All Hail the Hat
The sidara is a cap that folds flat when not in use. It has been associated with both military and civilian custom in Iraq. It was first introduced as the semi-official “hat of Iraq” in 1921 when King Faisal I adopted its usage. Ottomans wore the fez and Arabs in the Arab Peninsula wore thawb; King Faisal wanted national headgear to distinguish his Iraqi citizens from others in the region. The sidara is sometimes called the “Faisaliah” in his honor. The popularity of the hat has gradually declined since the fall of the monarchy in 1958; however, it is still worn on special occasions such as ceremonial events and weddings.