Veil banned in post-Daesh Mosul
mosul — Iraqi women walk freely around a street market in Mosul, their hair wrapped in brightly coloured scarves and face uncovered after police banned the black veil mandatory under militant rule.
Iraqi forces, who have retaken eastern Mosul from the Daesh group after three years, have banned the face veil as part of a package of measures to curb militant attacks in the area.
They decided on the ban after having detained several Daesh fighters who had dressed up as women, concealing their faces behind the black material.
Traditionally in Mosul, women wear what they like at home but don a long robe and cover their hair in the street.
i saw the world from behind a black veil. The world seemed dark. But as soon as they left, i threw away the niqab... The police also banned us wearing it Umm Ali, Mosul resident
But after Daesh overran the northern city in 2014, women also wore the face veil, or niqab. Now the militants have fled the eastern sector, women can breath a sigh of relief.
Before, “we never dared come to the market without wearing a face veil, gloves and black socks”, Umm Ali, 45, said in Nabi Yunis market.
“I saw the world from behind a black veil. The world seemed dark. But as soon as they left, I threw away the niqab... The police also banned us wearing it.”
Up until sundown, Nabi Yunis market bustles with customers before they return home to end fast.
Abu Messab, who sells clothes at a shop inside the market, said he has stopped stocking the face veil.
“Nobody wants a niqab,” the 50-year-old said. “Most people come here looking for bright, attractive colours.”
The salesman pointed at two policemen standing not far off.
“They’re here the whole time,” he said. “When they see women with their face covered, they ask them politely to no longer wear the veil. And people cooperate.”