The Differences In Middle Eastern Turbans

By Claudine MacDonald


For many people the different styles of Middle Eastern turbans are a way to show the differences in faith and social standing. They are traditionally made using a long piece of cloth about six feet long, of varying colors and patterns. The style in which it is woven around the head, and the color and pattern of the cloth, depends on the purpose for which it is being used.

A dastar is a turban which is worn by Sikh men as a sign of devotion to their religion. The garment is wrapped around in a way that leaves a pointed end at the top front of the head and completely covers the hair, which is never cut for religious purposes. This is a mandatory requirement for all Sikh men however there also women who chose to wear them as well to show their devotion to God.

For Muslim religious elders, they usually wear a cloth which has been tightly wrapped around a cap known as a kalansuwa. The type of kalansuwa, the color of the cloth used, and the style in which it is worn depends on the religious focus of the person wearing it. They are not worn by all Muslims and are generally only used by the elders.

For Iranian leaders, they wear them as a sign of status and standing in society. They wear ones which are either black or white in color and are wrapped several times around the head to form a flat area at the top. These are not worn by all Iranian men as they are more a sign of leadership than they are a sign of religion.

Many desert nomads where various styles depending on their religion and culture. They are often used for several different purposes such as shading their faces from the sun, or prevent sand from getting in their face. They come in many different styles and colors and are worn by most men in the desert as they can be very useful for surviving in the harsh land.

One of the most common uses for these traditional head pieces is to cover the hair for religious purposes. This is a very common sign of respect towards God's creation in many religions, and is a tradition which goes back centuries. No hair is allowed to be visible beneath the cloth when they are worn for this reason as it is considered disrespectful.

Women of the Sikh faith are known to wear them as well, not just men. When they are worn by a women the style in which it is wrapped varies slightly to the way men wear it for a more feminine appearance. It will still have a peak at the front and cover the hair completely no matter which gender it is being worn by.

While in some cultures Middle Eastern turbans where traditionally only worn by men of stature, today in some cultures, mainly Sikhism, they can be worn by men of any status who wishes to show their faith and devotion. However, in some areas they are still considered a sign of status and are only worn by high standing leaders and wealthy men.




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