The deep-rooted and interesting history of veiling, which is one of the ways women express their beliefs and cultural context, dates back 4000 years. The hijab, which is frequently preferred by women who embrace the Islamic faith today, is actually a very old covering tradition. However, the headscarf is not limited to the Islamic faith; It has also been adopted by women in other religions throughout history, such as Christianity and Judaism. For example, there is a tradition of veiling for nuns in Christianity and women in Judaism.
Reasons for veiling And exit pointsIt has changed over time among different religions and cultures. While today women prefer to cover themselves in accordance with the rules of their religion and beliefs, the motivation and direction of this practice was different in the past. There have been various reasons for veiling throughout history, and these reasons are cultural, social and political factors as well as religion.
Veiling, a Symbol of Respect and Status 4000 Years Ago
veiling, It was a practice symbolizing respect and status 4000 years ago. Babylon In the Empire, slaves and non-noble women left their heads uncovered, while those who belonged to the royal family, the rich, and the nobility covered their heads. This covering was not limited to just a tulle or cloth; Ancient Egypt’As in, women also used various things to cover their hair. Generally, ornate and embroidered pieces were preferred, and the hair was covered, symbolizing respect and prestige in the society.
However, veiling was not just a tool used to determine social classes and highlight the nobility; It could also become a need depending on geographical conditions. In some regions, men and women preferred to cover their hair and heads to protect themselves from the sun, heat and sand. But in general, veiling was considered a sign of nobility and respect in many parts of the world.
In the laws of the Babylonian Emperor Hammurabi, the social status of women in society was determined in writing for the first time. Code of Hammurabiis considered one of the oldest laws in world history. This written text aims to regulate the family while stating differences regarding issues such as slavery and marriage. The laws that are still applied in some societies today – especially in sharia courts – emerged during this period. This may be the answer to the question of why the monotheistic religions did not abolish slavery, because the laws of these religions had to be in harmony with the laws of Hammurabi.
According to the laws of Hammurabi, respectable, free and elite women were covered, while slaves, prostitutes and lower classes walked uncovered. This situation was presented as a justification for the verses in which Paul defended women’s covering during the period when Christianity spread. Veiling has become a sign of respectability and special status.
Origins of Veiling
The origins of the headscarf date back to the Sumerians. Considering the importance this society attaches to women, it is not surprising that the headscarf is a symbol they value. SumeriansThe fact that women have advanced rights, such as the right to divorce, emphasizes their importance in society. Therefore, women were expected to wear a sign of respectability, such as a headscarf, to show their worth and importance.
It is seen that this tradition continued in later empires; Even during the Byzantine period, the headscarf survived as a symbol for noble and deserving women. Additionally, separating from the public and avoiding extra expenses by using a single veil was also an attractive option for these women. Compared to other options such as expensive jewelry, hats, bracelets and clothes, the headscarf was a more convenient and economical option to show off belonging to the elite.
In later periods, in emerging religions, the headscarf was used to distinguish people from different religions. The headscarf, preferred by the elite, was also given to believers, and this enabled them to have a different position in society. For example, among nuns, a distinction was made between those who covered their heads and those who did not.
Some nuns lived apart from society, dedicating their bodies to God, while others offered their bodies to serve the public. Both groups were considered valuable, but the so-called temple prostitutes had a special status because of their sacrifice in presenting their bodies to the public and thus had the right to veil. Over time, the headscarf was accepted as a right for all nuns, and this happened with the evolution of religions and the change of social norms.
Veiling in Islamic Faith
Headscarf is generally traditional Muslim It is known as a part of women’s clothing. However, when we look at the early years of Islam, there are records that women did not wear headscarves. Because they lived especially in very hot desert environments, some of them left most of their bodies uncovered, like African natives. Because, Verses about veiling, It was brought down primarily for women to cover their private parts and move around in a more “appropriate” way.
There are still debates about whether the headscarf is compulsory or not. ScarfWith the spread of Islam, it was also used because it provided privileges to people who wanted to join the religion. Similar practices have been seen in other religions; By wearing a headscarf, a religious convert gains privilege in society and indicates his religious identity.
Therefore, the hijab is not actually a practice that comes with Islam; Its historical roots date back to 4000 years ago. The headscarf started as a symbol that distinguished the person from society and indicated nobility, and over time it was also used in religions.
The main purpose of veilingi is to protect yourself from the gaze of others and avoid sexual desires. A person’s sense of decency and modesty requires covering up. However, the main purpose of believing men and women is to gain the consent of Almighty Allah, because obeying Allah’s orders and prohibitions is an act of worship. In addition to commanding worship such as prayer and fasting, Allah has also determined the forms and limits of covering up both inside and outside of worship.
During the period of ignorance, the Arab community used to circumambulate the Kaaba naked. Men would come during the day and women at night and circumambulate naked. They would give an excuse such as “We cannot perform circumambulation with the clothes in which we committed sins”.
During the Meccan period, a verse was revealed to the Islamic community informing them that they should cover themselves during tawaf and prayer: “O children of Adam! Wear your ornaments every time you come to the mosque.” This verse covers circumambulation and coming to the mosque for prayer. The word “Adornment” is interpreted as “dress, garment”. Thus, Islam made it obligatory to cover one’s private parts during acts of worship such as prayer and tawaf. In another verse, it is stated that men and women who cover their secret parts will receive God’s forgiveness and a great reward.
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