Shemagh/keffiyeh - background and REQ

[Frenzy]

(I hope this is correct category of the forum to post on.)
http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/910/ssh11tz5.jpg

I'd be interested about the background and usage of the shemagh, well-known piece of clothing adapted from arabs to use of military personnel and popular culture alike. It's a handy piece of equipment in desert conditions and protects it's wearer from dust, sand and cold. It's also traditional wear for those representing the arab (Palestinian?) culture. This I know. However I'd like to learn if there's a deeper meaning behind the scarf, something on the pattern perhaps? What do the colours mean?

Judging by the pictures a large amount of serving soldiers from grunts to special units also carry shemagh around as a part of their gear. Well it sure looks pretty cool and it is easy to invent creative ways of taking advantage of the large scarf especially when at ease. If there are military personnel on this forum who have confronted shemaghs on the time of their deployment and service, please share your experiences. Where do people get these, they definately are not issued aren't they? Is there any problems including the shemagh as a part of the uniform, does it break the dress code? Have you seen any different use apart from wearing shemagh as dust shield or badass-rate booster?

Shemagh has made it's way to western countries and here in Finland it has become a wide fashion-phenomenon. Traditional scarves are made and sold in all colours and patterns, the most disgusting being neon-coloured versions decorated with emo skull logos or seriously whatever. Every teenager carry them around their neck and very few actually know it's roots are somewhere in Middle East. This has bothered me for long, as I own couple as well and sometimes use them as a part of airsoft kits. What are your thoughts, should shemagh only be worn by those that acknowledge it's background and value it's worth as a part of tradition and foreign culture?

Share your thoughts and experiences. I'd also like to see your pictures of soldiers seen using shemagh. Found this one on Today's Pix, originally posted by mj78.

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/7347/vyjezdpatrolylogarzari0hp7.jpg

Cheers,
-Frenzy

[gaijinsamurai]

As far as the symbolization of the colors, I used to a have a few Palestinian friends, and they told me black checkering: Fatah, red checkering: Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (George Habash's pro-Syrian group), green checkering: Hamas/Muslim fundamentalists.
When I was in the West Bank and Gaza in 1989, red and black were popular, but green wasn't. That was in the days of the 1st intifadah, before Arafat and the PLO exiles had returned from Tunis and the rise of Hamas.

[TehSuig]

Our unit issued us all a shemagh to protect us from the sun/dust and to endear us to the local population. I took mine every mission we went on, especailly in the winter. It works alot better than the standard neck gaiter for protection from the cold. We never really had a problem with wearing them with our uniform as long as it was outside the wire.

The one the soldier in the picture is wearing can be purchased at all the PXs on base.

[Sewen]

They don't issue them over here, but most NCO's allow soldiers who purchase them to wear them (outside the wire, off course). I myself never bought one, they're not exactly a necessity, and I seem to spend enough money on personal equipment as it is...

I'm under the impression that most guys would wear one for looks rather than actual practikal use, but I might be wrong...


http://img395.imageshack.us/img395/33/cohesieoefvoorbelukos21po6.th.jpg (http://img395.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cohesieoefvoorbelukos21po6.jpg)

[Hispeed1]

What they guys here said are all right: protection from sun, wind, dust, cold etc. Blackhawk makes some and you can get them on eBay too.

[Red-Phos]

Wasnt it the SAS who started the trend of wearing them a Long Long time ago.And they are good when it is cold to.

[simple jumper]

I have a friend who works at a home for people with mental disabilities and it happens to be for the jewish community mainly. He wore a red shemagh to work once and one of the other workers told him to remove it as red was associated to Palestine, blue how ever was good to go as it was associated with Israel. Not sure how accurate that is, but that's what I've heard...

[Trunk_Monkey]

From what I've been told by a Persian friend a red and white checkered one is used by sunni (one example being the Jordanian military), a green and white one by shia, and black and white is traditionally worn by lower/working classes (was worn by Arafat as a symbol of his connection to working class palestinians). There are several weights but the most common are lightweight cotton. The OD/black, and tan/black
are to the best of my knowledge the colours that were issued to the SAS in the Second World War.

As far as youth being aware of the cultural significance, I highly doubt 9/10s are. My Persian buddy said that initially he was a little pissed off by the flagrant disregard for tradition by producing shemags in bright colours and odd patterns, but he doesn't really care any more as it is so widespread there is no point in getting mad that often :P

[AROUETLJ]

There's a further significance to the colours.

White/red shamaghs are worn in Arab monarchies (such as Jordan or Saudi Arabia), while white/black ones are worn in republics (Egypt, Syria, etc.)

[Waterman]

Another part of why you see them being worn by various troops (especially special operations units) in an effort to forge bonds with the local people. This is part of why they were often seen on SF/Spec Ops troops in the early days of the (current) war in Afganistan. Many of them were working to blend in with and had to work closely with local forces. Dressing similar to the local troops helped them forge bonds with these local units.

[Eztyga]

I got one for 'steaming parties' on FFV's (foreign fishing vessels). There was no shelter from the tropical sun and often a watch was for a 6 or 12 hour duration, so it was good for protection against sunburn and reflected sunlight.

At night the temperature drops so it was good for warmth as a scarf, coupled with a wollen watch cap.

I think I was the only patrol boat sailor that used one, guess I was a bit gung-ho, and loved any warrie kit I could convince stores to give me.


Ezy

[dave81]

While I was deployed, I asked a couple of our Iraqi translators if there was a difference between the colors, if they represented something. They said the color thing was just a preference. Like Arouetlj mentioned above, there is supposedly the difference between red for monarchies (like Kuwait) and black for governments (like Iraq), but in practice, it's just whatever the wearer prefers. Most of our Iraqi interpreters wore red, and when I asked one of them why he wore the red instead of black, he said he wore it because his wife's family was from Kuwait.

[IDF_TANKER]

As far as the symbolization of the colors, I used to a have a few Palestinian friends, and they told me black checkering: Fatah, red checkering: Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (George Habash's pro-Syrian group), green checkering: Hamas/Muslim fundamentalists.
When I was in the West Bank and Gaza in 1989, red and black were popular, but green wasn't. That was in the days of the 1st intifadah, before Arafat and the PLO exiles had returned from Tunis and the rise of Hamas.


LOL, man, in the middle of the first Intifada, must have been very enjoyable trip... :)

[gaijinsamurai]

^ It wasn't so bad then! I don't think I'd go now.

[LaoSexMachine]

I have a blue and red one. I use it sometimes on the jobsite to so I don't breath up dirt and dust being kicked up around the job site.

[dave81]

By the way, has anyone else noticed that the shemagh has for some reason become the new fad for teenagers? I don't know about the rest of the US, but I went on vacation to visit my sister in Orange County, California, last month, and kids were wearing those things everywhere.
Is this the case at malls and other hangouts, anywhere else in the USA?

[LaoSexMachine]

By the way, has anyone else noticed that the shemagh has for some reason become the new fad for teenagers? I don't know about the rest of the US, but I went on vacation to visit my sister in Orange County, California, last month, and kids were wearing those things everywhere.
Is this the case at malls and other hangouts, anywhere else in the USA?


Hasn't caught on here in Houston.

[Bro Jangles]

the canadians that come into my store love em.

[domokun]

I think I've seen pics of SAS during WWII in north African front.

Have a Palestinian one myself... aquired while is Punker.

[Yarrick2]

By the way, has anyone else noticed that the shemagh has for some reason become the new fad for teenagers? I don't know about the rest of the US, but I went on vacation to visit my sister in Orange County, California, last month, and kids were wearing those things everywhere.
Is this the case at malls and other hangouts, anywhere else in the USA?
yeah it's kind of popular here but not as much as in the PRK(alifornia)

[Sabre]

They're popular with students and youngsters here.

They used to be the thing to have as 'ally kit' in the army, definitely were being worn in Bos and prob back to the Gulf War. Not sure when they became so popular. Nowadays I think most people will have one (I have two...but never wear them) although they don't seem as popular. Personally I'll just use mine when I'm off hiking or camping as a sunshade or admin area. I find them too bulky to bother carrying in my green kit. You can't do anything active in them as they get too sweatty and they get caught up in slings/straps/zips. Plus you look like a hat!

[Rawhide]

Got my self a shemagh a few weeks ago

Love it, works both ways when it comes to cold/hot days

[simple jumper]

I have a tan/brown and a black/green, I usually use one of them as a scarf during winter. They're not bad for that considering how many times they can wrap around your neck or cross over, they keep the wind out pretty well!

[James]

I have a white and black one I wore a lot in western Afghanistan - those colors were (are) associated with the old strongman Ismail Khan. In the south I wear (if I wear one) one that is kind of mustardy yellow and black, just because it's more local. I don't think anyone for a second would think I was an Afghan, but as others have stated, they are good against dust and weather, hot and cold.

[khukuri]

They are spread all over the me and have different meanings in different places.

Both colours and patterns "can" symbolize things..

[SineJustitia]

They used to be the thing to have as 'ally kit' in the army, definitely were being worn in Bos and prob back to the Gulf War.

Ah. When I was deployed in the Balkans last summer the Dutch MoD issued me one as well. I thought it was an error by auto-pilot, with the most of us going to A'stan, because they issued me desert socks as well... Haven't seen many Shemagh's in Bosnia or Kosovo though; military nor civilian... :roll:

[Breiflabb]

I don't like that people wear the black/white or red/white without actually thinking about the politics involved. Some of you would probably say that it's just fashion, but I believe it is a political statement and should be treated as such. Pink etc. I don't care for at all, but I like the OD/Tan versions.

It's a really great scarf, I've used mine to protect me from the cold, wind, sun, as a pillow etc.

[Power_serj]

By the way, has anyone else noticed that the shemagh has for some reason become the new fad for teenagers? I don't know about the rest of the US, but I went on vacation to visit my sister in Orange County, California, last month, and kids were wearing those things everywhere.
Is this the case at malls and other hangouts, anywhere else in the USA?

I'm pretty sure that's just a commiefornia thing......FREE PALESTINE!

[Eoin666]

There's a further significance to the colours.

White/red shamaghs are worn in Arab monarchies (such as Jordan or Saudi Arabia), while white/black ones are worn in republics (Egypt, Syria, etc.)

That's what I'd heard, but I don't think there's any strict association, got our black/white ones out in Bahrain where most simply wear a plain white version, but pretty useful on the motorbike as well

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shemagh

[cbreedon]

I have a nice white and blue one. The blue pattern is stars of david. :)

[snake]

But the nice thing is from a distance they can't see my white American skin

[One?]

Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon its called a Kaffiya. Most common are the black-white and red-white. They were worn in the past as it was part of tradition. After the arab-israeli wars the kaffiya became a symbol of palestinians "resistance" nothing more

In some tv shows that show historical figures and what not they have them wearing the kaffiya in different colors mostly around the neck or wrapped around the head to cover from the sun. Think of it as a cowboy hat.

In the gulf they call it shemagh and they don't wear the checkered ones. They tend to wear the white ones and look like sandbag

[remfleader]

There's a further significance to the colours.

White/red shamaghs are worn in Arab monarchies (such as Jordan or Saudi Arabia), while white/black ones are worn in republics (Egypt, Syria, etc.)

This is my understanding too. In the Kurdish regions, different colors represent different tribes. I.e. Red/white shamaghs (or Jamadani in kurdish) are used by the Barzani clan.

On a related note, those donning the white kafiyah denote they have made the Hajj.

[BlackFlag]

I have a red one, given to me from a Yemeni co-worker, (had a few buddies when I worked at Chrysler from Yemen, coolest guys I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.) He explained to me it was a bit preference, but The red generally signifies being in the middle-upper class.

The trend has spread here to southeast michigan. Seeing as Dearborn has the largest Arab population in the US, it was only a matter of time until middle schoolers started to sport them.

[IDF_TANKER]

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg211/froimv/Misc/kaffia.jpg

FTW

[Laworkerbee]

I have a blue and red one. I use it sometimes on the jobsite to so I don't breath up dirt and dust being kicked up around the job site.

So you do wear a scarf, homo!

[gaijinsamurai]

Hahahaa!!!
Best Zeke pwnage since he misspelled "Beretta"!

[LaoSexMachine]

*Hangs head*

m9. Fvck it.

[cbreedon]

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg211/froimv/Misc/kaffia.jpg

FTW
That's the one I have... people get mad at me thinking I support terrorists until I point out the Star of David. It's somewhat funny

[kaibilgt]

What is the Beast Shemagh (http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?p=3570851#post3570851)

I want to buy one.

OE TECH Shemagh (OD)
BlackHawk

[RoyB]

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg211/froimv/Misc/kaffia.jpg

FTW
Haha, never heard on that one, where can I get it?:)

[cbreedon]

this is where I got mine but they don't seem to carry it anymore

http://www.israelmilitary.com/kaffiyeh-jewish-israeli-scarf-p-1871.html

[Calanen]

By the way, has anyone else noticed that the shemagh has for some reason become the new fad for teenagers? I don't know about the rest of the US, but I went on vacation to visit my sister in Orange County, California, last month, and kids were wearing those things everywhere.
Is this the case at malls and other hangouts, anywhere else in the USA?

I see all sorts of douches wearing them like they are Lawrence of Arabia now. I want to rip it off them when I see it.

Terrorist chic is way so cool man...

[Ordie]

I see all sorts of douches wearing them like they are Lawrence of Arabia now. I want to rip it off them when I see it.

Terrorist chic is way so cool man...

I have one from since my travels to the Mid-east. I find it very practical keeping my neck and head warm while camping or going out in the city at night.

[Bushranger]

I see all sorts of douches wearing them like they are Lawrence of Arabia now. I want to rip it off them when I see it.

Terrorist chic is way so cool man...

Exactly, i noticed the same thing resently in london & thought what are all these fools doing then i get home & see idiots walking through Sydney with them on.

[Eztyga]

I see all sorts of douches wearing them like they are Lawrence of Arabia now. I want to rip it off them when I see it.

Terrorist chic is way so cool man...

I very much doubt if they have even made that connection.

Ezy

[Ordie]

I see all sorts of douches wearing them like they are Lawrence of Arabia now. I want to rip it off them when I see it.

Terrorist chic is way so cool man...

Given your logic, all people who wear the Kevlar Helmets are Nazis.

Historically its not uncommon adopt uniform and clothing items from an opponent.

[IDF_TANKER]

It's only a symbol... for some people it means resistance/anti-globalization/anti-everything romantic sort of crap (like Che Guevara shorts), for seconds it's a fashion thing, for thirds it's only a scarf, for fourths wearing a scarf is a way of saying "I'm a man who like other men"... you never know.

[gilgoul]

I personally prefer the "cheiche" worn by sahara tribes, and issued to french troops in over seas operations.
Not only it is much more versatile in it's use, from a simple scarf to a complete head and face cover, but you can also use it as a water filter (for prefiltration before treatment), a proper limb immobilisation, or even an extraction belt (only in emergency, but it was definitely strong enough to hold me geared up).
the down side, it is absolutely necessary to learn how to properly put it on.
the kaffiya is way too gay nowadays.

[IDF_TANKER]

I personally prefer the "cheiche" worn by sahara tribes, and issued to french troops in over seas operations.
Not only it is much more versatile in it's use, from a simple scarf to a complete head and face cover, but you can also use it as a water filter (for prefiltration before treatment), a proper limb immobilisation, or even an extraction belt (only in emergency, but it was definitely strong enough to hold me geared up).
the down side, it is absolutely necessary to learn how to properly put it on.
the kaffiya is way too gay nowadays.

Or you can use the triangle bandage from the medic kit as your head scarf: p-)

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/picture.php?albumid=108&pictureid=549

[gilgoul]

Or you can use the triangle bandage from the medic kit as your head scarf: p-)

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/picture.php?albumid=108&pictureid=549


Yep,
I true that; but I prefer to keep my triangle bandage clean and ready to use :)

[Ordie]

The Fez originated from the Middle East.
The Middle East is the home for terrorist.
Therefore people who wear the Fez are terrorist sympathizers.
Shriners wear the Fez.
Therefore they are Terrorist.


http://data1.blog.de/blog/p/parametric/img/shriners.jpg

[Laworkerbee]

Or you can use the triangle bandage from the medic kit as your head scarf: p-)

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/picture.php?albumid=108&pictureid=549

fap fap fap fap fap fap fap fap

[Eztyga]

"If you're gonna wear the shemagh, you gotta do it big!

Ezy

[TooNs]

Yemenite jew:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/168/465736251_4b6e6d7ad4.jpg

ps: I remember I had a picture on my computer (picture that I can't find actually) showing jews of Jerusalem, in mid' 20th, wearing a keffieh and praying at the Western Wall... does somebody know if it was used as a Tallit or sth like that?

[LoboCanada]

fap fap fap fap fap fap fap fap

I ROFLed. Only the black and white/ green and black ones are badass, delta has one.

[GG]

http://soldiersystems.net/blog1/2008/09/24/xgo-shemagh/

[CanuckKwanie]

they're pretty popular in the Toronto-area.
I had an interesting encounter with a classmate wearing a purple/pink one at school last time.
"Why are you wearing a shemagh?"

"What's that?"

"What you're wearing."

"It's this thing those people wear, um..."

"Arabs? Muslims? ..."

"Iono, the towel-head wearing people."

"*sigh*. So why are you wearing it?"

"It's a scarf. It keeps me warm."

"Woman, it's 35° celsius outside, plus humidity!"

"Whatever, it makes me look hot. Unlike you..." *she walks away*

[dave81]

"Whatever, it makes me look hot. Unlike you..." Yeah, unlike you, I'm not a total retard.

At least that's what I would have said, and then I would have proceeded to punch her in the face.

[Hippo]

I saw a skinny white guy on campus today wearing not only a shemagh around his neck but also faded 3color desert pants that had been cut off to become shorts, and desert boots

I was in utter disbelief at the spectacle

[El Diablo Rojo]

I saw a skinny white guy on campus today wearing not only a shemagh around his neck but also faded 3color desert pants that had been cut off to become shorts, and desert boots

I was in utter disbelief at the spectacle
Damn. :roll:

[Ali Baba]

Im arab, so i wear them 24/7, just as a symbole that i am one of those evil arabs whoe are bent for world domination. Joke

But for real, i wear my OD one on all my Ex.s when im at borden. its a really a helpfull item, Camo, Warmth, even as a towel.

In Civie life its a great addition when im biking in the cold, prevent my neck/throat area from getting cold.

I Just find it pretty usefull, not to mention the chicks dig it when there cold and you offer it.

[martinexsquaddie]

I've got a shemargh not sort of any colour anymore gun oil tea other stains.
used as scarf towel washing up cloth cleaning rifles even used as an emergency tea strainer
brought it back in the 80s

[Desert_Donkey]

We used to buy them from the vendors(smugglers) at the FOB bazaars. I used an OD one instead of my "gaiter, neck" because it covered more area and you could layer it to keep out the wind. As long as it was only outside the wire, nobody really cared if you wore one or not.

I thought it was a temendously useful piece of gear, and just about everybody in an-Najaf wore them, especially during the winter and the "month of fire", August.

I don't really see much reason to use one here in the States, though, and the current fashion trend amongst faggoty college kids just makes me want to throw up.