Retro Baku: Step back in time

/By Azernews/

By Laman Ismayilova

The Baku City Main Department of Culture and Tourism has recently launched a new project "Retro Baku", Trend Life reported.

The main aim of the project is to ensure colorful and interesting leisure time of residents and guests of Baku,  and to revive the tradition of holding such kind of concerts, which took place in Baku in  the 60's- 70's of the last century. A series of unforgettable concerts will run until October, 2016.

Last weekend, citizens and guests of the capital enjoyed colorful entertainment program with participation of chansonnier Jeyhun Bakinskiy, singers Ulker Guliyeva, Nihad Malik, Georgian folk ensemble "Nabadi", the Stage Forever band, dance ensemble "S?ma" and others.

Some artists performing on the stage were also playing backgammon. They wore flat caps, fashion of past years.

Back in the 50's- 80's of the last century, one could not imagine Baku without workshops, where these caps were made.

The flat cap with its small stiff brim in front became an integral part of men's style in the Caucasus.

Cloths used to make the cap include wool, tweed and cotton. Less common materials may include leather or linen. The inside of the cap is commonly lined for comfort and warmth. Due to its warmth and durability, the tweed flat caps often have a connection with people who live a country lifestyle.

The legend says that the first flat cap in the South Caucasus has appeared thanks to Italian tenor Salvatore Cocuzza, who successfully performed on the stage of the Georgian National Opera.

However, terrible fire, which suddenly broke out in October 1874, completely destroyed the building of the theatre with all its property.

Financial difficulties forced the Italian singer to turn to the craft of his father and to open workshop in the centre of Tbilisi.

The talented tenor began to make traditional Sicilian caps, known as coppola.

The traditional kind of flat cap, typically worn in Sicily Calabria and Sardinia was first used by English nobles during the late 18th century. Later, the coppola began being used in Sicily and Calabria as a driving cap, usually worn when at the wheel driving the car.

The classic accessory remains a popular item of clothing in the 21st century and became a world-wide fashion accessory. Many world celebrities, including David Beckham, Justin Timberlake and royal family member Prince Charles, were captured wearing a specific style of hat.