Are you about to head out on a desert adventure or planning to attend an Arab event? The Shemagh, a close relative to the Keffiyeh, is a great way to protect yourself from the elements and to show cultural heritage. But how to tie it the right way?
In this guide, we will introduce you to the Shemagh, explain the difference between a Shemagh and a Keffiyeh and show you how to tie a Shemagh Bedouin-Style. This tying method is well suited for desert tours and festive occasions where you don’t want to cover your face.
Key Takeaways
- Step 1: Fold the shemagh into a large triangle by bringing one corner to the opposite corner.
- Step 2: Drape the folded edge of the shemagh across your forehead with the point hanging down the back.
- Step 3: Wrap the left end around the back of your head to the right side, twirl it, and tuck it in on the left side.
- Step 4: Repeat the same with the right end, wrapping it around to the left side and tucking it in.
- Step 5: Adjust the tucked ends and fabric to allow the edges to flow freely and protect your neck from the sun.
What is a Shemagh? Definition
A Shemagh scarf is one of many traditional headdress that you will see worn a lot by men in the Middle East. The Shemagh specifically is a square cotton scarf with a (typically) checkered red-and-white pattern that is most popular in the country of Jordan. There, it not only serves as an everyday headdress, but also as a national symbol.
More than anything, the shemagh is associated with Bedouin life, however. It is by far most commonly worn by Bedouin, earning it another popular name: the Bedouin scarf. The Bedouin scarf not only serves as a means of protection against the sun, dust and cold winds as well as cultural expression. Its tassels can also indicate social standing. It is said that the bigger the tassel the more important the person.
Shemagh vs. Keffiyeh: Similarities and Differences
Both the Jordanian Shemagh and the Palestinian Keffiyeh are head scarfs that are commonly worn by men in the Middle East. While both fulfil some of the same functions – sun protection, expression of cultural heritage and social standing – they differ in appearance and political perception.
As opposed to the red-and-white checkered Shemagh scarf, the Keffiyeh typically bears a black-and-white checkered pattern. Often times, the Palestinian Keffiyeh is accompanied by a so-called agal (rope), a round cord that is laid on the of the had after tying the Keffiyeh.
Over the years, the Keffiyeh has become a symbol of Palestinian resistance against Israeli occupation, famously associated with Yasser Arafat. In the ongoing Israeli Genocide in Gaza, the Palestinian keffiyeh once again serves as a symbol of cultural expression and political resistance.
The Significance of the Bedouin Scarf in the Middle East
The Bedouin scarf, whatever variation it may be, is worn by men all over the Middle East from Arabs to Kurds to Yazidis. Even Zionist Jews had a try at incorporating the Shemagh into their culture when they first arrived to the Middle East after the creation of the State of Israel – without success.
Throughout the years, the Bedouin scarf has risen as a symbol of Arab (and later Palestinian) resistance. According to historical accounts, a call to wear the Bedouin scarf first appeard during the Arab Revolt in Palestine. Later on, it would make it onto the international state when the Palestinian cause gained wide-spread support by Western civilians during the First and Second Intifada.
Today, the Bedouin scarf continues to be a symbol of ethnic and national identity all throughout the Middle East. While distinctions generally exist – black-and-white for Palestine and red-and-white for Jordan – you can see both variations and more used from Turkey to Egypt. Additionally, the scarf has become a sort-of fashion item and souvenir for tourists visiting Bedouin camps in the Middle East.
How to Tie a Shemagh Scarf in 5 Simple Steps
There are plenty of methods to tie a Shemagh scarf and we do not have enough time to tell you about half of them . So, let’s focus on one easy tying method that you can easily replicate without help whenever you want to throw on a Bedouin scarf – on a Jeep Tour, for example.
This is how to tie a Bedouin scarf Turban-style in 5 simple steps:
Step 1: Fold the Shemagh into a Triangle
Unfold the Shemagh in front of your chest. To begin, you should be holding the unfolded Shemagh in its quadratic shape. Grab one corner of the Shemagh and bring it over to the opposite corner. Once you fold one corner to the other, you should get a large triangle. Take a hold of it on its long side.
Step 2: Lay the Shemagh Over Your Head
Once you are holding a triangle, throw it over your head with a backwards motion while keeping a hold of it. Now, you should have the Shemagh on your head with the fold line running along your forehead and the edges of the triangle hanging off the back of your head and over your shoulders.
Step 3: Bring One Folded Edge Around the Back of Your Head
From there, grab the left corner of the Shemagh and bring it around the back of your head from the left to the right. Once you see it in front of you, lightly twirl it. This will make it look a bit like a rope. Bring this end of the Shemagh around your forehead and tuck it into the Shemagh on the left side of your head.
Step 4: Grab The Other Corner and Do the Same Again
Then, grab the right side of your Shemagh and bring it around the back of your head from the right side to the left side of your head. Again, once you can see it in front of you, twirl it lightly and tuck it into the Shemagh on the right side of your head.
Step 5: Adjust to Preference
Make sure not to twirl the Shemagh excessively when tying it around you head. This way, you will allow the edges of the Shemagh to flow freely and to protect your neck from the sun, too. After tying your Shemagh, make the necessary adjustments along the tucked ends to make it look nicer.
This tying method of the Shemagh is popular among the Bedouins of Wadi Rum. It is especially useful for everyday use, protecting your head and neck from the sun, while keeping your face completely uncovered.
If you need to protect your sand from sand and dust, you may try one of these other wrapping styles covering the mouth and nose, too.
The Bottom Line
Once you have gotten the hang of it, tying a shemagh will feel just like throwing on a hat when leaving the house. But, whether you wear the scarf on a jeep tour in the desert or throw it on in support of the oppressed Palestinian, do not forget its deep culture heritage and political significance.
Wearing a keffiyeh is always a political statement. One for resistance, one for humanity, one for the right to exist of the Palestinian people.
FAQs
What is a Shemagh?
A Shemagh is a traditional head dress worn in large parts of the Middle East, especially in Jordan. The Shemagh is a quadratic cotton cloth scarf with a red-and-white checkered pattern, reminiscent in shape and pattern of the Palestinian Keffiyeh.
How to wear a Keffiyeh Bedouin?
To wear a Bedouin Keffiyeh, fold it into a triangle. From there, bring it over your head with the long side running across your forehead. Then, bring the left side around the back of your head and tuck it into the Keffiyeh on the left side of your head. Repeat the same process with the right end of the Keffiyeh.
What is the difference between a Shemagh and a Keffiyeh?
Shemagh and Keffiyeh are both traditional head coverings worn around the Middle East. While the Shemagh has a red-and-white checkered pattern, the Keffiyeh has a black-and-white checkered pattern. The Shemagh is more popular in Jordan, the Keffiyeh is more popular in Palestine.
How do you make a Shemagh look stylish?
There are many methods for tying a Shemagh. We recommend our method, if you are wearing a Shemagh for fashion purposes as it leaves the face uncovered. For a more relaxed look, you can only tie one corner around your head and leave the remaining corner hanging freely over your chest.
