Felt Carpets Festival 

Felt, a dense material made from lamb’s wool, has played a significant role in the daily life of the Kyrgyz people for centuries. The art of felt-making, along with the intricate skill of decorating it with traditional patterns, has been passed down from generation to generation. Felt was primarily used to cover yurts, the traditional nomadic dwellings, and was also crafted into carpets, bags, and toys.

The art of felt-making is widespread across Kyrgyzstan, with each region showcasing its own unique techniques and artistic styles. Today, there is a growing interest in preserving and promoting this traditional craft, particularly through tourism events like the Felt Festival.

Known as «Kiyiz Duyno» in Kyrgyz, the festival features collaborative yurt-building activities, masterclasses in felt production, and workshops on creating intricate designs on felt. Additionally, the festival offers exhibitions and sales of felt products, along with performances of traditional Kyrgyz customs, games, and folk concerts. The Felt Festival is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the culture and ethnography of this mountainous nation.

Creating a traditional felt carpet, known as shyrdak, is a time-consuming process that can take up to six months. It all starts with shearing the sheep, after which the wool is cleaned and left to dry in the sun. The sun’s rays not only dry the wool but also kill bacteria, ensuring the carpet’s durability. Once dry, the wool is beaten with metal sticks to achieve an even texture and remove any remaining dirt.

The entire family, from young to old, takes part in the next stage of the process: the wool is rolled into a mat, which is then repeatedly stomped on to compact the fibers. Finally, the felt fabric is ready. For a two-color carpet, two pieces of felt are required, and for a three-color design, three pieces are used. The colored pieces are stitched together to create beautiful patterns. This craft, which has been practiced for over a thousand years, not only adorned the homes of Kyrgyz nomads but also provided insulation against the harsh weather.