Palestinian keffiyeh

The keffiyeh or kufiya, also known as a ghutrah, shemagh, ḥaṭṭah, mashadah, chafiye, dastmal yazdi, is a traditional Arab headdress, also used as a scarf; worn in the Middle East with origins from the Fertile Crescent (Iraq, the Levant, and Egypt) fashioned from a square scarf, usually made of cotton. It is commonly found in arid regions as it provides protection from sunburn, dust and sand.

The Palestinian keffiyeh colours are chequered black and white. The wearing of the keffiyeh often comes with criticism from various political factions in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Most of the differences in colours, materials or styles are associated with different regions. Think of it kinda like difference between wearing a Yankees or a Red Sox cap to distinguish between someone from New York or Boston. One style of the white and red shemagh is typically associated with the Arabian Peninsula (I also have one of those). Pure white ones are often associated with those along the Persian/Arabian Gulf, and apparently those who are descents of the prophet wear a dark blue one to indicate their lineage.

I wear mine to keep warm, but keep getting asked why I'm wearing Palestinian colours, so may try to find another one with different colours that are just for looks and don't have a meaning attached to them.