The coin burqa, a traditional face veil worn by women in Makkah, stands as a prominent symbol of the city's historic attire and cultural identity. This distinctive garment, made from luxurious black or red fabric with eye openings, derives its name from the rows of carefully attached gold or silver coins that adorn its front.
More Than Decoration: Coins as Savings
The coins were not merely decorative ornaments; they represented a woman's personal savings and jewelry. According to specialists, coins were added over time following joyful occasions such as weddings, childbirth, and Eid celebrations. This practice made the burqa a marker of social status, financial prosperity, and beauty.
Artisan Craftsmanship and Family Heirlooms
Artisans in Makkah handcrafted the burqa with precise stitching and carefully arranged coins. Some families preserved these pieces and passed them down through generations as treasured heirlooms, maintaining a tangible link to the past.
Preserving Cultural Heritage
Although no longer commonly worn in daily life, the coin burqa continues to appear at heritage festivals and cultural events as a symbol of Makkah's authentic traditional attire. Specialists emphasize that documenting and preserving such artifacts helps safeguard national identity and transmit cultural heritage to future generations.
