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chador

garment
Also known as: ƈarşaf, chādar, chadri, tcharchaf

Quick Summary

The chador is a large cloth worn by some Muslim women, typically in Iran, serving as a head covering, veil, and shawl. It is a garment that has historical roots predating Islam and has been observed by various religious groups.12

While often mistaken as a mandatory Islamic practice, the extent of veiling is a subject of ongoing debate among scholars, with interpretations of Islamic law emphasizing modest dress rather than specific coverings like the chador, burka, or hijab. The use of such garments can be influenced by religious interpretation, location, civil law, or personal choice. In the 20th century, the practice of wearing the yashmak, often with a chador, declined but saw a resurgence later in the century.23

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. chador
  2. burka
  3. yashmak

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