Kyrgyz Artisans Present Their Craft in Mangystau
In specially set-up yurts for international guests, artisans from Turkey, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan are showcasing their exquisite craftsmanship. These talented masters from fraternal nations are introducing the residents and visitors of Aktau to their rich traditions of folk art.
Gulsan Atamkulova, an embroidery expert from Kyrgyzstan, shared that traditional embroidery has become increasingly popular in her homeland. Today, it is used to decorate a variety of items, from everyday objects to clothing. Modern handbags, wallets, bed linens, and chapan coats are beautifully embroidered with intricate national patterns. In addition to this, she also creates unique silk scarves featuring felt elements.
"I have been practicing this craft since childhood. Almost every Kyrgyz woman knows how to sew and embroider, as it is a tradition passed down from generation to generation. My profession is in design, and for the past five years, I have been sewing garments with traditional elements. I also plan to write an academic article about national clothing, explaining the meaning behind the ornaments and embroidery—their historical uses and significance. Every element of our national attire is not only beautiful but also functional," said Gulsan Atamkulova.
Another skilled artisan, Kurmanbek Sartymatov, is a master leatherworker. He specializes in crafting bags, whips, and belts, with his holiday sets being particularly eye-catching. His creations combine leather, silver, brass, and natural stones, resulting in high-quality, stunning works of art.
"I have been working with leather for 25 years. My son is a jeweler, and my wife is an embroidery artist. I enjoy working with leather because it allows me to combine it with metal, bone, and stone, creating unique and durable pieces. Many of my works are commissioned by customers from Kazakhstan, but this is my first time visiting. We are now in Aktau, the cultural capital of the Turkic world, and I look forward to meeting local artisans and exchanging experiences," said Kurmanbek Sartymatov.
