Crowning glory: Afghanistan's colourful headwear culture - in pictures

More than just a fashion statement, Afghan hat choice reveals much more about the wearer

At the crossroads of central and south Asia, Afghanistan has for centuries been a meeting place for cultures and ethnicities, leaving its mark in the striking assortment of headgear worn by its people. All photos: AFP

The style of a cap or turban confers status and standing on its wearer. It also signifies what part of the country they come from or which ethnic group they belong to.

In this photo taken on March 1, 2022, an Afghan hat vendor wearing an Uzbek cap waits for customers at his stall in a market near the Pul-e Khishti Mosque in Kabul. - At the crossroads of central and south Asia, Afghanistan has for centuries been a meeting place for cultures and ethnicities, leaving its mark in the striking assortment of headgear worn by its people. The style of a cap or turban confers status and standing on its wearer, and also signifies what part of the country they come from or which ethnic group they belong to. (Photo by Wakil KOHSAR / AFP) / TO GO WITH 'Afghanistan-culture-hats'

Pashtuns who are Afghanistan's biggest ethnic group and make up much of the Taliban group, often prefer plain black turbans, wrapped tightly over a cap with a 'tail' falling on the shoulder. Villagers say a Pashtun boy marks his entry into manhood when he takes on the turban.

In southern Kandahar, young men don round, soft caps that are split in the front above the forehead, pictured, while elderly men, especially farmers, prefer turbans and scarves.

The pakol meanwhile, worn by Tajiks, is soft with chubby rolls of sheep wool to keep cold heads warm in winter.

The pakol became emblematic of late anti-Taliban commander Ahmad Shah Massoud – who wore it perched far back on his head – and his fighters from the scenic Panjshir valley.

One of the oldest styles worn by Afghans is the karakul, pictured, made from the wool of newborn lambs and known as a Jinnah cap across the border in Pakistan – where it was popularised by the country's founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. It found new favour in Kabul as a firm staple of former president Hamid Karzai.

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