Republican Rallies in Vain

"Even if it does not show it openly, the Justice and Development Party (AKP) has a tendency to forbid alcohol, to interfere in women's clothing and to put pressure on women. I am uncomfortable about the fact that the AKP has been reelected. I don't feel I belong to this country anymore."

This is what Ceren Tatargil told us in the aftermath of the 22 July elections, in which the AKP again won a majority in parliament.

Most of the women we talked to, whether they had joined the "Republican Rallies" or not, were uncomfortable with the fact that the AKP was in power again and believed that the party would become less restrained.

Different fears

Some believed that AKP policies constrained women, while others did not think the party would "go that far". Some of the latter feared for the country in general, rather than for women.

The "Republican Rallies" had begun in Ankara on 14 April and had continued in Istanbul, Canakkale, Manisa, Izmir and Samsun. They had been supported by many women. The interpretation had been that the AKP's Islamist past most threatened women.

Zübeyde Polatci, 34: I took part in one rally. I reacted because young people die as martyrs (in the army). It seems to me like they die for nothing. I don't think there will be pressure on women.

Dilek Turgut, 23: Many of my friends took part in rallies. With the AKP in power again, laicism is under threat. Sometimes they interfere with clothing. They want to bring sharia law. After these election results, the AKP will not take the rallies very seriously.

Ayse Yildiz, 24: I did not take part in the rallies, but I fear for laicism. I don't think the AKP is honest. I am not scared as a woman, I don't believe they will go very far on that issue. I am worried for the country as a whole.

Müjgan Sahin, 42: I joined a rally. They will make women wear the chador, we will turn into Iran. Women will not be able to walk the streets freely. Could you live in Iran? I am more frightened since the elections.

Fahime Yildiz, 36: I find the AKP successful. I don't believe there will be pressure on women.

Anonymous: I joined a rally. I have got two daughters, I think about their future. The Republican values are important. I want a modern society. I fear for the future of the country. As a woman, I do not want fellow women to be degraded. They have to be able to use their rights. Girls are sent to Qur'an lessons, they are oppressed by their families.

Anonymous, living in Switzerland: Until they join the EU, they will not constrain women. Everyone must be able to walk the streets freely. I am not against the headscarf, but not in parliament.

Gamze Aras, 24: People reacted against Abdullah Gül's candidacy for president. All power would have been in the hands of the AKP. There would have been sharia law. And it is the women who are oppressed under sharia. After being reelected, they are trying to look modern, but it is possible to become paranoid. I am worried. (GG/EÜ/AG)