Taqin hat
Uzbek traditional hat in Afghanistan
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Taqin hat (Dari: کلاه تاقین),[1][2] also known as Mazari hat (Dari: کلاه مزاری),[2] Sarpuli hat (Dari: کلاه سرپلی), Pashteen hat (Pashto: د پښتين خولۍ) and other names, is a red-and-black-patterned hat originating from the city of Mazar-i-Sharif in Afghanistan. It is commonly worn in Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan.[3]
History
The Taqin hat originated in Mazar-i-Sharif or Sar-e Pol and was originally associated with the Uzbeks of Afghanistan. It is commonly worn by Afghan Uzbeks throughout northern Afghanistan.[2] Taqin also became prominent among the Hazara community.[2]
The hat gained popularity among many Pashtuns after 2018 because of the rise to prominence of Manzoor Pashteen, the leader of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), who often wears it. The hat became a symbol of the PTM and Pashtun nationalism.[4]
Since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban have been accused of restricting the Taqin hat.[5] In August 2025, it was reported that the Taliban had taken these hats from locals and threatened anyone aligned with the PTM.[5] In 2026, Taliban's minister of higher education Neda Mohammad Nadeem was accused of slapping an Uzbek student for wearing the Taqin hat.[6] Neda rejected the accusations.[6]
