The Ghlila is a traditional Algerian jacket originating from Algeria, it is a trapezoidal jacket in velvet or brocade with a deep oval neckline, decorative buttons and enriched with embroidery notably featuring golden threads.[1]

Ghlila
TypeAlgerian clothing
MaterialVelvet
Place of originAlgeria[1]

One of the earliest references to the Ghlila was by Diego De Haëdo who recorded his observations during his time in Algiers from 1578 to 1581.[1] Diego de Haëdo gave a description of women wearing voluminous blouses and long cossacks which he had identified as “goleyla” (Ghlila). De Haëdo described the Ghlila as being made from velvet, satin or damask, featuring a wide neckline secured with silver or gold buttons and falling mid-length.

At the beginning of the 19th century the Algerians wore a low cut Ghlila which stopped at the height of the hips consisting of short sleeves, a single button and gold threads. The Ghlila Djabadouli is a Ghlila with long sleeves and it is also worn by men.[2]

The Ghlila was a source for later developments in Algerian fashion as the Karakou descends from it as well as the Caftan of Algiers.[1][3]

See also

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Karakou
Frimla
Bniqa
Algerian Kaftan

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Snoap, Morgan, "Algerian Women's Waistcoats - The Ghlila and Frimla: Readjusting the Lens on the Early French Colonial Era in Algeria (1830-1870)" (2020). Honors Program Theses. 114.
  2. ^ Pichault, Pascal (2007). The traditional Algerian costume. Maisonneuve and Larose. ISBN 978-2-7068-1991-9. OCLC 190966236.
  3. ^ Paraître et apparences en Europe occidentale du Moyen Âge à nos jours Isabelle Paresys Presses Univ. Septentrion,