Bedouin Tribes of the Euphrates Vol 2 - The Search For Mecca

66 Bcdoitin Tribes of the Euphrates, [gh, xix.
The last two miles we travelled at a more sober
pace, and the sun appeared as we rode hi through
the stone gateway of Arak.
We found Mr. S. in the act of mounting to
join us, and for a moment, seeing two figures in
white cloaks and yellow turbans riding up to him,
he w^as quite mystified, for our costume is indeed a
mongrel one, partly European, partly Bedouin, and
partly fellah—the result
of accident rather than of
choice. It is not wise for Europeans to adopt a
purely Bedouin dress in the desert, as l^y doing so
they lose all
the prestige of their nationality, while
on the other hand hats and riding-habits, at all times
unpractical, are impossible in hot weather. A Bedouin
mashlakh worn over a light suit of European
clothes is convenient, and has the advantage of being
the usual dress of travellers in the desert, but the
kefiye or handkerchief, generally added by them as
a protection to the face, is not nearly so comfortable,
and we have adopted the turban instead. Of all
head-dresses this is the most practical in campaigning.
It is equally good in hot and in cold
weather, in wind and in rain. It protects the
head from a blow" as effectually as a helmet. It
can be torn up to staunch wounds. It can be
used as a rope or a girdle. And above all it is
a pillow, the most necessary thing for a campaigner
to carry with him. The turban, however,
is the badge of the fellah in these regions, and
does not command respect. Turkish officials wear