The policy of banning the hijab in Fars province during the time of Reza Shah: state's programs vs people resistance

This paper studies events following the announcement of the mandatory discard of the hijab by women during the years 1935- 1938. First, the government programs and undertakings, then the resistance shown by people, is reported. Method/Research Design: Investigation is based on archival records. The program in the region started by promoting voluntary abandonment of the hijab, but ended with threats and forcible removal of the hijab by the police in public. As a result, resistance by people was both passive (women avoiding appearing in the public) as well as active (by resisting restrictions). Religion and tradition were instrumental in undermining the policy.