UZ-ANAR, a community of women devoted to craftsmanship and tourism in the remote northern region of Kyrgyzstan, has been producing handicraft goods for more than 15 years. Throughout these years, the community has gained considerable experience in production, improved product quality, and taught local women the Kyrgyz traditional felt-making techniques. The main products of UZ-ANAR are the traditional crafted felt products for home interiors, such as shyrdak, ottomans, poufs, and cushions. The community also produces wall panels in the technique of wet and dry felting.
Burul Jakypova, the head of the community, started her first steps in needlework at a young age. Thanks to her aunt, Burul mastered knitting and gradually her hobby became her main job. After 15 years of working in the handicraft sector, she decided to support her local community and founded UZ-ANAR. Today, the community provides job opportunities and financial support to young mothers and retirees in rural areas, empowers them with required technical skills, and offers comfortable working conditions and fair wages.
