Category Archives: Clothing

What is a Tubeteika / Taqiyah Cap?

The tubeteika (also known as tyubeteika, doppa, or taqiyah cap) is a beautifully embroidered traditional skullcap worn across Central Asia, especially in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. More than just a head covering, the tubeteika carries centuries of cultural symbolism, regional identity, and spiritual meaning. What Exactly is Tubeteika / Taqiyah Cap? A tubeteika is […]

What is a Malahai?

What Exactly is a Malahai? The “малахай” (malakhai) is a traditional fur hat commonly worn by Kazakh, Mongolian, and other Central Asian nomads — similar to, but distinct from, the тымак. Difference from тымак: History & Origins of Malahai The malakhai has deep roots in the nomadic cultures of Central Asia, where survival depended on […]