Kyrgyz Women’s 40-Meter kimeshek Attracts Special Attention

At an event that brought together six countries with shared languages and cultures, Kyrgyz craftswoman Gulsana Atamkulova drew public attention with her 40-meter-long elechek (traditional headwear similar to the Kazakh kimeshek).

Gulsana Atamkulova explained that the elechek is a historical heritage of the Kyrgyz people. According to her, each region where people have settled has its own traditional clothing style. In this regard, the Kyrgyz nation has about 20 different types of elechek. The craftswoman wore a version from her region, belonging to the Qitai tribe, made from approximately 40 meters of gauze-like fabric.

“What I’m wearing on my head is an elechek (called kimeshek in Kazakh). This is a type of elechek worn by the Qitai tribe living in the Talas region. Each tribe and region wears different types. While they may seem similar, there are distinct differences. There are even photographs of women wearing this style of elechek from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. These images are proof that this is a historical piece of clothing. It’s made by wrapping gauze fabric. I used about 40 meters of fabric for this. Wrapping it takes anywhere from half an hour to an hour. For me, carrying the culture of my country and region on my head is not a burden,” said Gulsana Atamkulova.

It is said that in ancient times, Kyrgyz people also used the fabric of the elechek for other purposes. In the event of death, it could serve as a burial shroud. During nomadic times, strips of the elechek fabric were used to wrap newborn babies. It was also used for bandaging wounds. That’s one of the reasons the Kyrgyz elechek could reach lengths of up to 40 meters.

“While each country is focused on its own affairs, I want to express my gratitude to those organizing such cultural events. Most importantly, I wish for peace around the world. This cultural gathering has left a positive impression on me. Above all, it’s about friendship among nations. When nations are friends, the world is at peace,” said the Kyrgyz craftswoman.