Festive events dedicated to the national headdress are taking place across the country.
Today, March 5, Kyrgyzstan celebrates the Day of the Ak Kalpak — an important holiday that symbolizes the cultural identity of the people. This event, aimed at preserving national traditions and respecting historical heritage, gathers thousands of people across the country.
The first steps towards establishing this holiday were taken in 2011 at the initiative of director Rysbek Jabirov. It was only five years later, in 2016, that the date was officially approved as a national holiday. A key moment in the protection of the symbol came with the adoption of a special law in 2019, which strictly regulates the use of the ak kalpak, prohibiting its disrespectful application, such as using it as a bath accessory.
Also in 2019, the culture of making and wearing the ak kalpak was included in the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage. This white felt headdress, whose shape resembles the snowy peaks of the Tien Shan mountains, has been recognized as part of the world's cultural heritage.
In various regions of the country, both festive and educational events are taking place. In particular, a youth forum titled "Ak Kalpak — Kyrgyz Heritage" will be held at the K. Karasaev Bishkek State University.
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