A Centuries Old Design Travels From the Great Silk Road to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Located in the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Handmade is producing all handmade wool shyrdak (mosaic hand-stitched felt rugs), temre (handwoven yurt ribbons and accessories), and iyik (wool yarn) products adorned with authentic motifs. The collective is composed of over 70 artisans, 90% of whom are women. Traditional shyrdak-making techniques have a long history in Kyrgyzstan, felt carpets dating back to 4th century BC have been found in the Pazyryk mounds of the Altai region.

The name shyrdak comes from the word shyryk, meaning stitch. Each shydrak wool rug is made using a mosaic technique, meaning each design results in two shyrdaks with opposing colors. It is considered one of the rarest types of carpet art in Kyrgyzstan, officially designated in UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritages. Terme, or ormok, is a type of hand weaving that utilizes a small handmade machine. There are several types of patterned weaving within terme, terme-taar, two-sided terme, kadjary, and beshkeshte. Kyrgyz Handmade seeks to preserve Terme hand-weaving technologies by using them in modern home decor and apparel, creating new demands for these traditional motifs. All items are made in collaboration with local shepherds, including merino wool from sheep left from the Soviet communal farming period. Dyeing is done in Kyrgyz. Handmade workshop using vegetable colors.