Karzai Robe
This Afghan chapan was presented to Utah State Court Administrator Dan Becker by a delegation of judges from Afghanistan. The robe is now on display in our library lobby.
A chapan is a long-sleeved calf-length men's coat or cape worn over clothes. These coats are typically made of silk, usually in combinations of green, black, purple, yellow and beige. They are adorned with intricate threading and come in a variety of patterns.
The chapan is worn in Central Asia, including Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan and other surrounding countries. Afghan president Hamid Karzai is often shown wearing a chapan.
You can see additional photos of the robe on our Facebook page.