Fez and Turban: Definition and History

The fez was historically considered a symbol of dignity and ultimate manhood. Even young boys, as early as the age of seven, would wear the fez to mark the beginning of manhood. However, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk banned the use of the red fez through the Hat Law of 1925, replacing it with Western-style hats.

Secondly: The Turban

The turban is a piece of white cloth wrapped around the red fez. It was historically a sign of authority, especially in the Middle East, used by rulers and sultans who governed the region and Central Asia. The use of the turban predates the nineteenth century; during the Ottoman period, it became customary for men to wear the red fez. The fez itself originated in the Arab world as a head covering and first appeared in North Africa.

The craft of fez-making continued to thrive in several parts of North Africa and Tunisia, and remnants of its use persisted in Egypt, Syria, and other parts of the Levant for many years.

Q: How many Sharia courts exist in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan?

Answer: Currently, there are seventy-seven (77) Sharia courts operating under the Hashemite era, which has given them great attention and care. In the early days of the state, Sharia judges handled all legal and criminal matters until the secular judiciary was separated from the religious one.

Dedicated Sharia courts were established under the Ministry of Justice to handle personal status matters. The Department of Sharia Judiciary was created to oversee these courts. The office of the Chief Justice also supervised the administration of religious endowments in the kingdom until 1968, when a separate Ministry of Awqaf was established.

The Chief Justice Department is an independent governmental body not subordinate to any ministry, directly linked to the Prime Minister. It also supervises the Jerusalem Sharia Court and the Sharia Court of Appeal in Jerusalem.

Q: What is the religious attire of a Sharia judge and what does it symbolize?

Answer: The attire worn by Sharia judges consists of the following components:

1. Fez: A red head covering, conical in shape, typically dark or light red. It is topped with a black tassel. The fez originated in Morocco and later spread to the Ottoman Empire in the nineteenth century. It is now known internationally as the Fez, named after the Moroccan city of Fes.
2. Turban: A white cloth wrapped around or above the fez. It holds social and religious significance, often symbolizing authority or scholarly rank.
3. Robe (Jubbah): A long black or dark cloak worn as an official judicial garment. It represents dignity, formality, and respectability during court proceedings.

These elements together form the traditional and official judicial attire of Sharia judges. Each carries historical and symbolic significance reflecting authority, decorum, and the religious identity of the judiciary.