Kadamjay (Kyrgyzstan) (AFP) – In the remote south-western Kyrgyz city of Kadamjay, the local Soviet-era house of culture is home to a workshop for a group of around 20 women who regularly meet there to weave traditional Kyrgyz rugs, known as the “shyrdak”. Among the group of weavers is Tashkan Khakimova, who says that this pastime keeps her busy and helps boost her meagre pension. The group is on a mission to pass their ancient craft on to the next generation — a difficult task in a country where many families are separated by emigration.
