A Cultural Heritage in Kurdish Women`s Clothing: The Tradition of Wearing Kofi (Headdress) in Adiyaman

Authors : Tekin Çifçi
Pages : 297-313
Doi:10.21600/ijoks.1641754
View : 57 | Download : 132
Publication Date : 2025-03-21
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :When it comes to Kurdish folklore, the role of women in the transmission of culture comes to the fore. All elements of culture, from food preparation to clothing, stories, tales and songs, are passed down from generation to generation by women. Kurdish folklore is characterised by the way women cover themselves, in particular by the custom of wearing the kofi (headdress). Kurdish women who adhere to their traditions start to cover their heads from an early age. For Kurds, this is seen as a requirement of both religious belief and tradition. Another function of the headscarf is to be used as an accessory to look beautiful in daily life. Different forms of veiling and jewellery are found in each region of the Kurdish geography. Until the second half of the 20th century, the most common form of veiling in Adıyaman was ‘çît û kulik’, the custom of wearing a kofî (headdress). This study aims to evaluate the tradition of wearing the kofi (headdress), the way it is tied, its elements, functions and its current status in Adıyaman province of Turkey. For this purpose, face-to-face interviews and observations were made with women who still wear kofi or who once wore kofi but later abandoned this tradition. The data obtained were analysed. In this study, it was revealed that the way women wear the kofi (headdress) gives some indications about their life stages (girl, bride, middle-aged married woman, widow, old woman). In addition, the way the kofi is tied, its colours and ornaments differ according to sects and tribes.In recent years, girls and young women prefer not to wear kofi anymore. For this reason, the number of old and middle-aged women who continue this culture in the region has decreased considerably. It is important to record this beautiful tradition before it is lost and to deepen the research in order to preserve and maintain Kurdish culture and folklore.
Keywords : Kürt fokloru, Adıyaman, Kürt kadını, Kofi (başlık) takma geleneği

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