Kyrgyzstan's pride: The Kalpak hat at Expo 2023 Doha

Doha, Qatar: The Kyrgyzstan pavilion made its debut at Expo 2023 Doha on November 26, 2023, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich Kyrgyz culture a...

Doha, Qatar: The Kyrgyzstan pavilion made its debut at Expo 2023 Doha on November 26, 2023, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich Kyrgyz culture and heritage. Among the highlights of the exhibition are symbols deeply rooted in Kyrgyz identity, such as the iconic yurt, representing the nomadic lifestyle of the Kyrgyz people.

Another standout among the exhibits is Kyrgyzstan's traditional headgear known as "Al Kalpak". With its distinctive shape and intricate details, it stands as a symbol of national pride and heritage.  

"The shape of Kalpak resembles the snow-capped peaks of mountainous Kyrgyzstan," Aizada Yrchieva, a Kyrgyz representative at the pavilion, told The Peninsula. "The four sides represent four elements: air, water, fire, and earth," she added.

Aizada, who has been manning one of the pavilion's stalls for four months, proudly said that each hat is meticulously crafted by expert artisans. Holding one of the hats, she said: "This design is worn by all men in Kyrgyzstan, in both cities and the mountains. The shape and patterns have not changed over the years, and the making of these hats is passed down through generations."