A correspondent from Turmush spoke with the craftswoman.
Akylbubu Sharshievna, born on October 9, 1969, in the village of Chok-Tal, was influenced from an early age by her grandmother, who made traditional Kyrgyz products. This introduction to craftsmanship laid the foundation for her future activities.
Currently, Akylbubu lives in Saruu with her family. Her husband, Orozbek Bokoev, is a talented artist and graduated from an educational institution in Karakol. The couple, who married in 1989, became parents to eight children, the eldest of whom is Islambek, born in 1990.
The family includes Islambek, Arslanbek, Mirlan, Erlan, Nurzat, Bolotbek, Zarina, and Salih. Their only daughter, Zarina, is currently in the 11th grade. According to her mother, she has always received care and support from her brothers and father, and now the family helps her focus on her studies.
Akylbubu believes that being a mother is both a joy and a great responsibility. Her mother, who lived with them for a long time, significantly assisted in raising the children.
On March 8, 2010, she was awarded the title "Baatyr Ene," which became not only a reward for her but also a recognition of her maternal labor.
Akylbubu began to seriously engage in handicrafts in the 2010s. She accepted an order to make a yurt from Damira, a master from Karakol, and since then has been developing her craft at a professional level.
According to her, she is skilled in almost all types of traditional handicrafts. Previously, her children helped her with sewing and decorating products, but now they have grown up and chosen their own paths. Akylbubu believes that her talents were passed down from her grandmother, as she did not undergo any special training.
In 2024, seven women from various villages in the Jeti-Oguz district united to form a group of craftswomen called "Taberik." The participants create modern versions of traditional Kyrgyz products and learn the technique of tying "elechek" under the guidance of Asel Kalkanova, the founder of the "Atalar Izi" project.
The group's products are exhibited at fairs and festivals, and workshops are held for tourists. The workshop is located in the village of Jenish, and the products are sold in stores in Karakol.
In May 2025, the group members presented their products in Turkey for nine days, which allowed them to sell part of their production. The craftswomen claim that their national products are in high demand abroad.
Gallery: Akylbubu Shaikova from the village of Saruu. Akylbubu produces sought-after items among tourists, such as shyrdaks, stools, home footwear, embroidered panels, and souvenirs. Prices for her works range from 300 to 25,000 soms, and the products are purchased not only by tourists but also by clients from Turkey, Korea, and England.
She hopes for greater interaction with foreign guests and wishes to share the traditions of Kyrgyz craftsmanship with them. In this regard, Akylbubu has started learning the English language.
