TYUBITEIKA-THE UZBEK NATIONAL HAT

  Tyubiteika for Uzbeks, is the same as for Mexicans - sombrero, Vietnamese - straw hat or for Georgian - Papaha.

  Black, green, blue tyubiteikas with embroidered four snow-white pigeon's feathers can be met in every corner of Uzbekistan as well as in small kishlak (village) Baisun where make bright, unique as the surrounding nature tyubiteikas and in Bukhara from where started spreading of famous golden tyubiteikas.

  This is a national hat, which was made a long time ago in Fergana, and now is worn over the countries of Central Asia, Eastern Mediterranean and Southern Asia. It is a small hat made of silk, cotton or velvet fabrics and worn on the head crown, for some secular or religious functions. It is also became a part of a national dress of many Muslim nations. It is very easy to understand: in summer it perfectly keep the head from the sun, while in cold days, then warm hat is needed, tyubiteika is easily folded down and kept in the pocket.

  Tyubiteika was originated from the hats worn under turbans. Turban is a long silk, linen or cotton narrow piece of fabric, which was wound around the head. Being popular turbans were partly ousted by tyubiteikas in 18-19 centuries. There are some kinds for children, for male, female. Old ladies do not wear it but Old males do. Initially the female hats were embroidered only on the top, later the embroidery covered the rest of surface.

  A worth place to visit for those who want to learn more about Uzbek national hats is the state history Museum of Uzbekistan where the one can find a huge collection of tyubiteikas dated apparently to XVII-XX cc. Nowadays it is not only the part of a national dress but also a subject of scientific interest.

  In its mass the hats are not the same, diverse not only in shapes and decorations in various regions of Uzbekistan, but also in sexual and social gradations. There are Ferganese, Khorezmian, Bukharian, Urgutian, Chustian tyubiteikas. Among them dominates the round hats and four angled hats. The cone shape tyubiteikas now can be met only in museums.

  The shape of a round hat was understand as "the sky's cupola". The ancient people believed that they live under the sky being protected by the Universe. The top of the round hat recreate a traditional idea of honorable elevated place, in architectural sense, expressing an idea of a "mount" upon which the ancient relics or a throne of ruler were placed.

  Tyubiteika for Uzbeks- is small particle of spirit. Then the old friends meet each other they joke: "Duppidai osh kilailik"- meaning "lets make palov of tyubiteika size".

  It is worn on holidays as well as on funerals, while praying in mosques and by old tradition is given to honorable guests.

  The feathers of pigeon - the bird symbolized peace and happiness, sewed on the surface of the hats, expressed the nation's spirit. The Uzbeks always associate bird image with some magic basis and then the one put tyubiteika on, the face is visibly clear up.