Kyrgyzstan

A journey to the famous Shyrdak Masters

In addition to scenic beauty, the mountainous Kyrgyzstan, a former Soviet republic in the heart of Central Asia, offers its visitors also an insight into the traditional life of the nomads, who adorn their yurts with colourful felt carpets. The ancient art of making these so called «Shyrdak» carpets is an ancient tradition of the Kyrgyz people. The Shyrdak masters are mainly woman who live in in the rural regions of the country.

Since 2012, the artisan belongs to the list of cultural heritage of the UNESCO.

This trip was accompanied by the Bernese artist Filip Haag, who has been importing Shyrdaks from Kyrgyzstan to Switzerland for many years and who has also founded his Fairtrade label «Feelfelt».