\n\n\n\nWhat\u2019s a Tajik woman to do? She wants to step out, but is unsure if her dress is too long \u2013 or too short. She wants to wear a head scarf, but what type? And it\u2019s raining. Does she dare wear galoshes?
\nShe no longer has to make such choices on her own, as Tajikistan\u2019s government is now providing a lengthy guide on how female citizens should dress, no matter their age, and whatever the season or occasion.
\nThe 367-page hardback \u2013 titled The Guidebook To Recommended Outfits In Tajikistan \u2013 outlines acceptable garment colors, shapes, lengths, and materials.
\nWhile the 11-chapter guide issued by the Culture Ministry is not law, several government agencies have been tasked with overseeing that compliance is enforced. The new guide is for females only, beginning from the age of 7, but officials have made it clear that they are completing a similar guide for men.
\n\n\nBoth miniskirts and maxi dresses are out, according to the recommendations, which state that hemlines should fall a good 15-20 centimeters below the knee, but also at most 20 centimeters above the ankle.
\nSleeves must not be shorter than 10 centimeters, and necklines must not drop more than 15 centimeters in front, and 5 centimeters in the back.
\nFlat shoes are unacceptable, including the cheap and popular felt loafers known as Irinka shoes. And flip-flops and galoshes definitely out; they have been deemed health hazards, for unstated reasons. It is unclear whether women are supposed to always wear heels in Tajikistan, 93 percent of which is covered by mountains.
\nA colorful head scarf or kerchief is an option, but it \u201chas to be tied behind the head in the national Tajik style\u201d and it should not cover the face and neck. Black head scarves are banned entirely, even for funerals.
\n\n\nMen have also received their fair share of warnings and clothing advice from the government.
\nAuthorities have banned the wearing of bushy beards and instructed male students at the nation\u2019s only Islamic University to don suits and ties, just like the students at other educational institutions in the country.
\nThousands of men have reportedly been stopped by police and had their beards shaven against their will.
\nCulture Minister Shamsiddin Orumbekzoda recently hinted that a guidebook is in the works for Tajik men, \u201csome of whom show up in tracksuits even for official meetings.\u201d
\n\u201cSoon we\u2019ll make it compulsory for men to wear a shirt, suit, and tie,\u201d the minister added.
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yo the next to last paragraph knocked my sympathies sideways at the ankles