9 October 2009

Stories from 9 October 2009

Egypt: Niqab Ban Stirs Controversy

Egypt's top leading Islamic leader, Sheikh Mohammed Tantawi told a 13-year-old student to uncover her face, saying it was not part of the religious obligations of Muslim women. A few days later, Egypt banned female undergraduates from wearing the niqab in the country's public universities. Bloggers join in the debate.

Indonesia: Batik Day

  9 October 2009

October 2 was designated as Batik Day in Indonesia. The UNESCO has also declared the batik as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage.