Jan 24, 2013

The Sikh, Indian And Arab Turban

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By Dorothy Hurley


Turbans are common throughout the world. There are many different cultures that wear different types of turban. These include the Arab turban, the Sikh dastar, Rastafarian turbans, Indian turbans, North and East African turbans and much more. They have been worn for thousands of years. Muslim males wear them in emulation of the Prophet Mohammed as he wore a green, white or black turbans according to the scriptures.

In the Islamic Shia religion males who are descendents of the prophet Mohammed will wear a black turban wrapped around a topi, which is a small white cap. Scholars and well educated males wear white turbans, Some men wear green turbans too, along with the topi.

Woman do not wear turbans in Arabic countries as they are considered male dress. In many Arabic countries men wear a plain or checkered scarf on their head. Although these are not considered turbans they have a lot of religious symbolism from the Arabic Annah of Oman and Sudan.

Turbans are formed by winding a large length of cloth around the wearers head. Their size, color and shape depends upon the culture, region and religion of the wearer. They can be seen all over central and south Asia, The middle East and North and East Africa to name a few. Turbans are usually wound anew each time they are worn. In Kenya they have a distinct way of winding them so that they have a pointed top.

The Sikh turban is probably the most recognizable style, these are quite large and look very formal and stylish. It is necessary for Sikhs to wear their turbans at all times during waking hours. Afghanistan has more people wearing turbans than anywhere else in the world. These are very large and are formed from a lot of material. They are also used as blankets, shawls and for tying up animals.

In Kurdistan Kurdish males where a turban that is called a Jamadani. There are a number of ways to wear them according to the area of Kurdistan. The Barzani Kurds wear either white or red turbans depending in their tribe. Kurdish turbans are formed from a length of striped cloth that is wound around a conical hat. The hat has tassels that hang over the face, making them look very striking.

Turbans are also called pagris in India. They are worn by men and represent respect and honor. During special occasions they are offered as a respect to honored guests. Their color is also symbolic. White pagris represent peace and are worn by older people. Pink ones represent valor and are worn at political events, and saffron pagris are worn during the spring as they represent renewal and rebirth.

Some of the followers of the Rastafarian religion also wear turbans. They differ from the Sikh and Arab turban. These are used to protect their dreadlocks from dirty and damage. Ethiopian orthodox Christians wear turbans too and many Christians in Europe wore them up until the 17th century. Alexander Pope has been depicted wearing one in many of the paintings of him.




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