Unveiling Decree Issued, Dey 17. On this date in 1314 Jalali (January 7, 1936), the Unveiling Decree was issued by Reza Shah Pahlavi. The decree was part of a broader modernization and social reform policy, aiming to change women's dress codes and eliminate traditional veiling in public spaces. The implementation began with an official ceremony at the Teachers’ Training College in Tehran, where Reza Shah and his family appeared alongside unveiled women. The decree prompted varied reactions across Iranian society. Urban segments and supporters of modernization generally welcomed the move, while in many regions, especially among religious and traditional communities, there was significant opposition and resistance. Law enforcement was tasked with preventing the use of chador and face coverings in public, and there were reports of coercive enforcement in some cases. This event marked a turning point in Iran’s social history, with its effects resonating for years in both society and politics. The Unveiling Decree is recognized as one of the most significant cultural and social reforms of the Pahlavi era and remains a subject of study and debate among historians and researchers. This date was officially designated in the Jalali calendar to commemorate the beginning of the unveiling policy due to its historical significance.
