Begimai represents a small cooperative consisting of 20 women who recognize the value of ancient Kyrgyz handwork and are revitalizing the nomadic tradition of felt making.

They make thick felt from wool, and from that cut the traditional Kyrgyz footwear, adorning it with beautiful embroidery.

Over the past 10 years, globalization has introduced European fashion trends into Kyrgyzstan.

With the gaining of the country’s independence, however, many traditions such as felting started to revive and people are now taking pride in wearing their traditional dress.