Unveiling the Mystery: The History, Techniques, and Artistry of Moroccan Caftans

July 20, 2023

Where did the story began from?
Where and when the caftan was worn ?
How the caftan transformed to become a women clothe?
What is the difference between Caftan and Takshita ?
How it was The Evolution of Moroccan Caftan ?
From cloth to caftan, how is this done?
"From Traditional Craft to Modern Fashion"

Conclusion

The Moroccan caftan or kaftan is a traditional clothing item made from one piece.

Its Origin is back to the era of the Almohad state in the Moroccan 12th century, and to inherit among the Moroccans to this day.

Any origin linking him to the Ottomans has been denied by researchers and specialists in this field, such as Dr. Moufida Abd al-Nour Kassir, a Turkish professor, in her book: The « Historical Development of the Kaftan Dress ».

Even during the reign of the Alawites, due to the interest of their kings in their appearance and elegance, the caftan was part of their dress, intended for appearing in events and parties that took place inside the Palace.

It is believed that the caftan was first introduced to the region as a symbol of wealth and status and was worn by royal families and high-ranking officials.

Where did the story began from?

The caftan was made for the first time in the city of Fez, which was the first industrial city during the era of the Almohads in the year 1203 AD. It had hundreds of laboratories and factories, including clothing weaving, and thread factories.

Where and when the caftan was worn ?

The Moroccan Caftan is related to events and weddings, and every tribe or city is distinguished by its own dress, customs, and traditions that are unique from each other. For example, in the city of Marrakech, it is a tradition that the groom presents the caftan if not more than 2 caftans as a gift to the bride, and this tradition has been going on since the Wattasid era and is still to this day. Not only in the city of Marrakech but includes all Moroccan cities without exception.

How the caftan transformed to become a women clothe?

According to the historian Al-Hassan Al-Wazzan, in his book description of Africa in its first part, the men's kaftan was transformed by women into a women's caftan (clothes with wide sleeves and sewn from the front like men's clothes), and this indicates the strength and skill of women in sewing and knitting

After that, especially in the 16th century, women's caftan became more different from men's caftan. The caftan was made of blue wool and silk fabrics embroidered with golden threads. Using a belt, it was a long silk scarf that reached the ground.

What is the difference between Caftan and Takshita ?

The Takshita or Takchita, is made from two pieces, you can say two caftans, the one below the main caftan is closed and the other one is semi-open. And it was called AL-MANSURIYA after Sultan Ahmed Al-Dhahbi, who invented it himself.

How it was The Evolution of Moroccan Kaftan Caftan ?

Today, the caftan remains an important symbol of Moroccan culture and is still widely worn, with modern designs incorporating contemporary styles and materials.

The caftan continues to evolve, but its cultural significance remains steadfast. The intricate craftsmanship, traditional materials, and beautiful embellishments make the Moroccan caftan a timeless piece of clothing that is revered by people around the world.

The Moroccan caftan has undergone a series of changes and evolution over the centuries. Some of the key ways the caftan has evolved include:

Design and Style: The traditional caftan was a simple, unadorned garment, but over time it has become more elaborate, with intricate embroidery, beading, and other embellishments. Today, Moroccan caftans come in a wide range of styles, including modern, trendy designs that incorporate contemporary elements.

Materials: The traditional caftan was made from natural fibers such as wool or cotton, but today, caftans are also made from synthetic materials such as polyester, making them more affordable and accessible.

Occasions: The caftan was originally reserved for special occasions, but has now become a versatile garment that is worn for a variety of purposes, including everyday wear, formal events, and special ceremonies.

Gender: The caftan was traditionally worn by men, but in recent times it has become increasingly popular among women, with many styles and designs being created specifically for female wearers.

International popularity: In recent years, the Moroccan caftan has gained popularity outside of Morocco, with fashion lovers and designers around the world incorporating the unique styles and embellishments of the caftan into their own designs.

The Moroccan caftan has a rich and diverse history and continues to evolve and adapt to changing cultural, social, and economic trends. Despite these changes, the caftan remains an important symbol of Moroccan culture and heritage and is treasured by people around the world.

From cloth to caftan, how is this done?

It was and still the skilled craftsmen known by the name of "lmaalam" who make the caftan, which passes through several stages including:

Weaving: The fabric used for the caftan is traditionally hand-woven, often using natural fibers such as wool or cotton. The weaving process has changed over the years, with some modern caftans being made using more advanced machinery, but traditional weaving techniques are still used by some artisans.

Cutting and Sewing: The caftan is traditionally cut and sewn by hand.

Making the "AAKAD" OR pom-pom and "SFIFA" or Ribbon. This was done with primitive machines, but the "AAQAD" was and still is made by hand.

Embroidery: Embroidery is an important aspect of traditional Moroccan caftans, with intricate designs being stitched into the fabric using a variety of techniques, such as cross-stitching, chain-stitching, and more. In recent times, some caftans feature machine-embroidered designs, but traditional hand-embroidery is still widely used and valued.

Beading: Beads and sequins are often used to embellish Moroccan caftans, adding a touch of glamour and sparkle. Beading techniques have evolved over the years, with some artisans using more advanced methods to create intricate and detailed designs.

Final step: assembling the different parts of the caftan, As we mentioned earlier, either by hand or machine starting with sewing the entire caftan, then assembling the SFIFA on the caftan and the TARSAN (which are long twined threads) that are consistent with the SFIFA, and finally the AAQAD. Thus, the caftan is ready, and it only needs to be ironed.

Overall, the techniques used to make Moroccan caftan have changed over the years, but traditional techniques are still widely used and valued which explains its high price, on the other hand, the intervention of the machine makes its price less expensive. Many artisans continue to pass down these techniques from generation to generation, ensuring that the traditional techniques and styles of the Moroccan caftan are preserved for future generations.

There is a long talk about the Moroccan caftan, and this indicates the extent of its antiquity and how much it is shortened from centuries of Moroccan culture.

"From Traditional Craft to Modern Fashion"

Now it has become number one in the world. even foreign designers have been inspired by the Moroccan Caftan over time

Examples of some fashion designers who get inspired by Moroccan caftan style:

Yves Saint Laurent: Yves Saint Laurent was one of the first fashion designers to be inspired by the Moroccan caftan, incorporating traditional styles and embellishments into his iconic designs in the 1960s and 1970s.

Pierre Balmain: Pierre Balmain was also known for his love of the Moroccan caftan, using traditional styles and embellishments in his designs, which were popular in the 1950s and 1960s.

Valentino Garavani: Valentino Garavani was inspired by the Moroccan caftan and was known for incorporating traditional styles and embellishments into his collections, which were popular in the 1960s and 1970s.

Gucci: Gucci has been inspired by the Moroccan caftan, creating modern, contemporary designs that incorporate traditional styles and embellishments.

Dior: Dior has also been inspired by the Moroccan caftan, using the traditional styles and embellishments in their collections, which have become popular in recent years.

These are just a few examples of famous fashion designers who have been inspired by the Moroccan caftan. The unique styles, rich history, and cultural significance of the caftan continue to inspire designers around the world, making it a timeless and beloved garment that continues to influence fashion trends.

Conclusion

The Moroccan caftan is considered the garment of every time and place because of its nobility and what it adds to the aesthetics and makes the one who wears it a queen like the sultans and kings who preceded throughout history.