A
burqa or a
burka is an enveloping outer garment worn by some Muslim women which fully covers the body and the face. Also known as a
chadaree or
chaadar in Afghanistan and Pakistan, or a
paranja in Central Asia, the Arab version of the burqa is called the
boshiya and is usually black. The term
burqa is sometimes conflated with the
niqāb even though, in more precise usage, the niqab is a face veil that leaves the eyes uncovered, while a burqa covers the entire body from the top of the head to the ground, with a mesh screen which only allows the wearer to see in front of her. The burqa should also not be confused with the
hijab, a garment which covers the hair, neck and all or part of the chest, but does not cover the face.