Turbanology: Sikhs Unwrapped

For centuries, the turban has bemused other cultures. We haven't exactly understood its necessity and empowering quality to those who wear one. Yet, through the turban, a Sikh feels presence in society and a sense of their place in the wider world.

For those looking to learn more about the Turban and it's important to the Sikh community, a new book has been published entitled Turbanology: Sikhs Unwrapped, which explores the issues of misconceptions about British Sikhs and the beauty of the religious symbol of the Sikh Turban.

OBV intern Ijeoma Mbubaegbu spoke with author and journalist Jay Singh-Sohal to discuss the terrible "Turban Effect," that has taken over the western world after 9/11 and 7/7 where people fear anyone with a Turban due to their misconceptions that it stands for terrorism. He says that if people truly understood the significance of a turban, they would be more open to them in the wider scope.

Read below for OBV's exclusive interview with Singh -Sohal.

OBV: Why are turbans important to Sikhs?

Sohal: A Turban forms an important part of Sikh identity, it shows the outside world who is a Sikh - it makes him (or her) stand out from a crowd and stand up for what they believe in. So for a Sikh today, the Turban is about pride - in being steadfast in one's values and continuing the traditions that so many fought to protect.

OBV: Are people that wear turbans discriminated and stereotyped?

Sohal: Yes to both. Discriminated because Turbaned Sikhs have become the victims of mistaken identity; the perception of Turbans has become negative because of the atrocities of 9/11 and 7/7, and the always-present image of jihadists with Turbans. Its affected Sikhs - particular in the States and in Europe - where they have been abused and sometimes attacked (indeed Sikhs have been killed in the US because of it). Stereotypes too but they occur in different ways. The more subtle form is the Bollywood/comedy stereotype of Turbaned Sikhs (or Sardars) as buffoons, something which Indian cinema continues to be under the spotlight for.

In extreme circumstances, a Sikh with a certain type of Turban (perhaps Orange which is our national colour, or tied in a round conical style) is stereotyped as militant or separatist. Both pose problems for Sikhs, something which can only be countered with engagement of what the Turban represents.

OBV: Is religion as with Sikhism relevant to modern day life?

Sohal: Yes - I think faith is a better way of describing it rather than religion. We all have faith in different things, and can find mutual respect for what we believe in.

What's so relevant about the Sikh faith is that as the youngest of the world's great religions it has answers that are relevant to people's lives today - and across a whole span of modern issues, from understanding the dangers of addictions such as drink and drugs to appreciating the value of hard work and aspiring to achieve for one's family and society as a whole.

OBV: David Cameron has congratulated the Sikh community for its contribution towards the Big Society. Do you feel that the Sikh community can contribute anything else to the work that has already been achieved?

Sohal: One of the founding principles of the Sikh faith as started by its founder Sri Guru Nanank Dev ji is to share ones wealth, success and happiness with those less fortunate. So yes giving to charity, volunteering in the community, helping those in need (and not just financially) is intrinsically a part of the Sikh way of life - you could say the Sikh Gurus were the original Big Society thinkers! But there's certainly lots more my community can do in wider society - and the PM's comments are a reflection of this. I'd like to see more people (of all faith groups) see the virtues of selfless commitment in wider society and not just in their own communities; whether working in their local areas or giving something back to the country through public service and voluntary work.

OBV: What is the overall message behind the new book Turbanology: Sikhs Unwrapped?

Sohal: It's that through art we can appreciate the form of beauty of the Sikh Turban, and learn more about its history and relevance to British Sikhs. It's a way of addressing the issues of misconceptions without people feeling they're being preached to or being taught about values they already know and respect. And it's a fun and colourful way of looking at the serious issues that Sikhs face.

OBV: If the Sikh community had a voice what would you like it to say?

Sohal: The Sikh community does have a voice - it's not often a collective one! But Sikhs already offer a lot to British life - from successful enterprises to community initiatives. The challenge for Sikhs today is to continue to keep their faith and identity intact while they do so.

We do not have many Sikhs in the media, and those we often see are the same colourful, yet tired faces. I hope my work as a broadcaster conveys a message of the values that Sikhs stand for.

That the challenges faced by our forefathers - pioneers who moved to Britain for a better life - were met and won through public engagement, by integrating successfully and following the rule of law. The law protects the Sikh right to wear the Turban just as is safeguards baptised Sikhs wearing the Kirpan (indeed they'll be allowed to wear it to the Olympics next year).
What my community needs to do in these hard economic times, indeed voice to society, is the universal message of Sikh Scripture - that of equality, empowerment and aspiration.

Turbanology: Sikhs Unwrapped is due to be released this month.

Oksana Trofimenko