In Tunisia, July was the hottest month on record since 1950, according to calculations by the National Institute of Meteorology, with temperatures averaging 32.6 degrees reaching 50 degrees per day of heat wave. The heat has revived the fashion for mdhallahhandmade palm hats now worn by many Tunisians.
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With our special correspondent in Djerba, Lilia Blaise
These high temperatures had an impact on agricultural harvests, in particular the hot winds which scorched many vegetable and fruit crops, also affected by the lack of rain, hence the rise in the price of peppers or their scarcity on the markets this summer. And, in southern Tunisia, in Djerba, the mdhallahcame back into fashion to face the scorching sun.
A highly demanded item
Thus, in the Medina of Houmt Souk, on the island of Djerba, between the tourist stalls, Sami Chouichoui, 56, ties leather ties to straw hats on a stand. These hats mdhallahare an object in great demand at the moment.
” THE mdhallah, it is a very special hat in Djerba. It is made from dried and winnowed palms and it is above all their color, a little off-white, which makes it possible to attenuate the effect of the sun’s rays. “, he explains.
The art of weaving mdhallah is practiced in different regions of the south, by women, in Gabès, about a hundred kilometers from Djerba, for example. In the Medina, a few basket makers still make these hats which are then sold by artisan merchants, like Sami who also knows the trade, thanks to his grandfather, himself a craftsman.
” Anyone passing by the island buys a mdhallah and also the jebba, traditional dress of Djerba. For the hat, the prices are variable. THE mdhallah can be very expensive, depending on the quality. For example, the one I’m currently finishing is called the mdhallah of the newlywed. It is 50 euros and lasts a lifetime adds Sami.
In town and in the countryside
In recent months, the headgear is found everywhere in Tunisia, worn by all generations both in town and in the countryside.
” It’s very, very fashionable, especially because of global warming. It is getting hotter and hotter and people are afraid of sunstroke. THE mdhallah has very wide edges and suddenly, it protects really well and, in the evening, it also absorbs moisture “says Sami Chouichoui.
Its price varies between 5 and 50 euros. Often sober and unadorned, its popularity is such that it even sells in motorway rest areas.
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