The Turkish tallit was originally made in Tunisia, but since Tunisia was part of the Ottoman Empire until 1881, tallits made there were referred to as “Turkish.”

The Turkish tallit became popular because one of the Turkish sultans had banned flax plants, effectively making Tunisia a linen-free zone. Since wool products from Tunisia were known to be free of linen, there was no need to be concerned that one’s wool tallit contained shatnez.

These Turkish tallits became a sought-after commodity in various Jewish communities, particularly in Chassidic circles.

In 2008 it was found that Turkish tallits could no longer be safely assumed to be free of linen and therefore require rabbinic supervision like other tallits.

Today two types of Turkish tallits are available. The Echt Turkish tallit (“genuine Turkish prayer shawl”) is made from Tunisian wool, whose dense weave makes it the heaviest traditional wool tallit found. The Kmo (“faux”) tallit employs the same design, pattern and features as authentic Turkish tallits, but uses a somewhat lighter weave of wool.

Both the Echt and the Kmo often feature unique double-knotted fringes along the edges. They are sometimes sold without an atara, because many Chassidim who opt for the Turkish or Kmo tallit have a special, ornate atara sewn on.

Echt Turkish Tallit and Kmo Turkish Tallit – More Info>>>