turbans

Turban is a long length of cloth wrapped around the head to form a head covering. It is worn by communities across Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and among diaspora populations worldwide. Turbans are used for practical reasons such as protection from sun and dust, as well as for religious, ceremonial, and cultural expression. The style, color, and wrapping method vary widely by region and tradition.

Most turbans are made from lightweight fabrics such as cotton, silk, or linen, though wool or synthetic blends are also used in cooler climates. Turbans can be plain or patterned, often dyed in bright colors. The cloth is typically long—several meters in length—and wrapped around the head with multiple folds to create volume and security.

Regional styles differ in wrapping technique and terminology. In the Indian subcontinent, styles such as the Punjabi dastar and the Rajasthani pagri are common, with colors and knots signaling community, occasion, or status. In the Middle East and North Africa, white or colored fabrics are worn for daily wear or formal events. In many African and diasporic communities, turbans take on diverse forms and meanings.

In Sikhism, the turban, or dastar, is a religious article of faith associated with maintaining unshorn hair and preserving identity. Wearing a turban is one way adherents demonstrate commitment to the teachings of the faith. In other cultures, turbans function as markers of honor, age, or social role, and color combinations may indicate auspicious or ceremonial occasions.

Today turbans also appear in fashion and performance, with designers adapting traditional wraps into contemporary headwear. Ready-to-wear pre-tied options exist, and the practice continues to evolve with migration and globalization, while remaining rooted in local customs and religious or cultural identities.