Telpek

The telpek is an item of headgear that is part of the traditional clothing of the Turkmens. It is widespread in Turkmenistan but is also popular with the Turkmens of Afghanistan and Iran. In Afghanistan in particular, it is also worn by the non-Turkmen population, such as the Pashtuns and the Persian-speaking population in the west of the country.

Telpeks in Turkmenistan
Afghan soldiers from Herat in 1879 wearing the telpek as part of their uniform
Turkmen man wearing a black telpek (c. 1910)

Design

The basis of the telpek is a cap made of soft leather. This is covered on the outside with sheepskin, the colour varying between white, black and dark brown depending on the type of sheepskin used. The tanning, preparation and stitching of the sheepskin is a complex process that takes a few weeks in total.[1]

In order to avoid deformation of the relatively flexible headgear, there are specially made balls made of mulberry wood on which the telpek can be placed.[2][3]

Distribution
Parade on the 20th anniversary of the independence of Turkmenistan in 2011, with men wearing the telpek

The telpek is still very popular with the rural population, especially away from the larger cities of Turkmenistan. The practical advantages of the traditional headgear also play a role in this, as it has insulating properties that are of high importance in Turkmenistan, where there are sometimes extreme temperatures in both the positive and negative ranges.[1][4]

In addition, the telpek is now understood as a symbol of Turkmen identity and culture and is worn, for example, on official occasions. Tourists are also often interested in traditional Turkmen clothing and the telpek.[1][5] Younger Turkmen tend to wear white telpeks, while older individuals tend to wear grey or black telpeks.[1]

References
  1. turkmenportal. "Traditional Telpek Still Popular Among Turkmens | Society". Business Turkmenistan Information Center. Retrieved 2021-09-29.
  2. "Telpek | The World of Hat Museum in Riga, Latvia". worldhat.net. Archived from the original on 2020-02-14. Retrieved 2021-09-29.
  3. "Treasures of Turkmenistan - Papaha". www.advantour.com. Retrieved 2021-09-29.
  4. Luckow, Beate (2019-01-02). Turkmenistan: Durch die Wüste Karakum nach Ashgabat, Nisa, Merw und Konya Urgench (in German). Trescher Verlag. ISBN 978-3-89794-415-2.
  5. "Traditionelle turkmenische Kleidung". www.turkmenistan-kultur.at. Retrieved 2021-09-29.
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