Do you know your thobe from your kanu?

Your answer is probably No! So, what is a thobe or a kanu?

Well it has many names:
* thobe (Arab peninsular)
* galabeya (Egypt)
* dishdasher (Oman)
* kanu (Uganda)
* gandora (Morocco)
Thobe is the Arabic word simply meaning garment. However, it has become the name of the long, flowing, usually white, long-sleeved, loose-fitting garment worn by men throughout the Middle-East. It is known as the traditional clothing from Arabia. But it is prevalent and uniquely worn in Africa, in countries like Egypt, Sudan and Uganda.

What does a galabeya look like?

Length: ankle length with a large hem. This keeps the garment close to the ground, protecting the ankles and feet from sand
Loose-fitting: in a hot climate, having loose garment helps with air circulation and keeps the body cool. Tight clothes do not allow for good ventilation they say
Sleeves: usually long, as this helps with protection from the sun
Fabric: usually made from cotton, which is light and breathes easily. In winter there are some galabeyas made of a slightly heavier weave, and colours can be grey or brown.
Colours: usually white and pale colours so that it reflects the heat. But galabeyas for special days and occasion may be of a shiny fabric, with piping or even contrasting colours, perhaps gold or silver, around the sleeves and neckline. But for usual daily use, it is a non-fuss, nothing fancy, easy to pull on and off when you are in the lazy languor of the summer heat.
Collars: there is no collar on these garments. It has a simple, round neckline
Pockets and buttons: there are usually a few hidden pockets on a galabeya (2 large and 1 small), and a few buttons from the neckline down, covered by a small hem of fabric.
Head: the head is usually covered, both as protection against the sun and to respect religious beliefs. The colour of the covering can either match that of the galabeya, or is generally white. In winter, like the Bedouin tribes, a heavier wooden scarf is worn over the head
When? This garment is worn daily, but the fancier versions are worn on special or ceremonial occasions: weddings, funerals, Eid, birthdays. Tailors can make a plain galabeya or a special creation: as you please!
Sidery: In southern Egypt (Aswan) and Northern Sudan, it is considered fashionable (in winter or for weddings) to wear a waist-coat/sleeveless jacket over the galabeya, usually of a contrasting colour.

When the men are sitting on the sand in a group, they are striking to look at: the contrast with their dark skin and the white garments is almost breathtaking. They take the meaning of looking cool to a very practical level! During a wedding, with all the men in their formal versions of this garment, they look serious and proud.

Each country tends to wear their galabeya in a slightly different manner. See if you can notice any differences as you travel around.