Kashf-e hijab decree is enforced by Reza Shah ordering the police to physically remove the Hijab from any woman in public.

The Kashf-e hijab Decree: A Pivotal Moment in Iranian Modernization and Dress Code Politics

On 8 January 1936, a transformative and controversial decree known as Kashf-e hijab (also Romanized as "Kashf-e hijāb" and "Kashf-e hejāb," Persian: کشف حجاب, literally meaning 'Unveiling') was officially issued by Reza Shah Pahlavi, then monarch of Iran, historically known as Persia. This groundbreaking edict fundamentally altered public dress codes, imposing a nationwide ban on all forms of Islamic veils, specifically including the headscarf (rousari) and the full body-covering chador. The implementation of this decree was remarkably swift and forceful, leading to significant immediate changes across Iranian society.

Reza Shah's Vision: Modernization and Secularization Through Dress Reform

The Kashf-e hijab decree was not an isolated event but an integral component of Reza Shah's broader and ambitious program for the modernization and Westernization of Iran. Inspired by reforms in countries like Turkey under Atatürk, Reza Shah aimed to transform Iran into a modern, secular nation-state. He viewed traditional attire, particularly the veil, as a symbol of backwardness and an impediment to social progress and women's integration into public life. The compulsory removal of the veil was intended to encourage women's participation in education, work, and public spaces, aligning Iran with contemporary European social norms and fostering a new national identity free from perceived traditional constraints. This top-down approach to social engineering sought to unify the nation under a secular and modern framework.

The Scope of the Ban: Beyond the Veil

While the Kashf-e hijab primarily targeted women's Islamic veils, the decree's scope extended to men's attire as well. Alongside the ban on the headscarf and chador for women, the government also prohibited many types of traditional male clothing, including specific forms of headwear like turbans and other customary garments. Men were encouraged, and often compelled, to adopt Western-style suits and hats, such as the Pahlavi hat and later the fedora. This parallel enforcement underscored the comprehensive nature of Reza Shah's sartorial reforms, aiming for a visual transformation of Iranian society that projected modernity and uniformity.

Forceful Implementation and Societal Ramifications

The enforcement of Kashf-e hijab was particularly stringent and often met with considerable resistance. Police forces were deployed to physically remove veils from women in public spaces. Women found wearing the veil were subject to fines, public shaming, and even arrests. Veiled women were often barred from entering government offices, banks, schools, and universities. This aggressive implementation led to profound social disruption. While some women, particularly from more secular and educated urban backgrounds, embraced the new freedom of dress, many deeply religious or traditional women felt their personal liberties were violated. They often chose to remain confined to their homes rather than venture out unveiled, effectively retreating from public life. This created a deep schism within society, pitting traditional values against the state's modernist agenda.

An Enduring Legacy: Dress as a Political Battleground

The Kashf-e hijab decree indelibly marked Iranian society and politics. One of Reza Shah's most enduring legacies has been the transformation of dress into an integral and highly contentious problem within Iranian politics. The issue of the hijab, far from being merely a matter of personal attire, became a powerful symbol of state control, individual freedom, religious identity, and cultural authenticity. Decades later, after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the pendulum swung in the opposite direction, making the wearing of the hijab compulsory for women. This historical trajectory highlights how dress codes in Iran have consistently served as a battleground for competing ideologies, reflecting deeper struggles over modernity, tradition, and the role of religion in public life. The controversy surrounding the veil continues to be a central point of debate and social tension in contemporary Iran.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kashf-e hijab

What was Kashf-e hijab?
Kashf-e hijab, meaning 'Unveiling' in Persian, was a decree issued by Reza Shah Pahlavi of Iran in 1936 that banned all Islamic veils for women, including headscarves and chadors, and also restricted certain traditional male attire.
When was the Kashf-e hijab decree issued?
The Kashf-e hijab decree was issued on January 8, 1936.
Who issued the Kashf-e hijab decree?
Reza Shah Pahlavi, the then-monarch of Iran (Persia), issued the decree.
Why did Reza Shah implement Kashf-e hijab?
Reza Shah implemented Kashf-e hijab as part of his broader modernization and Westernization agenda, aiming to secularize Iran, integrate women into public life, and align the nation with perceived European standards of modernity.
How was the Kashf-e hijab enforced?
The decree was enforced swiftly and forcefully, with police physically removing veils from women in public and prohibiting veiled women from accessing public places like government offices and educational institutions.
Did Kashf-e hijab also affect men's clothing?
Yes, alongside the ban on women's veils, the decree also prohibited many types of traditional male clothing, encouraging or compelling men to adopt Western-style suits and hats.
What was the long-term impact of Kashf-e hijab?
The Kashf-e hijab decree made dress a central and enduring political issue in Iran, symbolizing the ongoing tension between traditional values and state-imposed modernity, a legacy that continues to influence Iranian politics and society.