Keffiyeh black

A scarf that has become one of the most recognisable symbols of Palestine.

With its distinctive black and white pattern, the Palestinian keffiyeh (كوفية) carries a history that extends far beyond its original practical purpose. Long worn across different parts of the Arab world, the keffiyeh acquired a particularly strong political and national significance in Palestine during the 20th century.

From everyday dress to a Palestinian symbol

During the 1936–1939 Arab Revolt against the British Mandate, the keffiyeh — then particularly associated with rural communities and the fellahin — became increasingly politicised and was widely adopted by urban Palestinians as an expression of national identity.

Its symbolic importance continued to grow over the following decades. Yasser Arafat made the black and white keffiyeh a constant feature of his public appearance, helping establish it as an internationally recognisable symbol of Palestine. It was also widely worn during the Intifadas and subsequently became a global symbol of solidarity with Palestinians.

Today, the keffiyeh remains both part of Palestinian dress culture and a powerful symbol of identity, belonging and solidarity with Palestine.

From Jerusalem’s Old City

This keffiyeh is offered by Saad, a Palestinian shopkeeper in Jerusalem’s Old City and Palestinement’s very first partner.

Measuring approximately 122 × 122 cm, its generous square format allows it to be wrapped around the neck, worn over the shoulders or styled in a variety of ways.

Slight variations in pattern, dimensions or finishing may occur compared with the photographs.