Battle with beards and hijabs


A market in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, that once sold many Saudi Arabian garments is now banned and sells mostly national clothing. — ©2024 The New York Times Company

PEOPLE in Tajikistan had been expecting a government crackdown after Tajik men were arrested and charged with a extremist attack on a Moscow concert hall in March.

But it still seemed excessive to Nilufar, a 27-year-old education professional, when she saw local authorities with scissors outside a restaurant in Dushanbe, Tajikistan’s capital, trimming beards that were deemed too long.

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