As Nurlan noted, interest in his creations has significantly increased. “I was born and raised in the village of Maman, and after finishing school, I entered the Academy of Arts [National Academy of Arts]. Since then, I have been engaged in pottery, using clay that we extract here. Initially, my works attracted mainly foreign tourists, but now local residents have also started ordering clay bowls and large dishes for beshbarmak. The price of one bowl is 200 soms. Although this is a bit more expensive than glass ones, many choose clay for its quality,” he said.
Nurlan produces a variety of items and shares his future plans. “I am currently working on flower pots — they are a great option for gifts. I often create souvenirs with national patterns. It takes about an hour to make small items, while larger ones require inspiration (smiles). I bring clay from Zhyrgalan and Kadji-Sai. Many want to learn this craft, but it requires not only skills and precision but also time, and importantly, love for one’s work,” he noted.
Nurlan believes that the preservation and popularization of national values play a key role in the development of tourism in the Ak-Suu district. “Foreigners are always interested in the lifestyle of the local population. Our traditions and way of life are, in themselves, a true exhibition. I reached out to the villagers asking them to pass on ancient items used by their ancestors, and I received support — I was given copper samovars, leather goods, and other items. Currently, about 30 exhibits have been collected, including from Naryn, Chui, and Issyk-Kul regions. We have started working on creating an ethno-complex in our village,” the craftsman added.
This complex will feature both ancient and ethnographic items. It will become the first tourist attraction in our village,” concluded Kydybaev.
