karakul

Karakul is a breed of domestic sheep native to Central Asia, and the term also refers to the fur obtained from its pelts. The breed is one of the oldest domesticated sheep and is well adapted to arid steppe environments. It is a fat-tailed breed, storing a large amount of fat in the tail and hindquarters, a trait that supports survival in drought-prone regions.

The Karakul has a relatively large body with a coarse, dense coat. Its most distinctive feature is the fur from newborn pelts, which is tightly curled and valued for its softness and sheen. Pelts are typically black or dark brown, though varying colors occur. The fleece itself is coarse and less suited to high-quality wool production.

Uses and economic role: The pelts, also known as Persian lamb, are traded widely and used to make hats, coats, and other fur garments. In addition to pelts, the animals are kept for meat and, in some regions, as a source of milk and hides for other products.

Distribution and history: Domesticated in Central Asia, Karakul sheep are found across Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, with populations introduced elsewhere during the 19th and 20th centuries. The Karakul pelt trade has long influenced local economies and cultural practices.