Kufiyah (Headdress)

A kufiyah (كوفية in Arabic) is a square piece of cloth, typically cotton or linen, worn as a head covering. It is commonly worn in the Middle East and North Africa. Its original purpose was to protect against the sun, heat, wind, and insects.

When worn on the head, it is typically secured with a black braided cord (cigaal in Arabic). Various wearing styles exist, and some indicate region or social group. It is also possible to wrap the cloth around the neck or drape it over the shoulders.

Appearance and styles

Kufiyahs come in various colors and patterns. Common types include a plain white one, a white one with a black checkered pattern, and a white one with red. The patterns are woven or printed into the fabric. The lines around the edges and the fringe vary from place to place.

Political meaning

In the twentieth century, the black and white kufiyah became associated with Palestinian national struggle. It is particularly remembered as the regular headwear of Yasser Arafat, the leader of the Palestine Liberation Organization. For this reason, outside the Middle East the kufiyah is often viewed as a political symbol rather than ordinary clothing.

Because of this meaning, wearing the kufiyah has sparked controversy in some countries. Different political factions interpret it differently: some see it as an expression of support for Palestinian rights, while others accuse it of being a symbol of armed movements. There is no consensus.

Manufacturing and trade

Many of the kufiyahs sold in markets today are manufactured in factories in China and other countries, which has affected Palestinian domestic workshops. A workshop in the city of Al-Khalil (Hebron) is often cited as one of the last remaining domestic producers, though revitalization efforts have been undertaken.

Fashion and global use

From the late twentieth century onward, the kufiyah entered the global fashion market, worn as a casual scarf without political meaning by many people. Scholars have called this "cultural appropriation," arguing that the symbol has been stripped of its origins. Others view it as ordinary cultural diffusion.