What is the history of chachiya and how should you wear it?

This clothing accessory is very popular with Muslim men. The chachiya is a soft and comfortable traditional headdress that can be worn to pray at the mosque or worn casually. Here we’ll explore the background of this headgear and how to wear it.

The origins of the chachiya

Some say the chachiya comes from Chechnya, others say it was imported by Arabs from Andalusia to Tunisia. That said, what we know today is that this small traditional red hat made of wool has evolved over time to become the national emblem of the Berber and Eastern people.

However, it is in Tunis, more precisely in the Souk Ech-Chaouachine, that the chachiya achieved notoriety and was produced in enormous quantities.

From the end of the eighteenth century and on, this little red cap was exported from Tunisia to other countries, such as Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Nigeria, Cameroon, Turkey, and Greece.

How to wear the chachiya

Today, the chachiya is available in various colors which includ white, gray, red, blue, and beige. It is made with light materials to be as light and comfortable as possible.

That said, the chachiya can be worn in two ways depending on the country: either alone or with a shemagh or ghoutra. In the Middle East, it is usually worn below the ghoutra to keep it on your head.

In countries such as Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, etc. it is often worn alone. To avoid getting hot, the chachiya is designed so that it is light and breezy. Therefore, it’s pleasant to wear in all circumstances.