Denis’s effort at going native gives Paulien the giggles!
Dennis, who left our happy gang Friday, went off down the souqs and bought himself a thobe and ghutra. He will wear it on fancy (dress) occasions back home and is delighted to have got the entire outfit for around twenty quid after some serious haggling.
A thobe you say? Here is the official explantion, as supplied by Denis (counting raindrops in London even as we speak)
A thobe (correcly thawb, Arabic ) is an ankle-length garment, usually with long sleeves, similar to a robe. Most often, they are worn by men in the Arabian Peninsula and several surrounding countries. They are normally made of cotton, but heavier materials such as sheep’s wool can be used as well, especially in colder climates. In some locations, they are also known as dishdasha.
Certain debate has been raised regarding the correct length. As it should be somewhat raised (shorter) above the ankle level to remain free of Nag ssah (impurity), otherwise it is disqualified for prayer.
The style of the thobe varies slightly among the various regions within the Gulf.
The term thobe is also used to refer to a very long, oversized woman’s garment with a heavily embroidered front panel and billowing back, also known as a Khaleeji dress. These dresses are most commonly seen in the West being worn for performance of the Saudi women’s social dancing style, in which manipulation of the large thobe is a key component.
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