
The Kuffiyeh: From Tradition to a Symbol of Resistance in the 1936 Palestinian Revolt
The black-and-white kuffiyeh has become a well-known symbol of Palestinian resistance and resilience. This powerful emblem originated during a pivotal moment in history: the 1936–1939 Palestinian Revolt. The kuffiyeh transitioned from a traditional head covering to a symbol of national identity and resistance during this period of uprising against British colonialism and Zionist expansion. In his book "The 1936–1939 Revolt in Palestine," martyr writer Ghassan Kanafani offers an insightful analysis of how this revolt shaped Palestinian consciousness.
The 1936 Palestinian Revolt
As explained by Ghassan Kanafani, the revolt was a popular response to British colonial policies and growing Zionist immigration. Palestinians faced worsening conditions, as land transfers, supported by the British, led to widespread displacement and severe economic challenges. In April 1936, Palestinian leaders called for a general strike, which sparked a three-year-long revolt. This movement was a bold attempt to reclaim Palestinian rights and halt Zionist expansion. During this time, the kuffiyeh emerged as a symbol of national identity and resistance.
The Kuffiyeh as a Symbol of Unity and Resistance
Kanafani explains that the kuffiyeh was primarily worn by Palestinian farmers, villagers, and Bedouins before the revolt. It was a practical garment for daily rural life and head protection against the weather. However, as the revolt escalated, the kuffiyeh transformed into a symbol of national unity and resistance against British colonialism and Zionist expansion. The kuffiyeh also became a means for Palestinian fighters to conceal their identities, allowing them to blend with local populations and avoid British persecution, which had issued a ban on the kuffiyeh. In response, city dwellers adopted the kuffiyeh as an expression of solidarity with farmers, further strengthening Palestinian unity.
The Legacy of the Kuffiyeh
As Kanafani noted, the end of the 1936–1939 Revolt did not mark the end of the kuffiyeh as a symbol of resistance. Instead, it became a lasting symbol of Palestinian struggle for liberation and independence. This legacy continued and evolved, especially in the following decades, as the kuffiyeh became a global symbol of resistance.
Today, the kuffiyeh remains a symbol of Palestinian resilience and a way to express solidarity with a just cause. By wearing the kuffiyeh, Palestinians and their allies worldwide declare their commitment to the struggle against colonialism and injustice.
Conclusion
Ghassan Kanafani's "The 1936–1939 Revolt in Palestine" provides a clear perspective on how the kuffiyeh evolved into a symbol of resistance and national unity during one of the most critical periods of Palestinian struggle. What began as practical attire for farmers turned into a unifying symbol of resistance against colonialism and oppression. The journey of the kuffiyeh from tradition to a symbol of defiance continues to inspire those fighting for justice and self-determination today.