MEN’S HEADGEAR IN CENTRAL ASIA

by Szabolcs Veres

FOR PEOPLE IN CENTRAL ASIA ABOVE A CERTAIN AGE, THE HAT IS MORE THAN JUST A HEAD COVERING THAT PROTECTS THE HEAD FROM THE SUN AND RAIN OR KEEPS IT WARM WHEN NEEDED. IN CENTRAL ASIA, HEADGEAR IS A STATUS SYMBOL AMONG MEN, AS IT WAS IN THE PAST.

Telpek

The Turkmen are most easily recognised by their large, woolly skins. The hats, usually made of black sheepskin, are shaggy and surprisingly practical. Younger people wear white telpeks, while older people wear grey or black ones. The practical advantage of traditional headgear plays a role here, as it has heat-insulating properties that are of great importance in Turkmenistan, as the country’s geographic location means that temperatures are often extreme in both winter and summer.

AK-KALPAK

The ak-kalpak or kalpak takes its name from the Kyrgyz word “ak” (white) and the Turkic word “kalpak” (hat, blanket). The Kyrgyz ak hats are more than just a hat. The shape and colour of the headgear symbolise the snow-capped peaks and the vitality of the mountainous country. The ak-kalpak is the most sacred part of the Kyrgyz national costume. According to UNESCO, there are more than 80 types of ak-kalpak. Although Kazakhs also often wear ak-kalpaks, they also make their national hats from fur and feathers.

The Skullcap

The Uzbek skullcap, known as duppi (doppi, doppa), is not only a garment but also a part of Uzbek folk culture and is worn by men, women and children. These national headpieces are made of soft or hard material, decorated with embroidery or beads and have a round or square shape. Each region has developed its own style, which is passed down from generation to generation. Skullcaps are also worn in Tajikistan.