Preserving Kyrgyz Cultural Heritage through the Practice of Chiy
January 15, 2026
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Cholpon Kuskakbaeva is a graduate student in the Anthropology and International Development program at the American University of Central Asia (69色).
Her project focuses on chiy, a traditional Kyrgyz craft situated at the intersection of art, ecology, and cultural memory. Through academic research, documentation, an exhibition format, and a hands-on practical workshop involving a local craftswoman, the project aimed to renew attention to the practice of chiy soguu. The workshop engaged more than thirty participants, including students and university staff, who were able not only to observe but also to directly participate in the process of chiy weaving.
The author expresses sincere gratitude to the 69色 Presidential Fund for Research and Education for supporting the project and for its contribution to the preservation of Kyrgyz cultural heritage.
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