KYRGYZSTAN-KALPAK Kyrgyz traditional hat Kalpak remains popular despite new fashion trends

Record ID: 146201

  • Title: KYRGYZSTAN-KALPAK Kyrgyz traditional hat Kalpak remains popular despite new fashion trends
  • Date: 24th July 2015
  • Summary: OSH, KYRGYZSTAN (RECENT) (REUTERS) VARIOUS PEOPLE WALKING ON STREET KYRGYZ MEN, SOME WEARING TRADITIONAL KALPAK HAT, SITTING ON BENCH VARIOUS OF KALPAKS ON SALE AT LOCAL MARKET (SOUNDBITE) (Kyrgyz) OSH RESIDENT, MAMAT PRIMATOV, SAYING (PLEASE NOTE WHITE FLASH PARTWAY THROUGH SOUNDBITE): "The kalpak is the most important headwear for a Kyrgyz man. Only Kyrgyz have such a be
  • Embargoed: 8th August 2015 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Kyrgyzstan
  • Country: Kyrgyzstan
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVA5ZMC5Q4U421ZLTPWE25S5ZRQS
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: EDITORS PLEASE NOTE: QUALITY AS INCOMING
    For centuries Kyrgyz men have remained faithful to their traditional headwear - the kalpak, a hat made of white felt with traditional patterns embroidered on it or stitched to it.
    Despite changes of seasons, weather and fashion trends, Kyrgyz still love their traditional hat and wear it throughout the year.
    "The kalpak is the most important headwear for a Kyrgyz man. Only Kyrgyz have such a beautiful national attire. Kalpak does not only distinguish a Kyrgyz man, but it is also a very useful for him. In winter it is warm in it, in summer it is cool," a resident of the Kyrgyz southern city of Osh, Mamat Primatov, said.
    The Kalpak has a special shape which resembles one of Kyrgyzstan mountain peaks.
    "Kyrgyz men have been wearing kalpak for centuries. The shape of the kalpak repeats the shape of Alatau mountain range. These patterns symbolise seven regions of our republic. The kalpak is a very comfortable headwear both in summer and in winter. Kyrgyz men really value their hats," Osh resident Abdimital Seitov, said wearing one kalpak and holding another one in his hands.
    Kalpaks are sold at all Kyrgyz markets and are very popular not only among Kyrgyz, but among tourists too.
    Though in the recent years more and more young men, especially living in cities prefer more modern headwear to kalpak, almost all elderly men remain faithful to the felt hat.
    The kalpak is respected so much that the old rule says that a man wearing kalpak cannot be killed. It is also considered bad luck to put your kalpak on the ground.
    There is an old Kyrgyz proverb saying "If you lose your kalpak - you lose your head."
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