values inherent in Kyrgyz culture are actively promoted. He emphasized how important it is to respect one’s cultural heritage, especially in the context of national headgear.
“Previously, when it was necessary to deliver bad news, a person was chosen who could delicately convey the information. Now, however, negative events instantly appear on the internet, and respect for people diminishes. We have become accustomed to openly discussing others' shortcomings and mistakes. We need to understand the significance of national values more deeply,” Kapalbaev noted.
“Ungu Jol” is a legacy that we inherited from our ancestors. However, today we often do not realize what we are wearing. Many do not understand the meaning of the elechek and ak kalpak. Young girls wear the elechek while participating in fashion shows or portraying certain roles. But who should actually wear this headgear? Who should tie the scarf, and who should not? Which men wear the tebetey? These questions were passed down by our ancestors not only through words but also through upbringing, and now we are forgetting all of this.
It is important to remember that the elechek was worn not by the woman's relatives, but by her mother-in-law, thereby recognizing her as the mother of a new lineage. This is also related to the meaning of the ak elechek, which symbolizes the continuation of the lineage. Unfortunately, many of those currently living do not realize this significance.
Modern young wives sometimes refer to each other as “kempir” and “chal,” but in Kyrgyz culture, these words have specific connotations related to elderly people. “Kempir” is a term for an elderly woman or a widow, while “chal” is for an elderly man. It is necessary to stop using words without understanding their true meaning and to speak more often to the youth about the positive and dignified aspects of life,” Kapalbaev added.
It is also worth noting that the elechek, the traditional headgear of Kyrgyz women, has been included in the UNESCO list of cultural heritage.
