Iran’s Mandatory Hijab Enforcement: Impact on Society, Businesses, and Karim Bagheri’s “Number Six” Restaurant

Wave of Closures and Suppression

The closure of businesses, particularly restaurants and cafes, due to alleged violations of Islamic hijab norms, has become a recurring issue in Iran. The closure of Karim Bagheri’s “Number Six” restaurant is a poignant example of the trend where businesses are being shut down for not adhering to strict religious dress codes. Khabar al-Eshti newspaper reported that Bagheri’s restaurant was closed due to “not respecting the Islamic hijab.” This move was part of a broader campaign against those perceived to oppose the mandatory hijab policy.

Similarly, coffee shops and restaurants in cities like Mashhad have been sealed for not adhering to mandatory hijab requirements. The government’s crackdown on businesses under the pretext of upholding Islamic values has led to a growing sense of frustration and resistance among various segments of society.

August 12, 2023 | 4:49 pm