Chapan Fundraiser

These chapans are different than everything else on my website. While they are handmade, they are not made by me. They are from Northern Afghanistan. This style of chapan is traditionally worn by Turkmen and Uzbek men (I wear mine all winter though). Some are padded and more cozy, and some are lighter weight and better for the shoulder seasons. You will notice some of them have very lengthy sleeves. Long ago, chapans like this were reserved for respected figures/leaders. They were worn on the shoulders, and signified that this person did not need to use their hands. This style has endured. I typically shorten the sleeves because I find that to be more practical. However, it is common to see Uzbek and Turkmens wearing the chapans draped off their shoulders. Chapans are so beautifully made. The inner lining is typically a printed cotton and the trim is often wool or spun camel fiber. Some are entirely had sewn, some are partially machine sewn. The attention to detail is superb—I wish I could live again somewhere where beautiful and practical styles like this were worn on a daily basis.

These chapans are donated by my parents and our Afghan friends. We are desperately trying to raise money for Afghan refugees who had to flee when the Taliban returned to power. These families did not plan on leaving Afghanistan, but had to due to the way the US interfered with the Afghan government and then fled with absolutely no consideration for the Afghan people. These people receive no financial assistance from the US government right now. It is a mess. Many of them have been able to get jobs, but the elders do not speak English and thus are unable to find work. Private donations are supplementing their work incomes currently. I am not publicly posting the names of the families that this fundraiser benefits out of respect for their privacy. However, if you would like more specific details, or would like to donate without making a purchase, please email me at azizathemouse@proton.me

All proceeds go directly to refugee families.

Thank you.