Kyrgyz kalpaks
Felt hats.
Ekrem Canli — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Thomas Depenbusch (Depi) from Cologne, Germany — CC BY 2.0 · Bala Biott — CC BY-SA 3.0 · ElenaLitera — CC BY-SA 4.0 · ElenaLitera — CC BY-SA 4.0 · ElenaLitera — CC BY-SA 4.0 · ElenaLitera — CC BY-SA 4.0 · t_y_l — CC BY-SA 2.0
One of Bishkek's biggest and liveliest markets, set up in 1983 on the west side of the city near the Western Bus Station. You enter through a large arched gate bearing its name, and covered lanes and halls spread out in every direction. It is piled with dried fruit, nuts, spices and honey, round stamped tandyr bread and fresh produce, with sections for clothes, household goods and even musical instruments. The best part is the national goods section, selling traditional felt Kyrgyz kalpak hats, felt slippers, colourful felt shyrdak rugs, carved wooden chests, traditional bedding and cradles, and small souvenirs. Entry is free. It gets crowded in the mornings and at weekends, so keep an eye on your belongings. Prices are negotiable and cash in som is the norm.
Felt hats.
And nuts.
Colourful felt.
West of central Bishkek, near the Western Bus Station
Felt kalpak hats, shyrdak rugs, carved wooden chests, dried fruit and nuts; prices are negotiable.