Traditional Costume

The mountains exert a strong influence over every aspect of Kyrgyz life. That is true also about their traditional national costume. 

Even though the country experiences a continental climate, that means summers can be very hot with temperatures rising into the forties, nomadic life in the high mountain meadows (jailoo) meant that temperatures could change dramatically during the course of the day - and night time temperatures could fall well below zero. As a result, even in summer warm clothing is often worn. For example, you may still see men wearing a "chapan" or a sheepskin coat. People would often wear several layers and the clothes would appear to add bulk to the body. Padded felt waistcoats – without sleeves – would provide an additional layer of material which could be added or removed depending upon the temperature.

It was also important for the nomadic lifestyle that clothes should not hinder movement whether riding or tending the animal livestock.

It is possible that the traditional style of dress is very ancient … there are some fragments of cave paintings in the ruins of the Sogdian city of Panjikent, (in Tajikistan), which depict the merchants travelling along the Silk Road and priests. They depict people in felt hats, knee-length silk tunics, (belted at the waist) and high leather boots – all very reminiscent of traditional Kyrgyz costume. 

Although “western” forms of dress are now common throughout the republic, a number of modern designers are taking inspiration from traditional costumes.  

The Russian Ethnographer Klavdiya Antipina was exiled from St. Petersburg under the Stalinist repressions, to Bishkek and there she “fell in love” with the Kyrgyz people and their lifestyle, documenting many aspects of their culture. In the 1990s she worked on preparing a book on Kyrgyz National Costume – but after her death the manuscript has disappeared. Collaborating with her was a young artist, Temirbek Musakeev, and some of his illustrations showing people in traditional costume have been preserved and can be seen in the book “Klavdia Antipina Ethnographer of the Kyrgyz” by Bibira Akmoldoeva and John Sommer, published by Spring Hill Press of California.

Also in the book are some photos showing the traditional women’s headdress (the “elechek”).