Arabic head dresses??

[Alan Eardley]

Yes, you see these a lot near the Afghan - Pakistan border. Isn't it worn bu Sufis as an item of religious dress?

Further south you tend to see the parcol - is that how it's spelled?

Alan

I'm a muslim so I think I can offer some info, I've worn both in the past...

The turban is called an "Imama" in Arabic, basically a long length of cotton that is wrapped around a hat, the fez is good to use as it's tall...you can leave a tail or not, both are acceptable, usual colours are black or white, Afghani's wear huge striped ones which are very striking.

http://www.k5.dion.ne.jp/~museum/headdress/imama.htm

You just wrap it tightly around the hat whilst it's on your head, and tuck the end in, now if you've tied it well you should be able to remove the hat and the Imama should stay intact, you may find it easier to tie the Imama when it's damp if you're getting it too bulky on the Fez...

This is one to really impress if you're going to an Arab country, it's a practice of the prophet Muhammad that is largely discarded these days and you'll get a lot of compliments and questions...

Here's some pics to help...

 

[Dr Doran]

The shemagh or keffiyah (spelling optional) that is worn by the Bedu is woven from rough cotton. The designs and colours are tribal and local. You can tell a lot about someone from their 'cloth'. Some people are offended if a design is worn by someone who is not 'entitled' to it, although that doesn't seem to stop merchants selling them to tourists.

The same garment worn in other places in Arabia (e.g. Saudi Arabia) tends to be plain white. All are roughly the same size and shape, but some are fancier than others, having fringed or tasselled edges. The British Army has official issue military versions with a stamp!

I wear a shemagh regularly in the UK as a scarf and as it is meant to be worn (with a agal) when I'm in Arabia. It is the most practical headwear in the desert.

Alan

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