Kyrgyzstan celebrates The Day of Ak Kalpak

The Ak Kalpak – “Ak” – in the Kyrgyz language means “white”, and also “pure”, and “Kalpak“ means “cap”, or literally “Felt Hat”. The hat is made of white sheep’s felt and decorated with national ornaments each with its own specific and deep symbolism.

Every year on March 5, Kyrgyzstan celebrates the Day of the White Kyrgyz Kalpak – Ak-Kalpak Kunu.
Kalpak embodies a deep national philosophy. This ancient Kyrgyz headdress is still very popular in Kyrgyzstan.
The production of kalpaks goes back to the 19th century

It’s shape and patterns have not changed over the years and have been passed down from generation to generation. From them, the Kyrgyz learned about the age and status of the owner of the headdress.
Kalpaki were sewn from four wedges, expanding downwards, the wedges were not sewn on the sides, which allows you to raise or lower the fields, protecting your eyes from the bright sun.

Kyrgyz kalpaks were varied in cut, but nevertheless, in the Kyrgyz culture Ak kalpak was the most democratic headdress. It was worn by all men without exception – from the khan to the poor, from young men to the elderly.
Felt caps are also worn by other peoples of Central Asia. Its appearance in Central Asia dates back to the 13th century.

There are about 80 types of Ak kalpak, which differ in form, degree of manufacturing complexity, meaning and practicality. But always a real Ak kalpak is sewn only from natural felt, which is made from brushed, combed, freshly processed white fine-fleeced wool. It is because of the dense felt made of natural wool that it warms in the cold, cools in the heat, and does not let moisture through in the rain. It is easy to assemble, does not lose its shape, so it is convenient to hold it in your hands or carry it with you.