fezes

Fezes are a felt hat of Ottoman origin, typically red, with a short cylindrical crown and no brim. A tassel hangs from the top of the crown, a feature that distinguishes the hat in many traditions. The word fez is commonly used for the hat in English, and the plural fezes (also fezzes) is found in general usage. In some contexts the hat is called tarboosh, a term from the Arabic-speaking world.

Origin and spread

The fez derives its name from the Moroccan city of Fez, though the hat’s popularity spread far beyond its namesake. It became widely worn in the Ottoman Empire as part of modernization reforms in the 19th century and was adopted as formal or official dress by soldiers, administrators, and other state groups. Its use extended into parts of the Balkans, the Arab world, and North Africa, where it carried various social and ceremonial meanings.

Design and variation

Fezes are traditionally made from felt and are designed to be practical in warm climates. While red is the iconic color, variations exist in tone and material. The tassel color or length can carry regional or institutional significance in some settings, though such distinctions are not universal.

Cultural and political notes

In Turkey, the fez was banned in 1925 as part of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s secularization reforms, leading to its decline in official use. Today fezes persist in ceremonial or traditional dress in several countries and communities, and they appear in popular culture as a symbol of Middle Eastern and North African heritage.