By Abiha Hamid
During her recent visit to Pakistan as part of the Kyrgyz presidential delegation, Nurzat Zheenbek kyzy, President of the Crafts Council of Kyrgyzstan and a leading cultural figure of Central Asia sat down with DND News for an in-depth conversation. Known widely for her contributions to fashion design, architecture, sculpture, education, and preservation of traditional crafts, she discussed her mission, achievements, and future vision for Kyrgyzstan–Pakistan cultural cooperation.
Interview
DND News: You are celebrated across Eurasia for reviving Kyrgyz traditions through modern creativity. What motivates this work?
Nurzat Zheenbek kyzy:
“Our cultural heritage carries spiritual meaning. If we don’t preserve it today, the next generation will lose a part of their identity.”
My mission has always been to protect this identity and reinterpret it for the modern world — through fashion, architecture, crafts, natural dyeing, and contemporary art.
DND News: You have led the Crafts Council of Kyrgyzstan since 2022. What are your key accomplishments so far?
Nurzat Zheenbek kyzy:
We have worked intensively to strengthen our national craft industry. In the past two years, we organized nine national cultural festivals, led two major cultural forums, and coordinated eleven scientific and cultural research projects.
Most importantly, we connected artisans from all seven regions of Kyrgyzstan, ensuring every community — from Bishkek to Osh — has a voice. The goal is to empower craftsmen, preserve heritage, and present Kyrgyz culture globally.
DND News: Your global recognition is quite remarkable. How have international platforms contributed to your work?
Nurzat Zheenbek kyzy:
International acknowledgment helps showcase Kyrgyz heritage on the world stage. Awards such as the UNESCO & World Crafts Council Award of Excellence, and my role as Honorable Ambassador of the Rabdan Heritage Fund (UAE), have strengthened our visibility.
I have also presented my collections in Germany, Korea, Mongolia, China, Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Being part of the BRICS+ Fashion Summit committee and appearing in books like Women of Kyrgyzstan and Inventors, Creators, Entrepreneurs further supports our cultural diplomacy.
DND News: What was the purpose of your visit to Pakistan with the Kyrgyz presidential delegation?
Nurzat Zheenbek kyzy:
This visit reflects Kyrgyzstan’s focus on strengthening cultural diplomacy. Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan share deep historical and artistic roots.
“Pakistan has a rich textile heritage. Kyrgyzstan has deep nomadic craft traditions. Together, we can build meaningful cooperation in fashion, crafts, creative education, and artisan exchange.”
I look forward to more joint projects in design, culture, and education between our two countries.
DND News: You created the “Kochmon Syry” (Nomad’s Secret) forum. What inspired this initiative?
Nurzat Zheenbek kyzy:
I founded it in 2016 to unite artists, designers, researchers, and craftsmen. The purpose is to preserve nomadic identity in a modern language.
Through this platform, we promote innovation while staying connected to our roots. We also run university programs to train young designers and craft specialists.
DND News: Your fashion collections have a distinct style. How would you describe your artistic approach?
Nurzat Zheenbek kyzy:
My work is based on natural materials — felt, leather, clay, wood, metal — combined with traditional embroidery, natural dyes, and symbolic motifs.
I describe my style as:
“Heritage reborn in a contemporary form.”
Each garment is a piece of culture, expressed through modern silhouettes and sculptural structures.
DND News: What major projects are you planning for the future?
Nurzat Zheenbek kyzy:
Several initiatives are underway. I aim to strengthen Kyrgyzstan–Pakistan cultural and textile cooperation, expand international exhibitions in Asia and Europe, and increase training programs for young artists.
I am also developing new educational and craft-based research initiatives, while continuing efforts to modernize and globalize Kyrgyz traditional craftsmanship.
DND News Closing Note
Nurzat Zheenbek kyzy stands as one of Central Asia’s most influential cultural leaders. Her contributions to design, craft preservation, and cultural diplomacy — combined with her role in the Kyrgyz presidential delegation — demonstrate how creative industries are shaping regional cooperation.
DND News will continue highlighting personalities who contribute to cultural development across Central Asia and Pakistan.
