WELCOME TO KAZAKHSTAN

"Takia" is one of the traditional headwear of the Kazakh people. Skullcaps are sewn from fabrics such as satin, cloth, or velvet, and are decorated with embroidery and decorative stitching. In Kazakh culture, the scope of takia's application was very wide. In particular, men were required to wear it under their main headwear. The world of Kazakh skullcaps today is striking in its diversity. Ayaulym Mukhametkarimova, founder of the "Aya Anarbek" brand, helped us understand the intricacies of their creation. Combining fidelity to traditions with current trends, Ayaulym creates unique авторские products, thereby giving new life to national art.– Ayaulym Anarbekkyzy, how did applied art appear in your life?– The craving for beauty lived within me from an early age. However, my conscious path as a master began in 2016–2017, when I immersed myself in the world of sewing and jewelry making. Macrame was a real breakthrough for me. It was through this weaving that I discovered an amazing truth: creativity is inseparable from mathematics. Any pattern is, first of all, a precise calculation and harmony of proportions. A mistake in one knot can spoil the entire idea, because life itself, in essence, is subject to the laws of balance.My family played a huge role in my development. My mother, herself a creative person, instilled in me a love for creation. My brand grew out of an experiment: in 2023, I created a collection of hand-painted muslin shapans, which were very popular with the public. To complete the look, I decided to create a unique headpiece. I didn't want to copy the classics, so I turned to my old hobby - macrame. Recalling the skills I gained back in 2018, I wove my first авторские skullcap. In 2025, I also mastered crocheting and knitting skullcaps. I can confidently say that my works in this area are completely авторские works. Today, I not only create unique "saukele", skullcaps and hats, but also pass on knowledge to students. Seeing my products on fashion runways and observing the success of those I teach is my main reward.– What can you say about the place of the skullcap in the history and culture of the Kazakh people?– The skullcap occupies a special place in the history of Kazakhs as a significant element of national costume. This is a heritage, common not only to our people, but to all Turkic peoples in general. In ancient times, takia primarily served practical purposes: it protected from the sun and cold, and also served as a convenient under-helmet or lining for heavy fur headwear.At the same time, the concept of "töbeñ ashyk bolmasyn" (may your crown not be bare) became entrenched among the people. According to this belief, takia was considered a kind of spiritual shield, protecting a person from the evil eye and negative energy. The shape of the skullcap resembles a dome. In the Tengrian worldview, it symbolized the sky and served as a symbol of spiritual connection between man and Tengri.The social significance of takia determined a person's position in society, their age and status. By the type and decorations of the headwear, one could easily recognize the owner. For example, young girls' skullcaps were richly decorated, while the headwear of older generations was simple and restrained.From an educational point of view, wearing takia accustomed one to decency, neatness and respect for national traditions. That is why our grandmothers always instructed: "basyñnan takiañdy tastama" (do not take off your skullcap), thereby instilling respect for this sacred object from an early age.– Please tell us about the types of skullcaps.– In Kazakh culture, skullcaps are classified depending on the age and gender of the person. Men's skullcaps are most often concise and sewn in dark tones: black, blue, or green. Men wore them both in everyday life and as a helmet liner under other headwear.Women's skullcaps, especially those intended for girls, are distinguished by their elegance. They are sewn from fabrics of bright, attractive colors and richly decorated with beads, embroidery, gold and silver threads.Children's skullcaps are made small, light, and from soft fabrics. They are usually decorated with colorful patterns and put on a child with a good wish: "so that the baby is not jinxed, so that he grows up healthy."According to historical data, each region of Kazakhstan has its own peculiarities in the design of skullcaps. In the east, skullcaps are characterized by compactness and restraint; strict geometric patterns and a calm color scheme prevail here. In northern Kazakhstan, minimalism prevails, with darker shades of fabric being used more often. In the south, takia are usually bright, decorated with fine and delicate embroidery. Floral and plant motifs dominate the ornaments, emphasizing the decorative nature of the product. In the western regions, skullcaps are larger, with clear, expressive patterns. Gold or silver thread trim is often found, which gives them a special solemn appearance. Despite regional differences, one thing remains common to all regions: "takia" is not just a headwear, but a symbol of national identity, embodying decency and high culture.– How long does it take to create one skullcap?– For my work, I use special macrame yarn and natural cotton threads. Currently, I make headwear using three techniques: the first is macrame weaving, the second is crocheting or knitting, and the third is exclusive products that combine both methods.The density and thickness of the product directly depend on the type and structure of the chosen yarn. It takes approximately 1-2 days to completely make one takia. During this time, I pay close attention to every detail.In design, I most often prefer geometric and plant ornaments. Geometric patterns embody balance and the very structure of the universe: straight lines and circles symbolize stability and harmony. Plant motifs, on the other hand, emphasize a close connection with nature. Images of flowers, leaves, and young shoots signify the continuation of life, renewal, and abundance. Overall, the combination of these two types of ornament reflects human harmony with the surrounding world and spiritual purity.– How has the place of takia in the fashion industry changed in recent years?– We are now seeing a noticeable increase in interest in skullcaps among young people. It can be confidently said that demand has significantly grown compared to previous years. Today, it is extremely important to be able to combine modern design with traditional canons, as clothing in national colors is becoming an integral part of current style.The foreign audience also shows great interest in this direction. Our ethnostyle is valued for its originality and deep meaning. And the fact that we rethink ornaments, adapt them to modern fashion, and present them in new forms proves the viability of our art.