Eiffel Tower Draped In Hijab Stokes Controversy- 'Islamisation Of French Cultural Values', Say Politicians Over Merrachi Ad

A controversy has seemingly erupted over a promotional video of the Dutch fashion brand Merrachi. The ad showed a hijab draped over the iconic Eiffel Tower. Politicians and the local community have objected to the alleged merging of French and Islamic symbols through this ad.

Some even deemed it "dangerous" and contrary to "French values".  In the ad, a hijab comes flying and gets draped around the Eiffel Tower. The caption to the post read, "The Eiffel Tower wearing MERRACHI, mashallah! Looks like she just joined the modest fashion community."

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French politicians object to new ad featuring the Eiffel Tower in a hijab

Lisette Pollet, a French MP from the National Rally party, called the ad offensive and a threat to the "democratic values and heritage" of France. "Unacceptable! The Eiffel Tower, the symbol of France, has been hijacked by the Merrachi brand, which covers it with an Islamic veil in a provocative advertisement,'' she wrote on X.

Her party colleague, Jerome Buisson labelled the ad a "terrifying political project" and an "unacceptable provocation". Economist Philippe Murer, co-founder of the Citizens' Political Movement, demanded that Merrachi's stores in France be shut down and its website blocked.

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Dividing reactions on social media

While politicians and the public severely criticised Merrachi's new ad on social media, some called it "innovative" and "path-breaking". Despite criticism from several quarters, the ad with the hijab and the Eiffel Tower can be found on the clothing label's social media handles.

In 2004, France banned the wearing of religious symbols, including the hijab, in public schools. Years later, in 2010, a law was passed banning face coverings, including masks, helmets, and full-body veils like the burqa and niqab, in public places. The nation's administration also banned abayas (loose-fitting robes worn by some Muslim women) in state-run schools.