Akbermet Akmatova, who lives in the Batken region, has dedicated 24 years of her life to the sewing industry. Previously, she worked as a seamstress both in Bishkek and in Russia, and now she has organized a small workshop right in her home in Batken. In her workshop, she not only takes orders but also teaches girls, which brings her additional income.
Gulnur is confident that raising geese and turkeys is a profitable business. “In the spring, we purchased 65 turkeys and 15 geese, spending 17,000 soms on feed. Turkeys cost between 1,500 and 2,000 soms, while young turkey chicks cost between 800 and 900 soms. They graze on the lawn by the river. In anticipation of the New Year holidays, we started selling. The price for slaughtered turkeys reaches 3,500 soms, while live turkeys cost about 1,800 soms. Geese are priced at 1,500 soms and take
Sharshekan Etbekova from the city of Karakol in the Issyk-Kul region sews Kyrgyz women's headwear. For young girls, she makes үкү топу (caps with owl feathers), and for adult women, she creates ак элечек.
Alisher Ismailov, a resident of Karakol in the Issyk-Kul region, is engaged in making bride chests despite his physical limitations. He was born on August 18, 1982, in Karakol, where after completing his schooling, he trained as a car mechanic. However, due to health issues, he was unable to continue working in this field and was assigned a disability group 2.
Kairykul Akmatova, a 60-year-old resident of the Ton district in the Issyk-Kul region, is actively engaged in handicrafts. She received her education at the Tokmok technical school, where she studied library science.
Altynai Supataeva, a 46-year-old resident of the village of Min-Bulak in the Bakai-Ata district of the Talas region, is engaged in sewing trousseaus for brides. In a conversation with a Turmush correspondent, she shared that she was born in the Aitmatov district. In 1998, after getting married, she moved to Min-Bulak. “My husband and I are raising four sons and one daughter. I became the youngest daughter-in-law in a large family, and therefore I did not engage in household chores. Since
Rustam Kopeyev, who lives in the village of Ak-Chiy, located in the Ak-Suu district of the Issyk-Kul region, has dedicated himself to metallurgy for the past 15 years. He was born on March 30, 1985, in the same village and, having received education only up to the 7th grade, later mastered the profession of a gas-electric welder.
Zhanat Marat kyzy, a mother of many children from Karakol, decided to start her own business by sewing at home. She received a sewing machine as part of a social contract program, which became an opportunity for her to earn money while staying close to her children. In an interview with a Turmush correspondent, Zhanat shared that she was born on January 26, 1991. In her childhood, she dreamed of becoming a teacher and, after completing her studies, received a diploma in "Kyrgyz language
Aizada Ilyasova, a 32-year-old resident of Jalal-Abad, creates unique products from textile waste. In her interview with Turmush, Aizada shared that she is involved in recycling fabric scraps left over from the work of sewing workshops. Previously, such waste was simply thrown away or burned, but over the past year, a group of women, including Aizada, has started turning them into useful products.
Karakol, located in the Issyk-Kul region, is famous for its green oases, with the garden of Nadezhda Morozova holding a special place among them, always overflowing with flowers and attracting the attention of passersby. Nadezhda was born in 1971 and currently lives with her 12-year-old son in a rented house. Her passion for gardening began in childhood when she was enchanted by the process that transforms tiny seeds into green sprouts and then into blooming plants.
Elnura Kadyrbek kyzy, a resident of the village of Koachu [Kööчү] in the Tyup district of the Issyk-Kul region, is successfully engaged in beekeeping. In 2024, she shared her experience and income from the business in an interview with a Turmush correspondent. Her interest in beekeeping began after her marriage when she decided to engage in this with her husband. "I am 34 years old, I was born in Ichke-Suu and graduated from the local school. My husband is from Koachu, we have been
In the Issyk-Kul region, in the village of Tyup, 35-year-old Elvira Sultanbaeva has been actively engaged in the art of confectionery for three years. In an interview with a Turmush correspondent, she shared that she produces a variety of sweets, with prices reaching up to 3,000 soms. This activity provides her with a stable income, especially during peak demand seasons.
Nazgul Kulmurzaeva, a resident of the village of Kara-Burgon, has been working as a teacher for 35 years. She is a mathematics and computer science teacher, continuing the work of her father, the renowned educator Bektur Kulmurzaev, who made a significant contribution to the development of the school.
Meizbubu Myrsalieva, a 74-year-old resident of the Talas region, recently ran 3 kilometers at a recent marathon. In an interview with a Turmush correspondent, she spoke about her roots, having been born in the village of Boo-Terek in the Bakai-Ata district. Her father worked in education for many years, serving as a school principal. The family had seven children, six of whom became teachers after receiving higher education.
Askar Abdysalamov, one of the pioneers in watermelon cultivation in the village of Buzhum in the Batken region, started his business a few years ago and now earns up to half a million soms a year. This information was shared with a Turmush correspondent.
Tashmama Nurdinova, a resident of the village of Okhna in the Kadamjai district of the Batken region, is a person with a disability of the II group, but this has not prevented her from starting her own business. In her home, she produces cosmetic and household products using beeswax, egg yolk, and other natural ingredients. Under the brand "Okhna ECO," Tashmama creates various products, including creams, ointments, soaps, shampoos, and lipsticks. "I am 41 years old, and I have a
Absamat Aitkulov, a resident of the Aksy district in the city of Kerben, previously, like many farmers, was engaged in selling fresh plums harvested from his own garden. Although this year's harvest turned out to be modest, he managed to organize processing and earn a decent amount of money.
A 39-year-old resident of Talas, Munduz Kudaybergenova, has become a true example of motherhood. A correspondent from Turmush spoke with her. Munduz was born in the village of Ak-Zhar, located in the Talas region, and got married in Aral, which is in the Manas region. Her future husband entered her life through mutual friends, and their acquaintance began 19 years ago with phone conversations. After a year of communication, on February 23, 2007, they became husband and wife.
73-year-old Bukarbai Tyumenbaev revived the ensemble "Uchkyn". He was born in the village of Kara-Talaa in the Ton district.
Erbolot, who started learning horseback riding at the age of 3-4, is now actively participating in the game of ulak and achieving significant success. He was born in 2005 in the village of Kuiruchuk, located in the Jumgal district of the Naryn region. Currently, Erbolot continues to live in his native village and works as a driver at the Karakete coal mine. After finishing high school, he studied at vocational college No. 5 in Bishkek.
In a remote village of the Ton district in the Issyk-Kul region, two women — a mother-in-law and a daughter-in-law — are successfully running a business, providing for the residents of their village. Akzholtoy Satybayeva, a local resident from the upper gorge of the Ton district, shared with a Turmush correspondent about her entrepreneurial activities in this remote area.
Dokdurbek Sarbaev, a master of folk crafts from the village of Petrovka in the Moscow District of the Chuy Region, creates original products from horns, bones, and wood. According to a Turmush correspondent, 68-year-old Dokdurbek is considered a true professional in his field. His works, made from animal horns and bones, as well as wood, not only attract attention but also become a symbol of his many years of labor and creative approach.
Gulmira Zholdosheva, 51 years old, from Bakai-Ata, is a deputy of the local kenesh and actively supports women in her community. She was born in the village of Chon-Kapka (Pushkin) in the Manas district and was the fourth of nine children.
Nurzat Zheenbek kyzy from Naryn is a craftswoman, artist, sculptor, and chairwoman of the Association of Craftsmen of Kyrgyzstan. She shared that she connects national heritage with a modern philosophical perspective, giving it a new resonance.
Turmush — Maral Toktonalieva, a 40-year-old resident of Talas, is actively promoting Kyrgyz culture by creating unique outfits. “I am a designer by profession, but this activity is not just work for me; it is a true struggle. Despite all the obstacles, I continue to follow my path. Creating national clothing has become my destiny and mission. I strive to combine the rich cultural heritage of the Kyrgyz people with modern trends to highlight the inner beauty, tenderness, and strength of every
In Kara-Balta lives a woman whose life journey symbolizes resilience, dedication to education, and hope for a bright future. Gulbubu Barkytbaeva, a distinguished educator of the Kyrgyz SSR and an Honorary Worker of Education of the Kyrgyz Republic, is currently working on a book about her life. In this work, she seeks to reflect the hardships of the post-war period, losses, love for her profession, and the strength of spirit that helped her overcome life's difficulties.
The Turmush publication continues its series of articles "Zheneke," where we share the life stories of young brides and experienced daughters-in-law. The project's goal is to emphasize the importance of family values and showcase the talents of married women.
Aysulu Kerimbekova, a mother of many children from the village of Teploklyuchenka, located in the Ak-Su district of the Issyk-Kul region, has been teaching children about astronomy for 12 years. In a conversation with a Turmush correspondent, she shared her story. Aysulu, born in 1988, after finishing her studies at Kirov Gymnasium, enrolled in the Physics and Technology Faculty of Issyk-Kul State University. In her childhood, she wanted to become a doctor, but after passing the nationwide
In the village of Karoоl-Döbö, located in the Aiyl Aimak of Chon-Kemin in the Kemin District of the Chui Region, lives a talented craftswoman Üpölbübü Satarova, who specializes in creating traditional Kyrgyz products – shyrdaks and kiyizes. She was born on January 10, 1956, in the village of Dön-Aryk in the Chui District, in a family with eight children.
Dmitry and Maria Kalyuzhny, who moved two years ago from St. Petersburg, have now settled in the village of Chyrpykty, located in the Issyk-Kul region. The couple has visited many picturesque places along the shores of Issyk-Kul and, inspired by the beauty of the surrounding nature, decided to start organizing tourist routes for travelers.
A resident of the village of Chauvai in the Kadamjai district of the Batken region, Talaybek Sadykov has been sewing shoes by hand for 3 years, taking orders. He makes shoes for both children and adults—summer and winter. Orders often come from ulakchy (players in kok-boru). There are also regular clients who prefer shoes made from pure leather.
Alina Zhaksylik kyzy, who married a unique young man, has become the subject of public discussion. Alina, born in 1999 and raised in the city of Cholpon-Ata in the Issyk-Kul region, moved to the Kochkor district after her wedding. She works as a cook but is currently a housewife. Recently, her marriage to Nurgazy Zhaksylikbek uulu, who has health limitations, has caused a wide resonance. “We met online, and he always said that he fell in love with my eyes as soon as he saw my photo. We
39-year-old Chynarkan Ulukbekova from the village of Chögöm in the Aravan district of the Osh region is a mother of many children, awarded the "Baatyr Ene" order. She was born on October 11, 1986, in the village of Chögöm in the Kermetoo rural district. She has been married to Kenjebai Duyshiev for 18 years, and they are raising six sons and a daughter.
Aizhamal Alymbaeva, who works at the National Memorial Complex "Manas Ordo," happily lives in the village of Ak-Zhar in the Talas region with her husband Talaybek Duishkeev. They have five children — three daughters and two sons, as well as five grandchildren. “I have been working at ‘Manas Ordo’ since 1993. When I arrived, the museum was still under construction. Its opening took place in August 1995, timed to coincide with the 1000th anniversary of Manas, with delegates from all
Nurkamal Turdumambetova, a resident of the village of Shor-Bulak in the Ton district of the Issyk-Kul region, found her passion in handicrafts after retiring, continuing the traditions of Kyrgyz women. She was born on January 1, 1968, in the village of Dolon, located in the Tyup district. Together with her husband, she raised five sons and is now actively engaged in creating felt products alongside other craftswomen.
Nadezhda Beresneva, 56 years old, works at the V. Lenin school in the village of Hydrostroitel in the Issyk-Ata district of Chui region. She was born on January 1, 1969, in Tokmok. She has a higher education, is married, and raises an adult son. Nadezhda has been working in the educational field for 33 years, of which she spent 20 years as a social educator and the chairperson of the trade union at her school.
Maksat Korchiev, a 51-year-old resident of the village of Kerege-Tash in the Ak-Suu district, is currently a third-year student. As a father of four children, three of whom continue their education at universities, Maksat believes that it is never too late to learn. “I am currently studying for a degree in ‘Acting’ in Karakol at the university named after I. Tumanov. Since there is no part-time department, I have to travel to classes from our village,” he shares.
Elena Klinova, residing in Kara-Balta, has discovered the world of decorative and applied arts by creating unique souvenirs and decorations using epoxy resin. Despite her many years of experience as a baker and pastry chef, she has always wanted to engage in something creative. In an interview with a Turmush correspondent, Elena shared that her passion for epoxy resin began after she saw the works of other artisans online. After ordering the necessary molds and materials via the internet, she
A resident of the Suusamyr Valley in the Jayil District of the Chui Region, Adilet Ryskulbekov, has been breeding Areshan sheep for five years. His ram took first place at the exhibition held in Suusamyr. In a conversation with a Turmush correspondent, the farmer shared that he bought six sheep ten years ago — at the price of two ordinary ones. “They were very large. I haven't seen such big sheep among the Areshan breed since then. Back then, this breed was not widely known, and I
Azizai Aibashova creates ribbons for yurts. She was born in 1980 and lives in the village of Korgon in the Leilek district of the Batken region. Since childhood, she has been passionate about the craft and weaving of ribbons for yurts.
Jazgul Tynibek kyzy, originally from the village of Kuiruchuk in the Jumgal district of the Naryn region, works as a social worker and uses a scooter gifted to her by her husband to visit vulnerable groups of the population. She was born in 1991 in the village of Kyzyl-Oy, located in the Suusamyr Valley. She is a teacher of the Kyrgyz language and literature, having graduated from the philological faculty of the Kyrgyz National University named after Jusup Balasagyn.
Shaarbubu [Shaarbübü] Kaldybay kyzy has been teaching physics at Oi-Tersken Secondary School in the village of Acha-Kayindy, At-Bashinsky District of Naryn Region for 13 years. In addition, she leads an astronomy club that is very popular among students. In an interview with a Turmush correspondent, she shared her experience and passion for astronomy. "In 2013, I graduated from Naryn State University and started working at Oi-Tersken School. I received my secondary education at
Gulzat Ilebaeva, a teacher from the village of Maman, has been working for two decades at the children's education center in the Ak-Suu district of the Issyk-Kul region. Her total teaching experience is 22 years.
Dastan Sagynbek uulu, a 31-year-old resident of the village of Ak-Jar in the Talas region, is a defender on the team "Yntymak." A Turmush correspondent spoke with him to learn about his passion for kok-boru. Dastan shared that he joined the team in 2019.