What is the Palestine Scarf Called? Keffiyeh vs. Kufiya vs. Shemagh Explained

If you have ever wondered what is the palestine scarf called, you have likely come across several different spellings and regional terms: keffiyeh, kufiya, kefiyah, kufiyeh, and shemagh. While they often refer to similar square woven scarves, distinct historical and regional nuances lie behind each name.

Understanding these terminology differences helps clear up confusion when shopping for authentic products online or learning about Middle Eastern cultural history. This guide breaks down the origins of these names, spelling variations, and how the traditional palestinian kufiya differs from other regional headwear across the Levant and Arab world.

The Main Names: Keffiyeh, Kufiya, and Shemagh

The variation in names comes from differences in Arabic dialects, regional geography, and how Arabic script is transliterated into English:

Term	Primary Region	Cultural Meaning & Usage
Keffiyeh / Kufiya	Palestine, Levant (Syria, Lebanon, Jordan)	Derived from Kufa (Iraq). Refers directly to the square woven cotton scarf, iconic in black-and-white Palestinian heritage.
Shemagh (Yashmagh)	Saudi Arabia, Gulf States, Jordan	Refers predominantly to the red-and-white checkered cotton weave worn across the Arabian Peninsula.
Ghutra	Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries	Refers to a plain, solid-white square cotton scarf worn with an Agal headband in formal settings.
Hatta	Rural Palestinian Villages & Levant	Colloquial local Palestinian term used interchangeably with kufiya by village elders and agricultural workers.

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Why Are There So Many English Spellings?

When typing in search engines, users often spell the word as kefiyah, kufiyeh, kaffeyah, or keffiyeh. This happens because Arabic uses a non-Latin alphabet, making English transliteration phonetic:

• Keffiyeh: The standard spelling recognized in North American and European media and fashion.
• Kufiya: The closest phonetic match to the local spoken Palestinian Arabic dialect (كوفية).
• Kefiyah / Kufiyeh: Common phonetic variants used by international shoppers searching online.

Regardless of which English spelling you use, they all refer to the exact same square woven cotton scarf.

What Makes the Palestinian Kufiya Unique?

While red-and-white shemaghs are widely associated with Jordan and Saudi Arabia, the palestinian kufiya is distinguished by three key elements:

1. Iconic Black-and-White Pattern: The classic Palestinian design features a bold contrast of black woven thread over a white cotton backdrop, reflecting coastal and rural Levant traditions.
2. Agricultural Symbolism: Features the signature fishnet grid (honoring Mediterranean fishermen) and olive leaves (representing resilience and deep soil roots).
3. Heavy Thread Density: Genuine Palestinian kufiyas use sturdy cotton thread that gives the scarf body, weight, and warmth compared to lighter smooth weaves.