Sunday, 3 February 2013

General Information On Middle Eastern Turbans

By Brittney Swanson


A turban is a special type of fabric that is long and slender which is worn by men to cover their heads. These clothing is quite long and ranges between five to nine metres. The quality of these items depends on the type of material from which they are made. Most designers use fine muslin, silk, cotton and other synthetics. It is enfolded around the head and held tightly by its own tension or by using special chinstraps. Middle Eastern turbans are worn for the various religious beliefs, customs and culture they represent.

Turban styles correspond to the events that take place in the immediate environment of the wearer. During times of mourning for example, the most appropriate turbans are those of plain and muted colors. Some are colorful and show the rank of an individual in society as well as their tribal or religious affiliations. Wedding wraps are embellished with shiny fabrics and jewels and various wrap styles are used depending on the region of the wearer.

The two types of men accessories in the Middle East are Amamah and keffiyeh. Although they differ in the material of their fabrics and the technique by which they are tied, they serve the same purpose. The keffiyeh is special clothing tied around the head to keep it cool from the adverse temperature conditions. These items are black, green or white in color.

The turban hijab is an equivalent of the wraps worn by men in this region. It is worn by women to weddings, parties and special occasions. It is popularly used by ladies in various parts of the world to cover their heads fashionably in cases of hair loss. It is a requirement in Islam for women to cover their heads.

Turbans also serve as shawls and are used to disguise or mask the face. They keep shoulders warm and are sometimes draped around the mouth to prevent dust particles from entering the mouth. Nomadic communities found in the desert use them to mask their faces.

Unwrapped clothing is easily modified into makeshift pillows by travellers in the desert region who need rest. It is sometimes slung across human backs to help in transporting bundles. Since the main source of water in this region is wells, this clothing is particularly useful in lowering containers into these wells. They also strain water to remove particles for human drinking. Ancient communities used them as weapons to strangle attackers.

Many Islamic men seen wearing turban claim that Prophet Muhammad also did this and therefore this practice is required by the Quran. They therefore dress in this clothing to emulate this prophet. They believe he wore black and white wraps around his head. Muslim men are required to learn the different ways of tying a turban. It is a form of identity for them and indicates the sects and social classes present in the entire region.

Muslim religion scholars and leaders wear a white turban. Black turbans are worn by those believed to be direct descendants of Prophet Muhammad. The Taliban group is known for wearing black Middle Eastern turbans which are associated with war. Islamists in Egypt, Sudan and Libya prefer white scarves. Green wraps are most common in Saudi Arabia and are worn while conducting business or attending prayers.




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