Just before the train goes...

One of the great things about this country is the huge number of different ethnic groups who are part of it.  According to the Kyrgyzstan photo book here in the business centre of the hotel, (where we are waiting until we can go off to get our train, having checked out at midday,)  'In general, there are about 90 ethnic groups living in Kyrgyzstan represented by ethnic Kyrgyz, ethnic Uzbeks, ethnic Russians, Ukrainians, Tartars, Huis, Uighurs, ethnic Kazaks, Azeris and other groups.'

This is a poster from the centre of town. Just wandering around here you see such a mix of different people, gangs of girls or lads from all the  groups, dark hair or blonde hair (very occasionallt dyed hair), couples from different ethnic and religious backgrounds, and all of this was reflected in the people around us on Independence Day. The women and boys who were performing all wore the specific dress of their group.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The national male hat is the ak-kalpak.  It is made of white felt and, quoting from the book again:

'... is perfect in shape, beautiful, convienient and universal.  According to legends, the ak-kalpak has holy forces to protect it's owner.Men could wear this hat indoors and during prayers and eating.  The Kyrgyz have a tradition to bless people who achieve high status in society, 'May your white hat never fall from your head.' This wish has many interpretations: not to undermine one's own ancestors and in no circumstances loose one's dignity.  Losing the white hat, in a figurative sense, meant losing morals or honour.'

You see men wearing it all the time: