Daily Times

Kyrgyzstan hoped for a fillip for its tourism on Tuesday after the distinctive headgear traditionally worn by its men, the ak-kalpak, won UNESCO intangible heritage status. Inclusion on the prestigious global list “has some very positive aspects for us — including for tourism, to attract tourism to our country,” said deputy culture and tourism minister, Maksat Uulu Damir. “This gives the international community a chance to get to know our mountainous country.” UNESCO annually announces a list of cultural artifacts that encapsulate the spirit and heritage of their countries. Those added this month included traditional Thai massage. The embroidered high hat is already so revered in its Central Asian homeland that it has its own national day. Usually made from felt, the four-panelled hat symbolises “the peaks of the magnificent Kyrgyz mountains, forever snow-capped,” former presidential advisor and regular ak-kalpak wearer Topchubek Turgunaliyev told AFP.