Selasa, 05 Maret 2013

An Introduction To Middle Eastern Turbans For All

By Erna Gutierrez


Many men wrap a slender long cloth around their head to cover it. This cloth can stretch and that makes it a special fabric. The length of the fabric can vary from five meters to nine. The quality of the turban is based on the material from which it is made. Typical materials used are silk or fine muslin and cotton. Some headgears are also made from synthetic material. The cloth is usually folded round the head and a chinstrap holds it up. However, the method of winding causes a tension, which is enough for holding the headgear. Middle eastern turbans represent many customs, religious beliefs and cultures of the wearer.

Events taking place in the nearest surroundings of the wearer defines the style of turbans worn. For example, most wearers use muted or plain colors when showing condolence or when mourning. Religious affiliations or rank of a person in the society or tribe is demonstrated by using color. Depending on the location of the wearer, wrap styles vary and they may use jewels and shiny fabrics to embellish the wedding wraps.

In the Mid Eastern countries, people mostly wear the headgears popularly known as the Keffiyeh and Amamah. Although the purpose for both are the same, they are different in material and techniques of tying. The keffiyeh helps the wearer keep his head cool while offering shelter from the heat of the sun. Green, white and black are the most commonly used colors.

Women of this region also wear a headgear known as hijab and this functions the same as a male turban. Women going to weddings, parties and special occasions wear the head gears. In the Islamic religion, women must cover their heads in public.

In the desert climates, turbans are used to protect the face and mouth from dust particles. Nomads of the desert use these to cover and mask their faces. At nights, the headgear doubles up as a shawl to keep the shoulders of the wearer warm from the cold of the desert. It is also used to mask or disguise the face.

The turban can serve like a pillow for a weary traveler to support his head. One may even use it to lower a bucket to bring up water from within a well. The unclean water can then be strained and made fit for drinking. The fabric has been used as a weapon by warriors earlier.

Turban wearing Muslims defend the practice by claiming that their prophet Muhammad also wore a head wrap with a green or white color. They emulate this messenger of God and follow his method of wrapping their head. Different colors or designs denote the position or stature of the wearer in the Muslim societies. Most men can wear head wrapping in different styles.

People who believe they are a direct descendant of the prophet, wear black colored headgears. Those who are scholars or religious leaders prefer white. Black middle eastern turbans are also worn by tribes associated with war such as the Taliban group.




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