The Palestinian Kufiya

Regionally, the kufiya is also known as a shemagh , ghutrah, or hattah, with variations in style, color, and cultural significance across the Arab world. The black-and-white checkered kufiya is particularly associated with Palestinian identity and has become a powerful political and cultural emblem. Its symbolic importance grew during the 1936–1939 Arab Revolt against British occupation, when it was adopted widely by Palestinians as a sign of unity and resistance, replacing the urban fez (tarboosh) worn by the elite.

The kufiya gained global prominence in the 1960s when Yasser Arafat, leader of the Palestine Liberation Organization, made it a signature part of his appearance during diplomatic engagements. From 1967 to 1993, when Israel banned the Palestinian flag in Gaza and the West Bank, the kufiya served as a de facto national symbol. It has since been worn worldwide as a gesture of solidarity with the Palestinians seeking independence and freedom from the Israeli colonial occupation.

At everydaymazaj, we use elements of the kufiya as art printed or embroidered on our products as a representation of solidarity with the Palestinians.