By Cathy Mercer


Turbans are arguably one of the most important accessories for communities living in the Middle Eastern regions. In this region, the predominant religion is Islam. This accessory has been in existence for a long period of time. They play an important role in religious, cultural and customary functions. Today, it is mainly used to uphold and preserve the Islamic culture. Despite the stereotypes and misconceptions associated with them, they ate still popular in this region. There are many designs, colors and styles of Middle Eastern turbans.

These garments are long and slender and are usually worn around the head. There are various ways of wrapping this headgear. The various forms and designs are determined by the nature of the event the wearer is attending. Bright colored wraps are preferred for celebratory events. They are usually decorated with shiny garments and ornaments to make them more appealing. Plain and muted colors are mainly for funerals and sad seasons.

There is no defined design or color for these wraps. Some of the colors that are widely seen include navy blue, black, white, orange and green. In Islam, white and green signify the color of paradise. Different materials are adopted in the designs in order to make them affordable as well as cater for the varied tastes and preferences. The widely used materials are synthetics, cotton, fine muslin and silk. They are fashionable regardless of the material used.

The colors and designs signify the different social classes and sects in the society. Islamic leaders and religious scholars wear white ones. Direct descendants of Prophet Muhammad are seen wearing black wraps. Different colors also apply in the different countries in this region. The inhabitants of Saudi Arabia wear white ones during prayer and when attending business functions. White is predominant in Libya, Sudan and Egypt.

There are two main types of turbans for men namely amamah and keffiyeh. They are used for similar functions. The only difference lies in the wrapping method, materials used and design.

Traditionally, they signify self-respect and royalty. It is considered to be a modest way of dressing that signifies devotion, self-respect, manhood among other values. Tall and pleated headgears symbolize wealth and prosperity. The Quran requires Muslims to wear these wraps as way of emulating Prophet Muhammad.

It is mandatory for women of Islamic faith to conceal their heads and disguise their faces. For this reason, most of them rely on the turban hijab. This is compulsory especially if they are going to public places such as weddings and parties. In other regions of the world it is used as a headgear for chemo patients.

On top of their use for religious purposes, middle eastern turbans are also useful to those people living in the desert region. Travellers in these regions usually convert unwrapped wraps to makeshift pillows at night to rest their heads. They also offer protection to the face against dust during the windy conditions. They also an effective weapon used to strangle adversaries. It is used to lower buckets in the well when fetching water and to filter it before drinking. It may also be used as a means of transporting goods from one place to another.




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