Yashmak

Yashmak is a traditional face veil worn by women in parts of Iran, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. The term derives from Persian and Turkic languages and is often translated as “mask” or “veil.” A yashmak typically covers the face while leaving the eyes visible through a mesh, slit, or sheer fabric. In some traditions, it may cover the entire face, with only a narrow opening for the eyes.

The yashmak is usually worn with other garments such as the chador, hijab, or outer robes, and comes in a range of fabrics, including silk, cotton, or lace. Styles vary by ethnicity, region, and historical period; some yashmaks are lightweight and decorative, while others are more opaque and practical.

Historically, yashmaks were part of formal or everyday dress in various Muslim communities. In Iran, the Persianate world, and the Caucasus, they appeared with different outer outfits and carried social or ceremonial significance. The practice of wearing a yashmak declined in many areas during the 20th century due to modernization, secular reforms, and changing norms, though variants persist in rural communities or as part of traditional costumes and performances.

Etymology: The word yashmak comes from Persian yašmak, meaning “mask” or “veil,” and was borrowed into Turkish, Russian, and other languages.

See also: chador, paranja, burqa.