How to Tie a Shemagh (2024)

FAQs

What does the shemagh symbolize? ›

The yamegh, or shemagh, was worn by priests, as a symbol of high rank, or honor. These priests were the rulers, managing and controlling the lands where they lived.

It was worn by priests and rulers, known as Imamah, as a symbol of rank or honour. However, over time, it became more popular around the Middle East and North Africa – otherwise known as the Arab world. The Arabs wore it as a head covering to protect them from the sun and sand.

The keffiyeh, also known as a “kufiya”, “shemagh” or “hattah”, is a square-shaped cotton scarf. However, we all know it is much more than that. The keffiyeh has a long and complex history. Its roots date back to Mesopotamia in 3100 BC where it was worn by the Babylonians and Sumerians!

Shemaghs or keffiyehs come in different colors, and for some they come with meaning. The black-and-white represent the national liberation group whereas the red-and-white have been associated with the Palestinian Marxists. Photo by Florian Prischl on Wikimedia Commons.

The Shemagh is the Scarf which is worn by Arabic as well as other Muslim people who belong to other countries in terms of identity. It has multiple symbolic features which denote the religious as well as socio-political representation.

A preponderance of American troops, especially Special Forces units, use shemaghs when deployed to desert areas, but the shemagh is not currently standard issue.

Etymology. British military use, from Arabic شُمَاغ‎ (šumāḡ).

The Shemagh (you pronounce it “SHMAAR” in arabic) is the traditionnal bedouin headdress. Its functions are quite the same as for the Keffiyeh. However, it is made by a much thicker cotton and wool is sometimes braided in it also to reinforce its structure. The traditionnal shemagh is white, sand, green…

Red & White - The stitch work in the red and white Keffiyeh is believed to be connected with the Palestinian Marxists. Founded back in 1977, the sector is the largest sects that make up the Palestine Liberation Organization and the revolutionary socialist.

The good news is that anyone can look great in a shemagh – provided you choose the right one for you and know how to style it! We're here with a few tips to ensure you always look great in your shemagh, so keep reading and we'll share them with you.

Why does a shemagh have tassels? ›

A second type of the keffiyeh is the shemagh, a red-and-white checkered scarf with tassels. The size of the tassels indicate how important the person is. It is typically associated with Jordan and it is not quite as politicized as the keffiyeh.

Shemaghs are an incredibly useful piece of gear. Deemed popular within the survival and tactical community. These soft, woven cotton articles of clothing are a widely known as a popular choice for people who live in the middle east.

Shemagh for winter is perfect for use during winter. Made from cotton, it is very soft and comfortable to wear. It is therefore meant to last long. It is protective against extreme cold.

Saudis and Jordanians wear a red-and-white chequered shemagh, said to have been influenced by the British. British General John Bagot Glubb is said to have designed the headdress in the 1930s, as a way to distinguish Arabs loyal to British rule, according to academics Widad Kawar and Ezra Karmel.

These shemaghs 47”x47” or 44”x44”, the perfect size to wear in a variety of ways. They are made of 100% cotton.

6. Although it is not universally accepted, it is believed that the colors of the stitching in a keffiyeh are associated with politics. The traditional black and white keffiyehs are believed to have been associated with Fatah, whereas the red and white were adopted by Palestinian marxists.

A shemagh is a traditional headdress that is commonly worn in hot, dry climates. The shemagh helps to keep the wearer cool by shading the head and face from the sun, and the loose fabric allows air to circulate around the head.

Although the Shemagh is a traditional accessory which is highly popular with Arab men in Yemen, its success is not limited to only this region. Today it's sought after by many people all over the world. Typically made with quality material and soft fabric, the Yemeni Shemagh is extremely comfortable.

Traditionally worn by Palestinian farmers, during the Ottoman period the keffiyeh signalled that the wearer was rural, in contrast to the tarboosh worn by the urban classes. The black and white keffiyeh worn by Palestinian men of any rank, became a symbol of Palestinian nationalism during the Arab Revolt of the 1930s.

The keffiyeh or kufiya (Arabic: كُوفِيَّة, romanized: kūfīyah, lit. 'relating to Kufa'), also known in Arabic as a ghutrah (غُترَة), shemagh (شُمَاغ šumāġ), ḥaṭṭah (حَطَّة), in Kurdish as a Shemagh (شه‌ماغ) or Serwîn (سه‌روین) and in Persian, as a čafiya (چفیه) or čapiya (چپیه), is a traditional headdress worn by men.

Can foreigners wear keffiyeh? ›

Although rules can often be bent for foreigners with regards to attire, being thoroughly prepared for any scenario is essential. Also important to note is that it is not necessary or normally acceptable for foreigners to wear traditional clothing like a thobe, keffiyeh, or tagiyah.

Many believe that it is worn to keep away the heat from the scorching desert sun, while others argue that it is an age-old tradition that is very popular among Saudis and Arabs.

Description. The shemagh, also known as the keffiyeh or Arab scarf, is a simple yet efficient way to protect your face and neck from sun, wind and sand.

Protects against sun, blown dust & sand, bugs, and rain. Great for campers, hikers, fishermen, hunters and outdoorsman. You can soak the shemagh in water before wrapping it around your head and neck for extra cooling. It also provides warmth and protection from cold weather as well.

All men in the Gulf usually use a long, white tunic called dishdasha which helps keep the body cool in the heat of the region.

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Desert Shemaghs, or keffiyeh, are traditional desert head wear fashioned from a square scarf, made of 100% cotton. It has a distinctive woven checkerboard pattern, making it as much a fashion accessory as it is a survival tool.

You can find two styles of headscarves in the UAE, known as Ghutra in Arabic. The wearing of turbans in other cultures is similar. One is white, and the other one is chequered red. The tested ones are officially called the shemaghs, while the white ones are called the Ghutra.

"This scarf is the history and the heritage of our country." The black-and-white square keffiyeh is Syrian in origin and is the head garment of choice for traditional, rural Arab males of a certain age.

…traditional head cover is the kaffiyeh (sometimes known as a ghuṭrah), a broad cloth folded and held in place by a camel's hair cord known as an ʿiqāl.

“The keffiyeh remains a symbol of sovereignty, identity, existence, and revolution. It is the unifying language of the Palestinian people, at home and abroad, and a symbol of revolution and struggle,” Dr. Al-Agha says.

What size should a shemagh be? ›

Simply drape it over your head, like a hood, and see if the corner ends will reach far enough to your forearms or wrist; this measure should tell you it is long enough for most people. The smaller sizes are usually available as 36″ x 36″ and the larger ones should be about 40″ x 40″ or more.

'relating to Kufa'), also known in Arabic as a ghutrah (غُترَة), shemagh (شُمَاغ šumāġ), ḥaṭṭah (حَطَّة) and, in Persian, as a čafiya (چفیه) or čapiya (چپیه), is a traditional headdress worn by men. It is fashioned from a square scarf, and is usually made of cotton.

Traditionally worn by Palestinian farmers, during the Ottoman period the keffiyeh signalled that the wearer was rural, in contrast to the tarboosh worn by the urban classes. The black and white keffiyeh worn by Palestinian men of any rank, became a symbol of Palestinian nationalism during the Arab Revolt of the 1930s.

Many believe that it is worn to keep away the heat from the scorching desert sun, while others argue that it is an age-old tradition that is very popular among Saudis and Arabs.

The good news is that anyone can look great in a shemagh – provided you choose the right one for you and know how to style it! We're here with a few tips to ensure you always look great in your shemagh, so keep reading and we'll share them with you.

A Keffiyeh Is Also Known As A Shmagh, Shemagh Or Yashmag, A Ghutra Or A Hatta, And Is A Traditional Headdress Of Arab Men, Made Of A Square Of Cloth ("Scarf"), Folded And Wrapped In Various Styles Around The Head.

Shemagh for winter is perfect for use during winter. Made from cotton, it is very soft and comfortable to wear. It is therefore meant to last long. It is protective against extreme cold.