M'laya

The M'laya (Arabic: ملاية) is a black veil that covers the whole body, it originated in Algeria.^[1]

A woman in Constantine wearing the M'laya

M'laya

Type	Veil
Place of origin	Algeria[1]

The origin of the M'laya goes back to the 18th century and is connected to the death of Salah Bey who was the Bey of Constantine.^[1] Following his tragic death a tradition emerged in Constantine of wearing the M'laya.^[1][2] The M'laya is black in colour unlike the haik which is white. The M'laya covers the entire body and is said to have been a symbol of modesty.^[3]

See also

• Haik
• Ghlila
• Algerian Kaftan
• Djebba Fergani