A Karakul (Qaraqul) hat (Persian: قراقلی) is a hat made from the fur of the Qaraqul breed of sheep.[1][2][3][4] The fur from which it is made is referred to as Astrakhan, broadtail, qaraqulcha, or Persian lamb. Qaraqul means Black fur in Turkic, similar types of hats are common among Turkic peoples. The hat is peaked, and folds flat when taken off of the wearer's head.

The qaraqul hat is typically worn by men in Central and South Asia and it was very popular among Soviet leaders - members of Politburo. Hamid Karzai, President of Afghanistan, famously wears a qaraqul hat. Since his presidential appointment, qaraqul hats have become more popular among men in Afghanistan.[1]