The green threads of the Sheikh Jarrah (الشيخ جراح) kufiya represent the deep roots of the Palestinian families who have lived in this neighborhood of Jerusalem for generations, building homes, raising families, and creating a community that has stood the test of time. Against all odds, the families of the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood gained international attention, when they stood up against sinister efforts by Israeli authorities to evict them from their homes. This kufiya imbued with hope, and solidarity with the residents of Sheikh Jarrah, a conversation starter to prevent their story from falling into oblivion.
In an attempt to produce Alquds Kufiya we used the wrong yarn and this charming Kufiya was the result.
But, as we refuse all kinds of political attempts to substitute Alquds (Jerusalem) with the city of Abu Dis, we will not accept it on ourselves to dub this Kufiya with the name Alquds. Instead, we call it Abu Dis. Named after an ancient Palestinian city located in close proximity to the city of Jerusalem. It is charming and beautiful, but clearly and in plain sight, Abu Dis is not our Alquds!
The ancient harbour of Akka (عكا, “Acre”) has bared more than just the crashing of waves. Sought after by empires spanning three continents, the radiant pattern of the kufiya speaks to the vivid beauty of a town that was the cultural gateway between Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean, and yet still keeps its indigenous Palestinian heritage to this day. The Akka kufiya is an effort to capture the vibrant spirit of this lively Mediterranean city.