'Shaggy Turkoman Churmahs are still made today'

Unlike other regions of Uzbekistan, such as the Ferganah valley, few men wear the traditional Uzbek dupe (black skull cap) unless in mourning, and in summer the only hats see on the street are baseball caps. However, Khorezm has a rich history in hat making and in winter most men can be seen sporting a fur hat or one made from Astrakhan wool. The magnificent Turkoman churmahs, are rarely worn today except by old men from the villages. However, they are on sale in the old city, where raucous hat makers spring upon unsuspecting tourists who soon find themselves staring into a mirror with a churmah on their head. Colours and sizes vary, although the prices are far cheaper in Khiva than churmahs sold in Turkmenistan. Also on sale are various furs. Please remember that many of these furs come from animals that are endangered species and are being hunted to extinction. They are also killed by trapping which ensures a long, slow and painful death.

'The distinctive Khorezm dancing hat'

As well as Churmahs there are also hats for women on sale. Most common are Kelin hats. These are square and gaudily decorated and are worn by newly married brides during their first year in their husband's house. Khorezm dancing hats are also on sale. These differ from dancing hats in other regions and are circular with a band of golden, (or in most cases, gold coloured plastic) tassels.