Taqiyah

The Taqiyah (Arabic: طاقية) is a short, rounded skullcap worn by Muslim men. In the United States and the United Kingdom, it is also referred to as a "kufi", although the Kufi typically has more of an African connotation. Aside from being an adornment, the taqiyah has deeply ingrained significance in Islamic culture, reflecting the wearer's faith, devotion, and sometimes regional identity. While the taqiyah is deeply rooted in Muslim traditions, its use varies based on cultural context rather than strict religious guidelines.

In the Arab Gulf states of the Persian Gulf, with the exception of Oman, the taqiyah is commonly worn under a ghutra. When worn by itself, the taqiyah can be any color. In Turkmenistan, taqiyahs are called tahýa in the Turkmen language and are a Turkmen national headdress with embroidered national patterns. In the fashion industry, taqiyah caps have become a component in orientalist fashion shows.

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