Aselina Batyr is more than just an artisan crafting quraq korpe. She is a symbol of resilience, perseverance, and revival. Having endured a severe illness and finding the strength to keep going, Aselina turned the art of patchwork quilting into a powerful tool for preserving national traditions and inspiring thousands of women.

Quraq is a traditional Kazakh patchwork art, where each piece of fabric holds a special meaning, and the patterns symbolize prosperity, protection, and the connection between generations. It is more than just a craft – it is a cultural language that tells stories through fabric and stitches.

In an interview with DimashNews, Aselina shared her journey, the significance of quraq in her life, and the great ambitions she has set for herself.

Aselina, tell us a little about yourself – where were you born, what was your childhood like, and what led you to the work you do today?

If I were to describe myself in three words, I would say: quraq körpe master, blogger, and a bit of a singer. I am the first woman to sing about quraq körpe, embodying this ancient tradition in modern culture.

I was born in a small town called Zhanatas in the Zhambyl region, but I didn’t stay there long. Our family later moved to Shymkent, then to Karaganda, where I spent my formative years before moving to Astana. After getting married, I followed my husband on a remarkable diplomatic journey.

My husband is a diplomat and a Greek citizen, which turned our life into a true nomadic adventure, much like that of real Kazakhs. We lived in America for three years, then moved to Greece for two years, and now we have been in Ukraine for three years. Sometimes, I jokingly say that I have become a citizen of the world – and in a way, it’s true.

My childhood was a happy one. My parents owned a small fabric store in Karaganda, along with a mini sewing workshop where they produced uniforms. After school, I often helped in the workshop, even sewing medical gowns for students of the Medical Academy. At the time, I dreamed of becoming a famous designer, inspired by icons like Jennifer Lopez and Britney Spears. I wasn’t just fascinated by their style – I recreated their looks, designing unique outfits for myself. Perhaps that’s why people always recognized me for my bold and distinctive fashion choices.

How did you find the strength to overcome this difficult period after battling cancer?

That time was the hardest period of my life. When I was fighting cancer, I already had two small children. I gave birth to my first child, my daughter, at the age of 18, but her father passed away too soon… My second child, my son, was born in my second marriage. When the illness struck, I was left completely alone with my two children. It was a time of pain, loneliness, and fear. Remembering it is not easy, but I can say one thing – my children and my parents were what kept me going.

But there was one moment that became a turning point. During my second round of chemotherapy, I went through unbearable suffering – the excruciating pain, the terrible smell of chemicals, the hair loss, the constant weakness, and the endless time spent in bed. At some point, my despair reached its peak, and I even thought about the worst… But then, a wise person told me words that changed my life: “If you allow yourself to surrender to death, you will never recover, no matter how much you are treated. The fight begins in your mind.” These words hit me hard, but what struck me even more was the thought of my children. I closed my eyes and imagined that I was gone. I pictured my children being left alone in this world. And at that moment, it was as if lightning had struck me. A terrifying fear for them overwhelmed me, and I realized – I had no right to give up. From that day on, I never allowed myself to be afraid again. I believed in my recovery. I knew I would walk this earth for a long and happy time.

Did your life change after overcoming cancer?

It changed completely. I didn’t just survive – I was reborn. The old Asel was left behind. Now, I am Aselina. From that day on, I rewrote my destiny and made a solemn vow to myself: no one will ever tell me how to live. Not society, not family, not the fears inside me. I no longer allow anyone to dictate what I should wear, what I should say, how I should raise my children, or what dreams I should follow. I live by my own rules because I know the value of each day.

When you stand on the edge between life and death, only one question echoes in your mind: “What will I leave behind?” And that’s when you understand – life is not a rough draft. There will be no second take. Since then, I have treated my life as the greatest film ever made.

Why did you choose qurak as the medium to express yourself?

Qurak is not just patchwork. It is my philosophy, my voice, and my way of connecting the past, present, and future. While living in America, far from my homeland, I bought my first sewing machine for 80,000 tenge and started making traditional pillows to gift to the Kazakh diaspora. It became my way of staying connected to my culture despite the distance. Over time, I began creating full-sized qurak korpe, embedding each piece with symbolism and energy. Qurak is not just fabric. It is my soul, my story, and my way of leaving a mark in eternity.

Inspired by this, I am planning to produce a documentary mini-series called “Kone inenіn tagdyry” (The Fate of the Ancient Needle) to show the world that qurak is not just a craft but a language of Kazakh culture through which our ancestors passed down their stories and values.

Do you use traditional Kazakh techniques when creating your works, or do you prefer to add a modern touch?

Of course! Qurak is the legacy of our ancestors, and I deeply respect every symbol, ornament, and technique that has been passed down through generations.

But I do not just preserve traditions – I create a new direction. Today, I am introducing the Aselina Batyr style, a fusion of traditional techniques and modern vision. More than 1,000 artisans have already learned this method and are applying it in their own work with great inspiration.

Do you have a favorite ornament or pattern that you often use in your qurak? How does the international audience react to your work?

For me, qurak is a language of symbols that conveys traditions and emotions. Every pattern is special – some come to me in dreams, while others emerge the moment I touch the fabric.

Here are a few patterns and their meanings:

1. Qoshqar muiz – A symbol of prosperity, strength, and abundance.
2. Tumar – An amulet carrying protective energy.
3. Qus qanaty – A symbol of freedom and inspiration.
4. Synyk muiz – A sign of resilience and moving forward.
5. Torsyk – A representation of life’s journey and continuous growth.
6. Apple in a triangle – The balance of mind, body, and spirit.
7. Aselina Batyr logo – A mark of craftsmanship and heritage.

One of the most significant symbols for me is the qobyz – the voice of our ancestors and a connection between generations. My grandfather crafted qobyz, and by incorporating it into my work, I honor our heritage.

As for the international audience, they are fascinated!

People are often surprised to learn that qurak is more than just patchwork – it is an art form filled with meaning. They are amazed that each piece is handcrafted with love and attention to detail. Everywhere I go, when I present a qurak korpe, people pause, studying every stitch, every pattern.

Of course, I always share the meaning behind qurak and its role in Kazakh culture. I explain that a qurak korpe is not just a blanket – it is a symbol of fate, ancestral memory, feminine energy, and care. In Kazakhstan, it has been passed down through generations, created for weddings, childbirth, and major life events. Each pattern carries a message, from the protective tumar to the prosperous qoshqar muiz. Every time I tell this story, I see people deeply moved by the richness of Kazakh traditions.

It is a joy to know that through my work, I am introducing the world to Kazakhstan and its culture.

Earlier, you mentioned your upcoming documentary mini-series “Kone Inenіn Tagdyry”. Can you tell us more about it?

This film is about artisans who “write their fate” with a needle. We will showcase how women, through qurak, not only create beauty but also find purpose, launch businesses, and achieve independence.

I want qurak to move beyond being just a tradition for a niche audience—I want the whole world to know about it. This film is not just a documentary; it is the voice of Kazakh artisans who deserve to be heard.

Most importantly, I want the younger generation to understand that qurak is not just a craft for grandmothers. It holds immense potential for creativity and entrepreneurship. The modern techniques and styles I incorporate into my work demonstrate that traditional craftsmanship can be both beautiful and a profitable business.

If we do not highlight the significance of this art form now, future generations might lose their connection to it, and we could be the last to practice it. That is why I am sharing my knowledge as openly as possible – to help young people see qurak not as something outdated, but as a modern avenue for self-expression and innovation.

If you could say something to those going through difficult times right now, what would it be?

Don’t give up. Ever. No matter how heavy this moment feels – it will pass.

It may seem like everything is falling apart, like there’s no way out, but that’s just fear speaking. The truth is, you are stronger than you think.

I know what pain is. I know what it feels like to stand on the edge, believing there’s no reason to keep fighting. But that’s exactly when you have a choice: to break or to stand up and move forward. Stand up. Don’t let your circumstances defeat you. Don’t surrender your future to pain. You were not born to give up – you were born to rise.

Every challenge is not a punishment, but preparation for something greater. Just keep moving forward.