In the Ton district of the Issyk-Kul region lies the village of Kyzyl-Tuu, which has become a true center of traditional craftsmanship. Here, in every yard, artisans are engaged in the production of Kyrgyz yurts, known as boz-ui. The skills of local craftsmen have long surpassed the borders of Kyrgyzstan: yurts from Kyzyl-Tuu adorn the territories of Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, and are also used in the interiors of homes in the USA, Canada, and Italy.
Dulat Imanakunov, one of the masters of this craft, has been making yurts since 1989. He proudly demonstrates the work process, emphasizing the importance of every detail. To create yurts, he uses wood and willow from neighboring regions, and he makes the threads from natural leather himself. Dulat shares that with all the materials at hand, assembling a yurt takes only five to six days. His craftsmanship has been highly appreciated: last year he sent 15 yurts to Mecca at the request of two Saudi sheikhs.
The masters from Kyzyl-Tuu can impress even the most demanding clients. For example, in a neighboring yard, one can see a kerge of an unusual green color, made to a special order from an Italian designer. Usually, the frame of the yurt is painted red or simply varnished, but this product demonstrates how traditional methods can be adapted to modern requirements without losing quality and spirit.
Tynchibek Asanbekov, the head of the local cultural center, notes that almost all the raw materials for the craftsmen's work are found within the region. Their dream is to open a felt production factory right in the village, as they currently have to travel to Bishkek for it. Nevertheless, this does not affect the youth, who prefer to stay at home: the demand for craftsmanship has significantly reduced labor migration in Kyzyl-Tuu. The masters eagerly await large orders, especially in anticipation of the sixth World Nomad Games, confident that their yurts will be the highlight of this event.
Author: Suyunbek SHASHIEV
Video: Zholboldu BAISAEV
Source: silunews.kg
