Among the displayed goods were antique cast iron irons, priced at one thousand five hundred soms each.
According to historian and local lore expert Maxim Podgorny, cast iron irons began to be widely used in Kyrgyzstan from the mid-19th century, thanks to migrants from Russia.
“There were two main types of irons: ‘coal’ irons, which had special compartments for hot coals, and solid irons, which were heated in an oven or on a stove. Coal irons were used for over a hundred years, until the advent of electricity,” explained the historian.
The first electric iron was created in 1882; however, it remained bulky and inconvenient for a long time, often causing electric shocks.
In Kyrgyzstan, coal and heating irons remained in use until the 1950s. Initially, irons were valued for their weight—some tailor models could weigh up to 15 kilograms. Additionally, cast iron irons were distinguished by their artistic design: they had relief bodies and patterned handles. In wealthy homes in Kyrgyzstan before the 1917 revolution, such irons were displayed prominently, emphasizing the status and luxury of the interior,” added Podgorny.
