Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Wig: What is a Papakha & Why does he Wear it?

On top of a fearful outfit that Khabib Nurmagomedov walks with, there is a fluffy blonde wig covering his round head. Many times, he was also made fun of his appearance in the wig. But good looks is nowhere near the reason why he wears the wig/hat. Khabib Nurmagomedov’s wig is called Papakha, and here are more details about it.

What is Papakha, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s wig?

Papakha is a woolen hat worn by men in the region of Caucasus (covers parts of Armenia, Georgia, Russia and Azerbaijan). They are cylindrically shaped and are made of sheepskin. Papakhas are known to be of two types- one with ear flaps and another without. Khabib is generally seen in Papakha without ear flaps. A papakha is a symbol of honour and status.

Why does the Khabib wear his wig, Papakha?

Papakhas are known to be very common in parts of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia and Russia.

According to Georgi Derlugian, a sociology professor in New York University Abu Dhabi, the papakha is native to Dagestan’s “Avar culture.” Khabib is known to be from Dagestan and is an Avar. Khabib takes pride in showing his ethnicity while wearing the Papakha.

The professor claimed that the Papakha has records since the 17th or 18th century, but also expects it to have been prevalent since much before that. The Papakha has been a part of the Russian and Soviet Union army uniforms. In World War I, the Papakha was a made a part of the army uniform for all cadres. But later, they were reserved only for officials of higher ranks.

“This is a warrior, mountain clan, and this is what their shepherds wear,” Derlugian was quoted as saying by Vice.

Khabib is indeed a warrior!

When Joe Rogan wore Khabib’s wig-