National Headdress

The traditional clothing of Kyrgyzstan is a bright example of the creativity, skill, and imagination of Kyrgyz craftswomen. Every piece of clothing reflects the nomadic way of life, respect for nature, and strong cultural identity. Kyrgyz national costumes are truly unique and cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

One of the most important elements in Kyrgyz traditional clothing is the headdress. It holds special meaning and is treated with great respect. There is even a saying: “Don’t leave your headdress just anywhere — it belongs on the top shelf.”

The most well-known men’s headdress is the Ak Kalpak — a tall, white felt hat with a pointed shape, resembling mountain peaks. It often has traditional patterns and is worn with pride. The color of the kalpak can also show age — the darker it is, the older the man. In 2019, the Ak Kalpak was officially added to UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

In colder seasons, Kyrgyz people wear Tebetey, a round, warm hat made from the fur of different animals. In the past, young unmarried women also wore tebetey.

For special occasions, like weddings, brides and girls wore a beautiful tall headdress called Shökulö. After getting married, a woman would start wearing the Elechek — a long white cloth wrapped around the head, symbolizing her new role in the family.

Today, national costumes are proudly worn during festivals, weddings, and cultural events — keeping traditions alive and celebrating Kyrgyz heritage.