The Nigerian Mvies

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Saturday, 3 August 2013

General Information On Middle Eastern Turbans

By Cathy Mercer


A turban is an important accessory for societies in the Middle Eastern countries where Islam is the predominant religion. It has been worn for a long time for cultural, religious and customary reasons. Today, many Muslims wrap it as a way of preserving their culture. The many stereotypes and misconceptions that have emerged concerning this attire have not discouraged them. Middle Eastern turbans are available in different colors and materials.

It is a long and slender piece of cloth that is wrapped around the head. The wrapping can be in different ways. Individuals choose a particular style or color to suit the mood of the event being attended. Those that are brightly colored are suitable for colorful events such as parties and weddings. They are embellished with additional jewelry and fabrics to make them more attractive. During funerals and other sad occurrences individuals wear plain and wraps of muted colors.

There is no set design or color for these turbans. The most common colors are orange, green, black, navy blue and white. It is believed that green and white are the colors of paradise. They are made using different materials to make them affordable and meet the varied tastes and preferences. The common materials include fine muslin, silk, cotton and synthetics. Regardless of the material used, they are always fashionable.

The various colors and designs signify the sects and social classes within the society. Scholars and leaders are commonly seen wearing white colored ones. Those who are directly related to Prophet Muhammad wear turbans that are black in color. In Saudi Arabia green wraps are common. They are worn when attending prayers or meetings. In countries such as Egypt, Sudan and Libya the common color is white

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, Arabs wore these accessories as a sign of royalty and self-respect. It is regarded by most Muslims as a modest way of dressing. It signifies values such as manhood, self-respect and devotion which are highly regarded in this society. Highly pleated turbans are considered to be a symbol of wealth and prosperity. This practice is mentioned in the Quran and therefore many Muslims wrap them to emulate Prophet Muhammad.

It is imperative for Muslim women to cover their heads and faces. In the Middle East, women wear the turban hijab for this purpose. It is worn in public places and when attending celebratory occasions such as parties and weddings. It is used in other parts of the world as a means of fashionably covering the head during hair loss.

Middle Eastern turbans serve different purposes in this region besides the role they play in Islam. They serve as shawls to disguise or cover the face. Travellers in deserts use them as makeshift pillows. The climate in the desert is extremely harsh. They therefore shield the face from the effect of the dust caused by wind. Some communities use them as weapons to fight enemies. They are also used in fetching water from wells and in filtering drinking water. Others use them to transport goods from one area to another.




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