The Afghan Turban In The Culture Of Afghanistan

By Emilia Espinoza


Turbans are worn in Afghanistan more than in any other country on the globe. Turbans are known as lungees in Afghanistan and they are very important to the culture and traditions of the people in the country. The Afghan turban or lungee comes in all kinds of shapes and sizes, as well different patterns and colors. All of which represent different aspects of Afghan culture.

Lungees are only worn by males in Afghanistan and it is a part of the male national dress. Elder people and tribal leaders wear the lungees more than younger men because the lungee signifies respect and wisdom in Afghan culture. In South West Afghanistan lungees are very large and are made from a very long piece of cloth. A cap sits underneath the turban in order to keep it in place. However, smaller turbans are worn in Kabul that are wound tightly around the head.

Lungees come in a large number of designs, styles, fabric and colors according to the tribe of the wearer. Some styles are common all over Afghanistan whereas others are limited to a specific area. Some lungee styles overlap into Pakistan and the Hindu Kush area.

Lungees are are made with large pieces of material, that are approximately five meters long and one meter wide, so they can be used for practical uses too. They are able to keep the head either warm or cool depending on the weather. They are also used to wrapped the body up against the cold, as a mat to sit on, and for tying up animals. The cap is often used for carrying water.

Turbans worn in Afghanistan also represent the wearers title, age and status, culture and religion. The lungee is wrapped around a thick cap on top of the head so the turban stays in position. Despite their size they are very lightweight.

Many Afghan men wear either a black or white lungee, this is to emulate the Prophet Mohammed who is said to have worn a turban in these colors. Most elders will wear their lungee at all times. In Afghanistan it is considered extremely rude to remove your turban in a public place, so they are worn at official meetings and in the work place.

The Afghan men that wear the lungee get much respect from the wider community. In Afghanistan's culture elder people are considered wise, as well as an authority figure. Those who do not show their elders respect will often loose support from others in the community. People will turn to their elders for advice concerning personal and domestic matters, and they are given sound advice that benefits the community as a whole.

The Afghan turban is an extremely important part of the culture of the country of Afghanistan. The people of Afghanistan want to keep their culture going strong, so it is considered very rude for anyone to ask that any Afghan man remove his lungee. The lungee of Afghanistan is a beautiful and very interesting item of clothing that has both practical and spiritual purposes.




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