The Arab countries are known, among other things, for their famous male headscarves. These items are worn to protect the head from the hot sun and sand. The tradition of using different headcovers is ancient-long in the Middle East. Today, we’d like to show you the right way – or rather ways – of wearing the headdress called “gutrah”. Also, you’ll learn 5 various ways of draping the cloth over the head.
Gutrah (guthra, ghutrah) is a traditional Middle Eastern male headgear. It is a square headscarf, usually made from cotton. The color is usually white or checkered. The other names for this headgear are keffiyeh, kufiya, kuffiyah, kofia, shemagh, ḥaṭṭah, mashadah, chafiye, cemedanî, etc.
What will you need?
A gahfiya or tagiya – special crocheted cap worn underneath the gutrah.
An agal – important accessory, a black cord, worn doubled. The agal is used to keep gutrah in place.
A gutrah – headscarf itself.
Instructions
1. Fold your square gutrah into a triangle, then iron all the sides well.
2. Place the gahfiya on your head.
3. Put the gutrah on your head, making sure to keep the crease of the triangle in the middle of your forehead.
4. Take the two sides of the gutrah and place them under your chin.
5. Place the agal over the gutrah, making sure the crease is sticking out. Pull the top sides of the gutrah with your thumbs. Push the agal down on your head to ensure it’s in place.
6. Take one side of the cloth and flip it to the other side. Repeat the same with the other side.
Different styles of flipping the cloth
Flipping it towards the side of the ears, then taking the cloth forward.
Taking both sides of the cloth and flipping them over the head.
Take one side and flip it across the neck to the other side.
Flip over the two sides and then bring the back cloth on top of the head.
The Under cover. Flip it across the face, then over the head to the other side.
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