Altyn Kol

Kirgisistan

2024

Sheep’s wool, water, strength – and the knowledge of a centuries-old tradition: In Kyrgyzstan, women craft intricate felt rugs like Shyrdaks and Alakiyis. After the Soviet Union’s collapse, women in Naryn revived the nearly forgotten craft in 1996 – as a source of income and cultural heritage. This led to the founding of the NGO Altyn Kol (“Golden Hands”), which supports production, sales, and knowledge-sharing. To this day, each rug is handmade by women using traditional patterns, symbols, and techniques.