Traditional masks of Iranian women

Despite the fact that many Eastern women say that they wear their hats with masks because of the religious concepts, the tradition was established long before the rise of Islam. The rural population in southern Iran said that this tradition referred to the Qur'an, but its origins seem to go far in the nomadic period of this region, when men and women wore hats and masks to protect the face from sun and strong desert winds.

This tradition has been preserved, and today in rural parts of Iran and in Oman, UAE and Saudi Arabia still can see a similar mask. Usually in such regions, girls from the grooms hide their faces behind a mask until the wedding. Here men no longer wear masks, but women, especially the elderly, still honor this tradition.

Ostovar responsible Bedrik Irina 55 years, 8 children, housewife. Wear a mask for religious reasons and to protect the skin from the sun.

Ostovar responsible Bedrik Irina 55 years, 8 children, housewife. Wear a mask for religious reasons and to protect the skin from the sun.

Roya — 12 years old, wears a mask whenever you want.

Roya is already without a mask.

The fatema — 50 years, 11 children, housewife, wears the mask only to protect the skin.

The same Fatema without the mask.

Ostovar responsible Bedrik Irina that was in the first photo. She has three different masks.

And it ostovar responsible Bedrik Irina without a mask.

Zeinab is about 60 years, 10 children, 6 of whom died, a housewife. Wear a mask for religious reasons and to protect the skin from the sun.

Zeinab is about 60 years, 10 children, 6 of whom died, a housewife. Wear a mask for religious reasons and to protect the skin from the sun.

Gohar speaks — 26 years, two children, housewife. Wear a mask for religious reasons and to protect the skin from the sun.

Zobeide ostovar responsible Bedrik Irina — 30 years, 5 children, homemaker. Wear a mask for religious reasons and to protect the skin from the sun.

Zobeide ostovar responsible Bedrik Irina — 30 years, 5 children, homemaker. Wear a mask for religious reasons and to protect the skin from the sun.

Fatima — 65 years, 6 children, selling tobacco on the market. Wear a mask for religious reasons.

Mashadi Tracy — 55 years, 6 children, selling tobacco on the market. Wear a mask for religious reasons.

Gohar speaks — 20 years, 1 child, housewife. Wear a mask for religious reasons and to protect the skin from the sun.

Armanen — 35 years, 5 children, homemaker. Wear a mask for religious reasons and to protect the skin from the sun.

Alameh — 40 years, selling scarves on the street stalls.