The veil, a head covering custom among women prevalent mostly in the Middle East, Europe and some parts of Asia is a sign of modesty. It also signifies status, origin, religious/spiritual beliefs and has important socializing and occupational functions. The trend of this modest dress has changed radically in European countries in the 20th century. However, it is still observed as a sign of chastity in different parts of the world especially in the Middle Eastern countries.

The veil was first introduced by the Assyrian kings in the near east. The practice of hiding ones face was also prevalent in classical Greece, in Persia, and in the byzantine Christian world. Later on, Islam embraced these regional practices of covering ones face and in the second Islamic century the veil became common. It was considered as a status symbol as it signified power and was first used among rich women. Around the 10th century the veil appeared as a common rule and in the Middle Ages various laws were enacted regarding the wearing of the veil. Some urged strictness in veiling and forced women to remain inside the four walls of their homes. It became known as the attire of the oppression among women.

There are different versions of veils in different countries. In Saudi Arabia the veil is usually a loose robe, a hijab or a head covering and a face veil called as a niqab which is a compulsion among Muslim women. Theres an open slot for the eyes and it is held together by a string or narrow strip of cloth. The burqa, associated with Afghanistan is composed of many yards of light material pleated around a cap that fits over the top of the head. Under the Taliban rule the burqa was obligatory. Even under the current government, wearing burqa beyond Kabul is a compulsion as it signifies cultural and religious symbolism. In Iran, women wear loose-fitting coats or cloaks as well as a headscarf that covers the hair.

However by the second half of the 19th century intellectuals and liberals raised their voice and saw the veil as a symbol of the patriarchy. Few women joined the nationalist movements which were organized by male leaders. In Turkey, educated women began to leave their house unveiled. Quite surprisingly, in the later periods; the wearing of hijab started gaining recognition among Muslim women.

The six day war in 1967 which resulted in Egypts loss to Israel sparked orthodox values among Muslim women and many returned to wearing some type of veil. This conservatism saw attempts at modernization in a negative light and strict laws were followed in Islamic countries. Wearing the face veil started receiving consideration and was a sign of superiority and domination. The revolution in Iran saw the real surge towards donning the veil. In the 70s unveiled women were punished and mocked. Today, many Islamic women in countries around the world wear veils. They have not become part of Western culture yet, but the West has at least grown familiar with it and, for the most part, tolerates it.

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