Textiles and Dress

Aiyr-kalpak

An Aiyr-kalpak (Kazakh: Айыр қалпақ) or Murak is a white felt hat that is traditionally worn by Kazakh men. It is a felt headdress with slits on the brim, where "aiyr" means "forked" or "with a slit," and "kalpak" means "hat." One side symbolizes wealth, the other — power. Such headwear was sewn from expensive fabrics and adorned with embroidery using gold or silver threads. The aiyr-kalpak was made of silk, brocade threads, and sometimes velvet. In the second half of the 19th century, the round kalpak became widespread. Its upturned brim was finished with dark or light fabric, and a short tassel was attached to the top with thin threads for decoration. The headwear consists of two identical parts, and the lower part is folded out, forming a wide brim with slits. A pointed cap made of white felt is called an ak-kalpak, while one with slits on the brim and a flat crown is called an aiyr-kalpak.

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See also

• ▸Bra
• ▸List of ancient great powers
• ▸Boonville, Missouri

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