the traditional Muslim cloaking garment forced on all Afghan women by the ruling Taleban. Discarded by many with the regime's fall, during the war the all-covering burka was de rigueur for foreign journalists (including John Simpson) trying to sneak into Afghanistan unhindered.
a loose garment (usually with veiled holes for the eyes) worn by Muslim women especially in India and Pakistan; "the Taliban forced all women to wear the burqa"
a coat made from felt or karakul and a burqa is a type of veil worn in addition to the headscarf by Muslim women observing purdah