´óÏó´«Ã½

The Afghani Karakul hat (pictured) is a symbol of Afghanistan's rich urban elite and recognised the world over.

It has been prominently worn by President Hamid Karzai.

But the once thriving business of hat-making in Kabul is in decline.

The hat is traditionally worn by the northern Afghans in an area where the Karakul lambs are reared. It is from these lambs that the delicate wool comes.

However, the farming methods are controversial and were banned under the Taliban. This was because the most highly prized wool came from foetal lambs in a process regarded by many as cruel.

Now it's legal again and this expensive lambs wool is struggling to find a market.

The hat makers and hat sellers in the cities are also finding that young Afghans regard the style as old-fashioned.

For Outlook, Harun Najafizada has been to the hatters' district of Kabul.