[Leica] IMG: Second Countryhouse Visit

[mark at rabinergroup.com (Mark Rabiner)]

> The same enclosures are seen in Iraq, Jordan, and the UAE (and I am sure
> other places, but that's the extent of my experience).  On what can be 
> bleak
> and uninviting streets, behind the walls one can find lush gardens.  I
> think, to some extent, the concept of "purdah" figures into the walled
> compound reasoning.  Purdah is the sequestering of women (the burqa is a
> portable form).  Women can be relaxed and uncovered when they are around
> "mahram", which denotes male family members, and not seen by the casual
> passers-by.  The Afghans tend to take this concept more seriously than do
> the Arabs although in the Emirates most Arab women will wear the niqab, or
> the veil with only the eyes showing (a Wahabbi thing).  A typical complaint
> encountered here in Kabul are the large multi-story villas (aka "poppy
> palaces") overlooking the walled compounds which encroaches on the privacy
> of a more modest home.
> 
> Islam plays a part in all of this, but much of it is cultural.  It's become
> entangled in religion despite the strictures of the Holy Quran which 
> require
> a woman to "cover her charms" and "not stamp her feet".  It's all pretty
> fascinating, really.
> 
> Wendy


" fascinating" not the current word of choice  to describe the circumstances
of middle east women by most culture respecting humanist and certainly
women's groups.
" fascinating" would have been good for a national geographic in the 60s.


[Rabs]
Mark William Rabiner