The University of Central Asia’s (UCA) Cultural Heritage and Humanities Unit, in collaboration with the Kyrgyz National Museum of Fine Arts (KNMFA), has organised and launched an exhibition titled “Timeless Textiles: Kurak – Piecing Together Women’s Stories”, currently on display at KNMFA. Kurak, a traditional Kyrgyz textile technique symbolising fertility, care, and protection, has evolved over time but continues to serve as a powerful emblem of warmth, comfort, and sustainability. The exhibition explores Kurak as both an ancient art form and a contemporary expression, preserving cultural memory while honouring the environment by repurposing even the smallest fabric scraps. In his welcome remarks, Professor Christopher Gerry, Rector of UCA, emphasised the exhibition’s importance for Kyrgyz heritage. “This exhibition is particularly meaningful as it represents one of the first steps towards the inclusion of Kurak in UNESCO’s list of world heritage,” he said. “This event is a testament to the unique and timeless value of Kurak, a reflection of Kyrgyz society itself. Just like the carefully stitched layers of Kurak, our society brings together different generations, traditions, and stories into one beautiful, unified whole.”