Saadagul Sadykova, born in 1961 in the small village of Tolok, has made significant contributions to the craft of shyrdaks and Ala kiyiz (felt carpets). Shyrdak is a stitched, and often colorful, felt floor covering, usually handmade in Kyrgyzstan. The process is slow and labor-intensive.

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Saadagul began her journey at the age of 13. She learned the art of felt-making from her mother, which laid a strong foundation for her creativity and craftsmanship.

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After honing her skills, Saadagul moved to Kochkor in 1996, where she collaborated with local women to establish a cooperative for selling their products to tourists. This initiative, named Altyn Kol, meaning "Golden Hand," provided much-needed additional income for families during the challenging times following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Today, around 200 women from Kochkor proudly contribute their handmade items to this cooperative.

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Recognizing the importance of showcasing their talents, the women organize an annual exhibition in Bishkek for embassy workers and expatriates, featuring their exquisite products made from 100% sheep wool.

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Saadagul’s expertise in felt carpets has even earned her invitations to Switzerland twice—in 2007 and 2017—to share her knowledge and techniques with others, further expanding her global impact.

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Saadagul is passionate about mentoring the next generation through master classes, aiming to inspire young people to embrace this traditional craft. Although there is currently a challenge in attracting the younger generation to learn felt-making, Saadagul remains hopeful that her dedication and teaching will ignite their interest and preserve this valuable cultural heritage for future generations.