Shyrdak

A shyrdak on the floor of a home in Aksy District, Kyrgyzstan

A shyrdak (Kyrgyz: шырдак, pronounced [ʃɯrˈdɑq]) or syrmak (Kazakh: сырмақ, romanized: syrmaq, pronounced [səɾˈmɑq]) is a stitched, and often colourful felt[1] floor and wallcovering, usually handmade in Central Asia. Kazakhs and Kyrgyz people alike traditionally make shyrdaks, and most especially in Kyrgyzstan the tradition is kept alive,[2] with products also sold to tourists.

In 2012, Kyrgyz felt carpets ala-kiyiz and shyrdak were inscribed into the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in need of urgent protection.[3]

  1. ^ Fergus, Michael; Jandosova, Janar (2003). Kazakhstan: Coming of Age. Stacey International. p. 213. ISBN 978-1-900988-61-2.
  2. ^ 'Happy Grandmas' Weave Ancient Tradition, Taipei Times, 26 October 2023, retrieved 4 July 2024
  3. ^ "UNESCO - Ala-kiyiz and Shyrdak, art of Kyrgyz traditional felt carpets". ich.unesco.org. Retrieved 2022-12-06.