Traditional outfits are the distinguishing features that highlight the cultural details of every spot in the world. Today I have chosen a coastal Tunisian handmade dress,” The Hammam Sousse Takhlila.”
For recent years Modernization has somehow been a real challenge facing our national and local heritage. Hopefully, a high range of Tunisian women remains loyal to folk costumes.
When they call it a piece of ancient clothes, and I call it Authenticity: The Traditional “TAKHLILA”
Zeineb Neffeti
Once anyone gets the occasion to be a guest during a coastal wedding ceremony, he or she will notice that the “Takhlila” is the distinctive authenticity hallmark of the place.
When considering the details, it is crucial to mention that it is hand-embroidered one-piece clothing with silver agate and silk thread with distinct colors: green, red, and orange.
The outfit consists of the red embroidered fabric along with “Un Maryoul Fadhila” which is generally worn below the main traditional dress.
The trouser, with its distinguished fabric, is another cloth to be associated with the outfit. There three colors: silver, golden and white.
Another piece is “Echamla” which is a belt we use to tighten the dress. It is originally a woolen belt, but in those days, there are various designs.
Appearance is incomplete without accessories. Thus, to get an authentic traditional look, traditional jewelry pieces are an excellent choice to adorn the outfit.
As shown above, an ornate “Kolkhal “, a vintage “Khlel” and a “Rayhana” seem enough to get a shining beautiful look.
In brief, this costume with its minute details remains an authentic hallmark in the coastal Tunisian regions despite of some distinctive characteristics related to the fabrics, colors and materials.
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Zeineb Neffeti, a holder of a bachelor’s degree in the English language and an MA degree in Cross-Media Journalism from the faculty of Arts and Humanities of Sousse.
I am a bibliophile, a pluviophile, a music lover, and a person who admires staring at details and writes about them. Thus, holding a pen or typing on a keyboard is one of my favorite moments. I also like photography, and capturing the moment remains an ultimate goal.
