ShareBy Passant Hisham
KUWAIT: A country is more than just a geographical area — it’s a unique blend of identity elements that reflect its rich heritage. In Kuwait, these defining elements are readily apparent in the city’s culture, customs, traditions and architecture, which have evolved into symbols that distinguish it from other nations. Some of the most notable icons of Kuwait are as follows:
Kuwait national flag
A seemingly simple piece of fabric adorned with colors can convey profound meaning about a nation. The Kuwaiti flag, characterized by horizontal stripes of green, white and red, with a black trapezium at the side, is a vibrant representation of Arab identity. According to Britannica, the flag’s colors draw inspiration from a poem by Arab poet Safi Al-Din Al-Hilli in the 13th century. In this poetic depiction, green symbolizes the fields of Arabs, black represents the challenges they face in battles, white signifies the purity of their deeds, and red embodies the blood on their swords.
Kuwait Towers
The Kuwait Towers not only stand as an iconic aesthetic landmark, but also narrate a significant story about the country’s history. Before the establishment of Kuwait’s desalination system, the nation faced a shortage of fresh water, relying heavily on water imports from neighboring countries. The construction of the towers emerged as a solution, serving as a source of water supply and reservoir project. The towers have two structures with a total of three spheres, with two spheres functioning as water reservoirs. This initiative helped Kuwait achieve self-sufficiency in freshwater for a long time.
Kuwaiti thobe
Clothing plays a crucial role in reflecting cultural identity, and for Kuwaitis, the “thobe” or “dishdasha” has long been the traditional attire for men. While contemporary attire is more common today, the dishdasha remains essential for significant occasions such as weddings or official receptions. The Kuwaiti dishdasha is a lightweight, long-sleeved, floor-length garment. In summer, it is worn in white or cream to combat the sun’s heat, while in winter, it comes in heavier materials and darker hues such as blue or gray.
The headdress, comprising the gahfiya, ghutra and egal, complements the dishdasha. The ghutra, a rectangular piece of cotton cloth folded over the head, once served a practical purpose, protecting the face and eyes from dust and sandstorms during desert travels on camels.
In essence, a flag, a building and a traditional garment transcend their superficial representations, carrying the rich history and original purpose of their creation. These symbols, shaped by decades of history, continue to be enduring characteristics that define the vibrant nation of Kuwait.
