Palestine is a lovely place full of a rich and vibrant history, and people visit there not only to see and experience it but also to see its historical sites. People from all over the world have different cultures and traditions which are represented in foods consumed, and in the garments they wear.. So when you go to a new place, you need to come out of your comfort zone and understand the culture meaning dresses and eatings like the locals do.

Clothing always represents and is unique to the culture it represents for example in japan you have the kimono, in scotland you have the kilt, but in Palestine you have the magnificent Palestinian Dress, a garment which the skills to make are passed down through generation in order to create the delicate embroidery involved.

Know about “Palestine” first:

It is a fact that Palestine is a very conservative country. And dressing in an appropriate way truly matters there. You have to avoid what may be quite common in western fashion such as shorter skirts and tight clothing, although you are not required to wear the Niqab, Burka or black abaya you should still be careful not to reveal skin or your body figure. The amazing thing about Palestinian dresses is the bright colours involved, it really does surprise people that such a region known for war and hardship, can have such an amazing national dress.

Where Did The Traditional Palestinian Dress Originate?

The history of the Palestinan Dress dates back to 1200 BC with artifacts showing an “A-Line” fabric worn by women. The area that time was known as “canaan'' and famous for a purple dye that was made from a certain type of sea snails, so we can see even all this time ago the region was known for producing unique textiles. The more colourful and embroidered type of dress we see today date back to the 19th century where women would wear them to mark the big moments in their lives such as puberty, marriage and becoming a mother. The artistic colours on the thobe would actually represent different statuses, especially among sensitive topics such as remarrying after a husband's death, it would be easier to wear a blue embroidered thobe than having what could be quite an awkward conversation in those times.One of the most famous families of weavers were named Beltaji, and one of the fabrics used in making the dresses is actually named after their family.

The dress itself did not originate in one certain part of the country, it is a style that is reproduced in many different parts all bearing the same resemblance but having their own version.

Palestinian Dresses are now becoming political.

What better way to preserve and showcase your heritage than adorning such a magnificent,eye-catchingly captivating piece of clothing. Especially one so unique to such a small group of people.



US Congresswomen Rashida Tlaib wearing a palestinian dress at her swearing in ceromony.

After the 1948 war when Palestinians were disbanded all over the world the dress was seen as an important way of preserving culture. During the 1980s when Palestine attempted to gain independence again many Palestinians considered the dress as a tool in which to defend their heritage with. The Traditional Palestinian Costume is deftinately a project of peacefully defending culture while being a pleasure to look at.

What is so significant about the embroidery involved?

Passed down from generation to generation, the embroidery involved signifies many parts of history and culture, it is not merely just an appealing art form but a way of telling a story. In Widad Kawar’s book, Threads Of Identity, she showcases an enormous collection of traditional embroidered Palestinian dresses and explains the stories each dress tells.The geometric designs each signify something in particular, for example the village the dress was made or the events in that time of history, they are passed down and inherited by each generation of mothers and daughters, with many learning the art of embroidery at an early age.

The method of embroidery is usually a cross stitch method which requires high levels of skill (and patience) , The “Tallis” dresses are considerably impressive as they leave no bit of fabric seen to the eye, they are completely covered in embroidery which makes them incredibly valuable.

The palestinan Thobe is now becoming a hot commodity.

With the historical significance involved in the dress, some older pieces have started popping up at the famous Christie's art auction house as well as Sotherbies, and have fetched eye watering amounts. In 2005 one auction reached £1320 for 4 pieces dating back to the times of Bethlehem. It is obvious to see why they reach such high prices, it can take weeks just to make one dress and is made with the exclusive Ivory cotton.
The great thing is, the dress making helps to support the community in Palestine which unfortunately does have low employment levels.

Can anybody wear the Palestinian thobe?

In this day and age of “cultural appropriation” claims, where someone wears a dress from another nation, you can be pleased to know anybody is invited to wear Palestinian dresses. No matter your nationality or belief, Palestinians find it a great compliment and feel immensely proud seeing people of other cultures and beliefs donning their robes.

This is reflected in the welcoming nature of the people,there was once even a popular hashtag on twitter “#tweetyourthobe” which seen women from all over the world take massive interest in the thobe and people of all nationalities - even people as far as China started to take interest in the thobe and joined in the hashtag.