The Fez AKA “Fez’ are cool”
By Bryce Spider Lisser

 While the exact details are debated, the Fez likely originated in Morocco, which is where the Fez got its name. In the 1800s the Fez became a part of the Ottoman military uniform, under Sultan Mahmut II. After the 1908 annexation of Bosnia the Fez and many other Austrian goods were boycotted and the Fez became much less prevalent; as Austria was the primary maker of Fez at the time. It was then banned in Turkey and Egypt, in 1925 and 1958 respectively. Though nowadays Egypt is one of the few places to buy traditionally made Fez.

After this period Fez began showing up all over the world. There are religious groups that utilize a version as part of their head dress. Fraternal organizations, like the Shriners and Alhambras wore them as part of their regalia. They showed up in the movies atop Laurel and Hardy in Sons of the Desert. Even the cartoon Gravity Falls, that is set right here in Oregon, has a character that wears a Fez. 

Why do I wear one? Well, I’m certainly not a Mason, as I’ve been asked. No, I wear one because Geek culture embraced the Fez some time ago. Wil Wheaton was an early adopter. The Doctor wore a Fez, coining the phrase “Fez’ are cool.” This became a bit of a catch phrase around Geek gatherings, like gaming and comic book conventions. I started wearing one while in graduate school. I even wore one when I walked for my graduation. They have since become a staple in my wardrobe. As long as it is not terribly hot out, I’ll likely be seen wearing a Fez. Most of my Fez are made by the fine folks at Fez-O-Rama, who have a Patreon that I support as well.