By Jewelle Matheny
There are so many misconceptions about Turbans I hope to quickly eradicate all of them in this blog.
So please read on if …
1. You have ever thought that turbans are worn solely by men.
2. You think only people practicing Islam wear turbans.
3. Or there are too many different types of turbans and religions to keep track!
Turbans can be worn by both men and women alike, but more often men are seen wearing them. In general turbans are a natural response to extremely hot and dusty weather conditions found in many parts of the world and should not be associated with any one particular religion or ethnicity. There are many different types of turbans and are very diverse. Turbans can be associated with different geographical areas, religions, caste and tribes. Here are a few examples…
Afghanistan- Turbans from Afghanistan are also known as Lungee. There are many types of turbans worn by different tribes and political groups. Some turbans are long or two are worn together during the reign of the Taliban it was mandatory that all students wear turbans to school. Some men don’t even wear turbans but distinct hats.
Islam- Many people of the Islamic religion wear turbans but there is no exact requirement. Usually geographic area or social status determines what kind of turban they wear. In the Shi’a Islam they often wear a white cap with a black head wrap. This usually indicates that they have status as a decedent of Muhammad. Many times a black turban indicates a person who is educated.
Sudan- Long white headdress are often worn by Muslims in Sudan. These turbans indicate high social standing.
Kurds- A Kurdish turban also known as a Jamadani is worn by different tribes for instance the Barzani tribe wears a red turban.
Iran- Leaders in this country are Shi’a Muslims and wear black or white turbans in a flat circular style.
India- Men in India can wear turbans that are elaborate to signify their caste, religion or high social status.
Sikhism- In the Sikh religion both men and women can wear turbans but it is mandatory if you are a part of the Khalsa order. A Sikh turban is also known as Dastar or pagri, Khalsa Sikhs wear this because they do not cut their hair due to respect for God and His creation.
The Kaffieyh- Is not exactly a turban but a head cloth. It is worn in Palestine, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, but is typically worn by Arab men. Yasser Arafat has made this turban popular since the 1960s. These scarves have also become popular in the United States.
There are many different types of turbans, head scarves and they cannot be generalized on one specific race, ethnicity or religious group. Terrorism or racial profiling cannot occur based on the turban because turbans are popular all over the world for a variety of reasons!