Yashmagh

The yashmagh is a headscarf or covering worn by Arab men. Yashmagh is also called the shemagh. The yashmagh or shemagh is commonly associated with the Palestinian struggle and is called the PLO scarf or Palestinian scarf. Probably the most famous wearer of the Palestinian scarf was Yasser Arafat though the yashmagh or Palestinian scarf is widely worn by Arab men. The shemagh style differs from country to country with the Jordanians preferring the red and white yashmagh or PLO scarf while those in the Gulf States choosing the black and white yashmagh.

While the colours of a PLO scarf vary the basic design of a shemagh remains the same. The shemagh or PLO scarf is an embroidered heavy cloth set to be worn as a head covering for men. The yashmagh protects from the extreme temperatures of the Middle East and a shemagh is worn all over the Arab world. The Palestinian scarf will be in black and white stripes or patterns and has black tassels on its edges. The yashmagh is widely worn in red and white stripes too and will have red tassels on its edges.

The yashmagh is a common sight in Arab countries and the shemagh is worn with traditional Arab dress or alongside western suits. The PLO scarf is worn by both young and old and the yashmagh is a cultural dress. While the Palestinian scarf is seen as a political symbol by some, for Arabs the yashmagh foremost represents the Arab or Muslim dress and not the Middle East conflict. As cultural attire the yashmagh gives an incredible regal look giving the wearer a sense of authority and respect. Indeed after Arafat the most next most visible wearers of the yashmagh are Arab tourists who will continue to choose the yashmagh whether they are at home or abroad and in Arab or western dress. The shemagh need not be removed inside the home or work since the yashmagh is designed for wear all the time. The yashmagh is made of either light cloth keeping the wearer incredibly cool if in the sun or the Palestinian scarf will be from heavier woollen fabric which will prevent sand and dust and is remarkably suited to colder climates in the west. The heavier shemagh is the more popular choice of yashmagh.


In western countries the PLO scarf or yashmagh is incredibly popular. As a yashmagh brought as a gift back from Hajj or Arab countries or online the Palestinian scarf is worn as a symbol of solidarity with the Palestinian struggle or a shemagh as a part of Muslim identity and dress. The yashmagh is now worn by non Arab Muslims as the popularity of the Palestinian scarf grows alongside the intensity of the conflict. In the UK the PLO scarf is not worn as a head covering in the traditional yashmagh manner but as a scarf or shawl and the yashmagh will be draped over the shoulders or coat to keep warm. The most popular yashmagh in the UK is the black and white embroidery known as the PLO scarf.