Few images have proven as persistently mysterious to the Western world as the works Women of Allah by the Iranian artist Shirin Neshat. In this book, I have endeavoured to combat totalizing reading of Neshat s image; Rebellious Silence, by providing historical, ideological, political and cultural aspects associated with it. By explaining major themes associated with this work such as the veil, the gaze, poetry and martyrdom, which are central concepts to the Iranian culture-I hope to offer the reader the tools necessary to do an informed and in- depth reading of this image. The first two chapters in this book are devoted to the ideological and political meanings, which is significant in understanding of why the figure is veiled and carries a rifle and the last chapter which deals with politics of its representation. This essay contains interpretations of political events and comments on points that may be controversial amongst historians or others interested in Iran.