Kazakhstan - Kyrgyzstan - Traditional knowledge and skills in making Kyrgyz and Kazakh yurts (Turkic nomadic dwellings)

"The yurt is a nomadic dwelling used among the Kazakh and Kyrgyz peoples. It has a wooden circular frame covered with felt and braided with ropes, and can be easily assembled and dismantled within a short period of time. The bearers of yurt-making knowledge are craftspeople, both men and women, who produce yurts and their interior decorations. Yurts are made from natural and renewable raw materials. Men and their apprentices make the wooden frames by hand, along with wooden, leather, bone and metal details. Women make the interior decorations and exterior coverings, ornamented with traditional zoomorphic, vegetative or geometric patterns. As a rule, they work in community-based groups supervised by experienced women artisans, and employ weaving, spinning, braiding, felting, embroidering, sewing and other traditional handicraft techniques. Yurt creation involves the whole community of craftspeople, and fosters common human values, constructive cooperation and creative imagination. Traditionally, knowledge and skills are transmitted within families or from teachers to apprentices. All festivities, ceremonies, births, weddings and funeral rituals are held in a yurt. As such, the yurt remains a symbol of family and traditional hospitality, fundamental to the identity of the Kazakh and Kyrgyz peoples."

Source: UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

Kyrgyzstan postcard showing setting up a yurta. Thanks to Wonsik of South Korea who visited Bishek, Kyrgyzstan.

Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan - Nawrouz, Novruz, Nowrouz, Nowrouz, Nawrouz, Nauryz, Nooruz, Nowruz, Navruz, Nevruz, Nowruz, Navruz

"New Year is often a time when people wish for prosperity and new beginnings. March 21 marks the start of the year in Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. It is referred to as Nauryz, Navruz, Nawrouz, Nevruz, Nooruz, Novruz, Nowrouz or Nowruz meaning ‘new day’ when a variety of rituals, ceremonies and other cultural events take place for a period of about two weeks. An important tradition practised during this time is the gathering around ‘the Table’, decorated with objects that symbolize purity, brightness, livelihood and wealth, to enjoy a special meal with loved ones. New clothes are worn and visits made to relatives, particularly the elderly and neighbours. Gifts are exchanged, especially for children, featuring objects made by artisans. There are also street performances of music and dance, public rituals involving water and fire, traditional sports and the making of handicrafts. These practices support cultural diversity and tolerance and contribute to building community solidarity and peace. They are transmitted from older to younger generations through observation and participation."

Source: UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

Postcard 1 - Azerbaijan
Novruz festival in Azerbaijan. Thanks to Sini of Finland for mailing from Azerbaijan.

Postcard 2 - Kyrgyzstan

Noruz festiavel in Kyrgyzstan - a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Thanks to Alexander for mailing from Kyrgyzstan.

Postcard 3 - Tajikistan

National dressed dancer celebrating Narruz festival every March in Tajikistan. Thanks to Halim of Tajikistan.

Kyrgyzstan - Tradition Felt Carpet Ala-Keiz

A panaromic length postcard showing traditional craft of tradition felt carpet of Ala-Keiz, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in Kyrgyzstan. Thanks to Alexander of Russia on a business trip here. Postmarked on June 5, 2013 and arrived in Penang island on July 3, 2013.