"Discovering the Art of Qatari Headwear: Kufiyah, Ghutrah, Iqal, and Uqul"
Qataris have a unique way of adorning their heads with traditional headwear that not only serves practical purposes but also reflects personal style and regional identity. At the base of this ensemble sits the kufiyah, a small, circular skull cap crafted with intricate lace-like weaving that allows it to fit snugly on the head. This is topped by the ghutrah, a large square of lightweight fabric that comes in different patterns depending on the season. Summer sees it in pristine white, while winter brings heavier, checkered designs in white paired with red, black, blue, green, or orange. The red and white checks are particularly favored among Qataris. Although often called a ghutrah, it's sometimes referred to as a shumagh in other Gulf regions like Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Iraq. Here, we'll stick with ghutrah, as that's what our Qatari friends call it.
The ghutrah is folded diagonally and draped over the head, secured not just by the kufiyah beneath but also by the iqal, a black cord about 15mm thick, worn doubled around the top of the head. The kufiyah itself is a stylish accessory, worn straight, tipped to one side, forward, or even, less commonly, at the back of the head.
Then there's the uqul, which can be worn as a simple doubled coil or with one or two tails hanging down. The number of tails and the pattern they form at the top, where they meet the thicker coil, are subject to fashion trends. The accompanying photographs showcase various ways of wearing the uqul, as well as different styles and types of ghutrah. It's said that these headwear choices can even indicate which part of the Gulf a person is from, though the rules may change with time.
