doppa

Doppa (also doppa hat) is a traditional headdress of Uyghur and other Turkic peoples in Central Asia, especially Xinjiang, China. The hat is a soft, brimless cap with a flat or slightly raised crown; forms vary from a square-top (four-cornered) version to a rounded crown. It is commonly made of felt or heavy cloth and is often richly embroidered on the crown and around the rim.

Typical decoration includes geometric patterns, floral motifs, and stylized symbols, rendered in bright colors such as red, blue, green, and white against a dark background. Embroidery may be applied by hand or machine, and some forms include appliqué or silk threadwork. The exact style can differ by community and occasion.

The doppa is worn by Uyghur men as everyday headwear and at ceremonial events, including weddings and religious celebrations. It is also a cultural symbol associated with Uyghur identity in Xinjiang and among diaspora communities. In some areas, the form and ornamentation can indicate regional origin or age.

Historically, the doppa developed within Central Asian Turkic textile traditions and has parallels with other regional caps. Today, it remains an important element of traditional dress and is produced for both local use and tourist markets.