Iraq. Basra. Al Fao neighbourhood. A woman tapes the pipe used to collect clean water which will be sent to the flat by using the small engine. The woman wears the abaya and the hidjab (islamic headscarf) on her head to cover her hair. The abaya, sometimes also called aba, is a simple, loose over-garment, essentially a robe-like dress, worn by some women in parts of the Islamic world. Traditional abaya are black and may be either a large square of fabric draped from the shoulders or head or a long caftan. The abaya covers the whole body except the face, feet, and hands. The word hijab (or hidjab) refers to both the veil covering the head and traditionally worn by muslim women (Islamic headscarf), but also the modest muslim styles of dress in general. Basra ( in arabic Al Basrah) is the capital of Basra Governorate in southern Iraq. 01.03.04 © 2004 Didier Ruef