Friday, June 28, 2013

Important Information About Middle Eastern Turbans

By Leonor Rivera


A turban is simply a long and slender fabric used to cover the head. It is worn by wrapping it around the head and held on by its own tension, gravity or by using a chinstrap to ensure it remains upright. The quality of the resulting turban depends on the material used. The common materials include fine muslin, silk, cotton and synthetics. Middle Eastern turbans are mainly worn for cultural, religious and customary purposes.

There are a number of techniques that individuals may use to wear a turban. The choice made depends on the occasion or event to be attended. For sad occasions such as mourning periods, individuals prefer dull or plain wraps. Brightly colored fabrics are mainly worn while attending celebratory events. They signify tribal and religious aspects as well social rank. During weddings they are decorated to make them more attractive.

The wraps in the Middle East are either classified as Amamah or Keffiyeh. These are maily worn by men. The role played by these fabrics is the same although they may differ in quality as well as the method used to form them. Keffiyes are mostly worn around the head to reduce the discomfort caused by the heat from the sun.

In these regions women do not wear turbans and wear a turban hijab instead. It is common attire for women attending wedding ceremonies and parties. In other regions it serves as an attractive way to conceal the head after a hair loss. The Islamic law requires women to ensure their head is completely covered before going to public places.

These fabrics serve as shawls to disguise or mask the face. Unwrapped fabrics warm the shoulders during cold weather. It may also be wrapped around the face to provide protection in dusty and windy environments. Middle Eastern people occupying the desert use them for protection purposes from dust. The nomadic tribes use them to disguise themselves.

Travellers in desert face a lot of challenges. To get rest in the course of their journey they modify these fabrics into makeshift pillows. Some people use them to carry bundles, lower containers in wells to fetch water and filter drinking water. It was an effective traditional weapon that was used to strangle any adversary.

Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad wore white and black turbans. Islamic men therefore wear them to emulate him. This practice is also advocated for in the Quran and men are required to familiarize themselves with the various modes of wrapping these fabrics. It is regarded as a way of modest dressing and is worn to preserve the Islamic culture. It signifies desirable qualities such as self-respect, manhood and devotion that are highly regarded in this society.

Middle Eastern turbans come in different designs and colors. These are meant to signify the social class and religious sects in this region. Leaders and Scholars in Islam wear white ones and descendants of the prophet wear black ones. The inhabitants of Saudi Arabia prefer green ones for prayers and business functions. In Libya, Egypt and Sudan white wraps are common.




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