In 1883, Yomut women from Krasnovodsk, now known as Türkmenbaşy in Turkmenistan, were photographed wearing the striking Kasaba, a distinctive cylindrical headgear. The Kasaba was tall and elaborate, immediately drawing attention with its intricate design. This headgear was more than just a fashion statement; it symbolized status, wealth, and social position within the community, marking the wearer as a married woman of elevated standing.
The Kasaba was richly adorned with silver ornaments, semi-precious stones such as carnelian and turquoise, and elaborate embroidery. Each element carried meaning, reflecting both personal prosperity and a connection to the tribe’s cultural heritage. Beyond its decorative function, the headgear served as a visual declaration of identity, signaling pride in lineage and adherence to long-standing Turkmen traditions.
The Yomut are one of the major Turkmen tribes, traditionally divided into two groups: the western (Shagadam) Yomuts and the northern (Dashhowuz) Yomuts. A significant portion of the Yomut population lives in the Turkmen region of Iran (Turkmensahran, Etrek and Gurgen districts), while smaller subgroups can also be found in Afghanistan and Karakalpakstan.
Although the name Yomut is very ancient, the tribe appears to have reached formal tribal status only in the late Middle Ages, after the Mongol invasions (12th century onwards). In earlier sources, such as Abylgazy’s Genealogy of the Turkmens (16th century), the term “Yomut” is not used to refer to the tribe, but rather to a smaller lineage or clan. According to Abylgazy, the Yomuts descend from Ögürjik Alp, a grandson of Salyr Ghazan: Ögürjik Alp → Berdi → Gulmy → Yomut (Gulmy’s second son, Gultak, is considered a sibling lineage).
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