fbpx
Lifestyle
Posted in

The Moroccan Hayek: A Legacy of Tradition, Identity, and Grace

It’s simply a piece of fabric—a cloth stretching between four to five meters, sometimes even longer. With a width of about a meter and a half, the Hayek is rectangular. It may be adorned with various colors and patterns, or it could be a single color. Despite its simple, even plain appearance, it holds deep cultural meaning and value in Morocco to this day. Yes, this is the “Hayek,” also known as the “Mlahfa.”

If you ever visit Essaouira, the city of winds and seagulls, Oujda, the bride of the east, or Laayoune, the desert gem, it’s hard not to notice the women wrapped in this long, distinctive fabric. This is the Hayek. You may wonder what secrets lie behind this traditional garment.

The Hayek, or Mlahfa, carries profound meaning and historical weight in Moroccan culture. For centuries, it was a traditional garment across Morocco, long before the popular Moroccan “djellaba” appeared. Both men and women wore the Hayek, although men eventually stopped wearing it, leaving it mostly for women.

In short, speaking of the Hayek means speaking of one of Morocco’s oldest garments. Starting in the countryside, it became popular in cities as a key piece of traditional clothing. Why? Because it reflects modesty, dignity, authenticity, strength, and social standing. Today, even though the Hayek is no longer a formal garment, Sahrawi women still treasure it. They see it as an inseparable part of their culture and identity. They wear it to any occasion, even in high-ranking positions. When I asked one of these women why she still wore it, her answer was:

“It may look like just a piece of fabric, but when I wear it, I truly feel I deserve my place. It pushes me to do my best to maintain that truth.”

Initially, the Hayek was worn by both men and women, sharing the same name for each. However, the way of wearing it differed. Men wrapped the Hayek starting from their left shoulder, around the back, chest, and shoulders, then down to the lower body, ending by covering the head. Women, in contrast, wrapped it from the waist, then over the shoulder, covering the body. They veiled their faces and finally covered their heads with the Hayek.

Despite its unique allure, the Hayek couldn’t withstand the wave of modern clothing trends. These trends swept across the world, including Morocco, backed by massive marketing budgets. As a result, the Hayek saw a decline in both villages and cities. Today, only a limited number of women wear it, particularly in desert areas where it remains a cherished symbol of pride.

Join the conversation

SHOPPING BAG 0