LocationsNazgul Mamatova and the artisans of Alay
September 5, 2025
Nazgul Mamatova
Nazgul Mamatova, a garment engineer and technologist, graduated from Osh Technological University in 2005. Her path to craftsmanship began during her maternity leave: at that time, many projects were coming to the region that invited women to trainings and master classes. Nazgul did not miss this opportunity. By profession, she was already close to this business, and practical classes finally convinced her that craftsmanship is her path.
Nazgul lives in the Osh region, Alai district, Gulcha village. She is a mother of five children. Her husband is temporarily working in Russia. Despite her busy schedule and great family concerns, Nazgul managed to realize herself and today she is the executive director of the public association "Alai ishker aymdary". 35 women work under the leadership of Nazgul.
They make felt products: shyrdaks, slippers, seat cushions, ethnic sets for cars, bags, backpacks, toys.
The most valuable experience of participation in the UNDP "Aid for Trade" project for Nazgul and her team was the study tour and exchange of experience. Thanks to these trips, the artisans saw new opportunities: it is possible to build partnerships with other regions, purchase souvenirs from them, and focus on the mass production of large items - shyrdaks and bags. This is how the Bishkek - Karakol - Osh cooperation chain was born. According to Nazgul, this is the beginning of a large network of mutual partnership: "We take products from them, they from us. Together we are stronger."
Today, the Nazgul craft group is making plans for development: updating models, releasing new types of products. Young women with new ideas join them, and experienced craftswomen are happy to teach them.
"Kyrgyz women have craftsmanship in their blood. The main thing is to have the desire and develop your skills. If you don’t know something, learn, don’t be shy. It’s important to be open: learn financial literacy, establish partnerships, use the Internet, follow fashion and trends. And most importantly, value your product. We create environmentally friendly products that are good for both health and nature,” says Nazgul.
UNDP has created a powerful platform for the development of handicrafts in Kyrgyzstan. The initiative unites 4 small and medium-sized businesses, 7 handicraft groups, covering more than 40 artisans, and 2 handicraft associations.
UNDP makes a significant contribution to women’s entrepreneurship through support for handicrafts. UNDP creates jobs for women, many of whom previously did not have a stable income.
Crafts groups become catalysts for local economic development, preserving traditional skills and adapting them to modern market requirements. 28 artisans went on study tours, exploring the possibilities of integrating their products into tourism and export. Participants mastered modern tools for product promotion, including e-commerce and digital marketing, as well as the basics of entrepreneurship, pricing and financial literacy.
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