The telpek (Turkmen : 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.
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]
Making of telpeks requires the use of manual force. In different regions of Turkmenistan, there are entire families who are engaged in sewing this traditional headdress. The process of sewing telpeks is a rather time-consuming task, so family members of different ages take part in its manufacture.
Well-fed and healthy sheep have a high-quality skin, it is in such cases that the fleece is easily processed, therefore sheepskin dressing is the first stage in the process of sewing a telpek. The skin is spread out and generously sprinkled with salt, folded into an envelope and left for several days. Salt acts as a preservative and fixative for the fur, then the salt is peeled off, the skin is washed and dried in the shade. After drying, the skin must be softened, for which it is smeared with sour kefir or milk, and again it is aged for 1-2 weeks. The craftsmen, who are convinced of the complete dressing of the sheepskin, wash it several times and begin to scrape it with a smooth stone. As a result of this process, the fleece is ready for further work. [4]
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] [5]
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] [6] Younger Turkmen tend to wear white telpeks, while older individuals tend to wear grey or black telpeks. [1]
Clothing is any item worn on the body. Typically, clothing is made of fabrics or textiles, but over time it has included garments made from animal skin and other thin sheets of materials and natural products found in the environment, put together. The wearing of clothing is mostly restricted to human beings and is a feature of all human societies. The amount and type of clothing worn depends on gender, body type, social factors, and geographic considerations. Garments cover the body, footwear covers the feet, gloves cover the hands, while hats and headgear cover the head, and underwear covers the private parts.
Turkmenistan is a country in Central Asia bordered by Kazakhstan to the northwest, Uzbekistan to the north, east and northeast, Afghanistan to the southeast, Iran to the south and southwest and the Caspian Sea to the west. Ashgabat is the capital and largest city. It is one of the six independent Turkic states. With a population of 6.5 million, Turkmenistan is the 35th most-populous country in Asia and has the lowest population of the Central Asian republics while being one of the most sparsely populated nations on the Asian continent.
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