Tajikistan bans wearing hijabs and Arab clothing

Women and men on the streets of a city in Tajikistan. Photo: nuz.uz

Tajikistan's authorities continue to restrict at the legislative level the import, sale, and wearing of hijabs, satr, and other clothing described in the country as "alien" to national culture, while simultaneously tightening control over men who grow beards, reports nuz.uz on July 27.

Representatives of local authorities are conducting awareness campaigns in cities and villages, urging women to prefer traditional Tajik clothing over black hijabs and elements of Arab dress. Tajikistan maintains a secular model of governance, and the authorities justify the ban by the need to prevent the spread of extremist ideologies. The campaign against the hijab culminated in 2024, when the country amended the law on "traditions and holidays," officially banning "clothing alien to Tajik culture" — a term widely understood as referring to Islamic dress; restrictions on the hijab had already been in place in schools, universities, and government institutions.

Furthermore, according to media reports and eyewitnesses, law enforcement officers have intensified checks on men wearing beards associated with religious extremism. There are reports of inspections, administrative measures, and requirements to regularly confirm that the beard has been shaved. The official authorities explain such measures as necessary to counter religious radicalism and extremism.

The policy of restricting certain elements of clothing and appearance has been pursued in Tajikistan over recent years as part of a course aimed at protecting national culture and ensuring public safety.

As the UOJ reported, Denmark initiated a ban on wearing hijabs in schools and universities. In Tajikistan, the restrictions are broader in scope: talk of amendments to the law that would ban "alien" clothing began in March 2024 following a meeting between President Emomali Rahmon and the clergy. The law itself, which came into force after being signed by the president, does not specify the amount of the fine for wearing "alien" clothing, but states that violators will be held accountable under current legislation, and officials who allow violations may be removed from their posts. Tajikistan remains a predominantly Muslim country, but the authorities often regard women's hijabs and men's beards as an outward sign of potential religious extremism, although officials have repeatedly stated that they do not persecute the Islamic headscarf and do not restrict the religious freedom of citizens.

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