In southern Tajikistan, round and dome-shaped toppis are more common, while square-shaped toppis are widespread in the northern regions of the country. These caps are made from fabrics such as cotton cloth, alocha, colorful chintz, silk, velvet, and brocade. They are produced in men’s, women’s, and children’s styles.
A traditional Tajik toppi consists of several main parts:
Teppa (the upper part of the cap)
Girda or the side band
Sheroza or decorative border
Lablula (the edge finishing)
In terms of shape, toppis are generally divided into two main groups:
Short and low-profile toppis
Tall and dome-shaped toppis
In the regions of Darvoz, Rasht, and Kulob, round and dome-shaped toppis are especially common. These caps are decorated with motifs such as “pepper” patterns (drop-shaped designs), mandalons, diamonds, horseshoes, and curved branches. The famous “peacock feather” motif also appears on many toppis.
The decorative designs of the toppi are often stylistically connected with the embroidery patterns found on traditional Tajik garments, including motifs such as “Flower of the Earth,” “Bird’s Claw,” “Wheel of Fortune,” and the “Eight-Pointed Star.” In the Hissar Valley, a special type known as the “embroidered toppi” or “qalamduzi toppi” is popular; it is decorated with raised embroidery on layered fabric.
For mourning ceremonies, special toppis made of dark green or black velvet were traditionally prepared. Sometimes Chusti toppis with blue-colored patterns were also used for such occasions.