Fars province is the main center of the great tribe of Qashqai in Iran. The clothing of Qashqai tribe has become the symbol of Shiraz city and Fars province and has a special importance and popularity in comparison to many other traditional clothes. However, it should be said that, like other ethnic groups of Iran, Qashqai tribe is spread over other provinces, too, like Khuzestan, Bushehr, Kogiluyeh and Buyer Ahmad as well as Chahar Mahal and Bakhtiai, but its central habitat is still Fars province. The important point in the history of clothing in this region is the order of Reza Khan banning the use of traditional cloths and unification of Iranian clothing that led to the temporary leaving Qashqai clothing and then some minor changes in it. Qashqai people are really happy and lively interested in the holding of different ceremonies and parties. This way of thinking is visible in their chosen colors for the clothing. Men usually shave their beard and they are identified with a long mustache. They wear a collarless white shirt, loose black pants and an open garment that is closed with the belt. Woolen jacket and felt vest as well as Choogha are other parts of the clothing of these men. However, Choogha was removed after the Reza Shah’s reforms. Accessories like bandolier add to the grandeur of this clothing. They usually wear Melki Giveh. In addition to the special hat of Qashqai that is made of the sheep’s hair, a Dogushi (two-ear) felt hat was added to the clothing of Qashqai after minor changes that is still popular. Women wear Shaliteh or a layered Tonban, a tonic with two slashes, one at each side, and a jacket named Alkhaliq. The clothing of Qashqai women is mostly lace and colorful. They also use a piece of decorated lace fabric as their scarf that is worn over a small hat named Kalaqcheh and tighten it underneath the chin. The clothing is here the indicator of the social position and dignity. They have nothing for covering their face. Turkish Qashqai women use a silk headband named Yayliq or Qalaq over the kerchief around their head. Jewelries are also a main part of Qashqai clothing and are determined by the amount of their wealth. Qashqai women use the same handmade shoes of other regions of Iran.
