Turkish
Kyrgyzstan is a Turkic state that speaks to the world from Central Asia, not only with its national epics that have become part of world literature, but also with its contemporary authors like Chingiz Aitmatov. Reflecting this importance, the Kyrgyz House in the Turkish World includes a comprehensive Kyrgyz literature corner with resources on Kyrgyz oral and written traditions and a collection of Aitmatov’s works.
At the entrance of this space, which could be considered a small Kyrgyz art museum, visitors are welcomed by paintings of contemporary Kyrgyz artists.
As visitors move further in, these artworks give way to depictions of horse games, horse wrestling, and ulak tartysh scenes—an indispensable part of Kyrgyz social life as in broader Central Asian Turkic culture—and whips made from deer legs.
Handmade felt ‘chapans’ (a type of robe worn by respected guests), slippers, kalpaks, and ‘shyrdaks’ (traditional rugs) are among the finest examples of Kyrgyz craftsmanship. Photos of traditional folk dances, horse races, ulak games, and bard duels from the unique Ulupamir Cultural Festival invite us to get acquainted with Kyrgyz culture.
