10 Choices of the PERFECT GIFT from Central Asia

10 Choices of the PERFECT GIFT from Central Asia

If you are allowed to bring home only one item from Central Asia …. what would it be?

This choice sums up your experience of Central Asia. I agree with you it is very hard after spending 10 days or more in the wild beauty of Central Asia.

The distinctive head gear of the Central Asian countries and Russian Tatars. Intrinsic with traditional patterns of a thousand years old, whereas some like the tebey from Kyrgyzstan are lined with fur. Reflecting the shape of the yurt.

In Chust of Uzbekistan the hat is black with a flat, square base, made with white embroidery with “four arches represent impenetrable gates that will keep all enemies at bay; the burning peppers protect against the evil eye; and the almonds or bodom are said to symbolise life and fertility.

In our country Malaysia, ikat means to tie in Malay. Some say it originates from Indonesia, others have different point of view. But interestingly it has found its way in Central Asia, especially Uzbekistan or vice versa?

You can see the colourful fabric with motives of flowers and trees. Ikat was made in the southern region, in the cities of Bukhara, Samarkand, Tashkent, Khiva and the town of Kokand in the fertile Ferghana Valley to the east. In the early 1800s Bukhara had the most active trade, surplus wealth and formal guild structure – and the first classical adras ikat production. So when in Bhukara, Uzbekistan …… you know what to get.

Ikat fabric. Notice the tribal motives?

Suzani means needle work in Persian. The perfect gift to bring back from Uzbekistan. As these are handwoven needle works which have details such as moon disks, flowers (especially tulips, carnations, and irises), leaves and vines, fruits (especially pomegranates), and occasional fish and birds. The Uzbekistan brides used to weave them as dowry. It is prized possesion.

Hand made with flower motives.

A must when visiting Kazakhstan as you would not miss it, being sold in almost every shop and supermarket here.
The Willy Wonka of Central Asia!

The famous Rakhat Chocolates. Only in Kazakhstan.

These are works of silver art. Intricate in designs adorned with semi-precious stones. The Turkmen headdress is an important and essential part of the costume. In some rituals it is believed to hold powers an act as an amulet for protection against evil. For the visitors, bringing home an exotic piece of art from Central Asia is a reminder of their travels to the land.

Traditional Turkmen Headress

Uzbek tribal earrings.

Known for their skillful felt products, when in Kyrgyzstan is a must. You might want to purchase the Shydak felt pillow covers or a talkpak, a Kyrgyz pointed white hats. Or the beautifully embroidered felt shoes which comes in many design and colours.

A Kyrgyz Kalpak

Beautiful woven felt shoes or slippers.

When you visit places such as Chorsu Bazaar, you can find an amazing array of choice for the blue patterned ceramic bowls and plates. Yes, it has to be handled carefully if you want to bring it back as a gift. But for the chefs and cooks, it is hard to resist and makes a perfect collection for the kitchen. Different sub-ethnic groups has different kind of pattern.

In love with the many different colours of ceramics.

If you are a doll collector, hence bringing back a little handmade doll is a must. They are handmade and adorned with traditional costumes. Even the dolls feature reflects the sub-regions. Depending on where you have visited.

Traditional Uzbek dolls. Photo Credit Mikail Sterlikov

From long necked lutes which is called sato used in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, or a stringed instrument like the dutar or tanbur. They are almost the same but the designs and where it comes from determines the difference. If you are not a musician, the gift can act as a decoration piece as well. Or a meaningful gift to a fellow musician who will appreciate its beauty.

The many different designs of Tanbur, Sato or Datur.

Well suffice to say, after experiencing the falcon demonstration and coming face to face with horses all the time during your trip here in Central Asia, your heart might just want to convince you to bring home these as gift! Of course you can, if one is truly determine. But if not then a figurine of either should suffice to keep the connection of your experience in this beautiful land.

Kazakh eagle hunters and their golden eagles in the Altai Region.