02 February, 2025

The Bisht is a men’s cloak that complements men’s clothing and is considered a symbol of social and religious value. It is made of soft fabric made of sheep’s wool or camel hair, and goat hair is rarely used. The type of fabric varies according to the season, being rough and thick in winter or soft and thin in summer. The Bisht is worn over the thobe, and consists of two pieces of fabric that cover the shoulder and reach the feet. It is open in the front with two openings through which the wearer passes his arms without sleeves. It is surrounded by a golden frame embroidered along the hand and body, resting on the chest area. An inner piece called the lining is sewn to give the fabric the strength to bear the weight of the zarri, which are silk threads coated with silver soaked in gold water. Four to six people work on embroidering it, as each person has a role in the zarri embroidery process, such as the embroidery of the Maksar, the Buruj, the Tarjeeb, the Qaytan, and the Haliya. The colors of the Bisht that are popular among the Qatari people are: white, black, and brown, which are worn on national occasions, holidays, and weddings.