Page - 27 - in Tina and Amir & Ella - English

5 10 15 20 25 30 27 “I don’t know – really, but I think I would not wear it.” So- nia said. “Dina, have you ever been to Iran?” I asked. She nodded. “Did you have to wear a scarf too?” asked Isabell wondering about it. “Well, when we were on holidays we went to Iran to meet our relatives. My mother and I were allowed to take the scarf off when we were at our relative’s home, even when “namahram” were present. Just so you know “namahram” is the name men are called, whom you would theoretically be able to marry. That means all men except your father, grand- father, uncle or brother. Of course on the street we had to wear the scarf “hijab”, even when it was 40 degrees in the shade. But I thought it was ok to be subjected to the dress code for a few weeks. I was happy because I was allowed to travel in such a beautiful and interesting country with such a different culture.” “When I went to see my relatives in Bosnia, I did not have to wear anything on my head, although most of them are very religious as well. I am sure I would have protested.” Sonia said. I looked at her: “But it´s just cloth. I would not mind wearing a scarf if I was able to go to Iran or Bosnia or another beautiful country. I wouldn’t want people to feel hurt, just because I didn’t show respect for their way of life.” “Now I can tell you”, Sonia interrupted Isabell and looked at Dina, “Last weekend I saw you, Dina, when you played bad- minton with a girl who really looked very funny.” “Yes, I played badminton with my cousin. Of course it must have looked funny. I wore my short pants and a T- Shirt and she was dressed as if it were winter. She wore a long skirt and had her matching hijab around her head.” Dina said.