Istanbul skull caps are Ramzan rage for youth

After browsing through a variety of skull caps at a Bhendi Bazaar shop, 16-year-old Shaikh Salman settled for a trendy, snug-fitting one.

“I like it. It looks trendy and fits comfortably on my long hair,” said Salman, a class 12 student who had come from Dahisar to shop for Ramzan.

The Istanbul or Gonda cap has caught the fancy of the youth even though it is priced a little more than the others.

Ranging from Rs70 to Rs120, the caps have vertical designs unlike the traditional ones that have horizontal designs resembling the grills in a mosque.

“The demand for the Gonda caps has gone up this year. They are followed by the Nigerian cap, Afghan/ Pasthun cap, Yemeni and Makki caps,” said Manjoor Hussain who has a shop on Nawab Masjid lane at Bhendi Bazaar.  

“Youngsters prefer the Gonda caps as they get to chose from a lot of colours and the pattern is new,” said Ruhul Amin, owner of A Abdulla cap and hijab shop in the locality.

Istanbul caps are also called Indonesian caps because of the route they take to enter Indian markets. The Nigerian caps, which too are in demand, have an identical look.

“Nigerian caps are also in demand as they are colourful. The Pasthunis come after that. Their woolen round frame is preferred by some buyers,” said Hussain.

Some like Noor Mohammed have, however, stuck to the old style. “I like to wear the simple cap. Those who want them for regular prayer do not wear fancy ones,” he said.