Ever wondered where millions of Muslim women come from? Perhaps their hijabs could uncover their origins or give away some clues to their roots for a start.
Head coverings are an integral part of many Muslim women’s identities across the Middle East. Over centuries, styles have differed depending on regions and cultural backgrounds.
With many different names - hijab, burka, khimar and niqab - these head coverings are a common site in the veil-riddled, Muslim-majority Middle East and are traditionally worn as a symbol of modesty, given the debated interpretations of Quran on the subject. In recent years, with the rise of the veil since a more ‘liberal’ and 1960s/ 1970s ME landscape, though, hijab styles have evolved to reflect a more modern, jazzed-up look; perhaps a throwback to the more hair-conscious fashionable era.
Nowadays, a new generation of women changed the way covering up is perceived - the so-called “oppression” surrounding the Muslim dress took another turn, even leading to a world-leading firm opening up a fancy Islamic dress boutique to meet rising demand for trendy wraps in London!
While fashionistas from the 1950’s rocked the bouffant look, don’t be fooled into thinking that today’s hijabsters are hiding beehive hairstyles under their tall proud hijabs. This super-veil-volume is propped up by plastic molds for fortified figure-heads! These elegant Emirati ladies give the retro look their own spin we like to call the “yoghurt-pot hair phenomenon”.
Depending on what your interpretation is of the Quran though, most women opt to wear the hijab through religious choice; or else some women are donning the headcover out of cultural and community habit. Each Arab country offers its own unique frill to the Muslim dress, whether that be adding a bit of golden bling Emirati-style, or potpourri in Yemen!
In the meantime, take a look at these hijabs from across the region to learn which style belongs to who. And remember to keep your gaze averted as you check out our Muslim modesty mile...
