At times, it feels as if Turkey's every move is being monitored closely by the international community. On both sides of the spectrum - East and West - everyone waits for something big to come out before they can either criticise or embrace the country's actions. This could be attributed to its unique geographical location, with one foot each in two varying but not incompatible worlds. This puts the country in a tough situation, as it sometimes has to cater to both audiences.
Earlier this week, the divisive subject of whether or not to lift the ban on the Islamic headscarf (hijab) in universities was back in the headlines. This comes after the approval by the country's parliament of two constitutional amendments to ease the ban on college students wearing the hijab.
What is striking about all this is how, all of a sudden, numerous publications and experts have come out questioning whether or not Turkey is serious about its democratic path - leaving behind the simple but obvious fact that easing the ban comes as a direct result of exercising democratic rules and principles by a parliamentary vote and is a reflection of the wishes of the majority. Why should they even have to question whether the amendment will change the nature of the country?
Is it conceivable that Turkish college students can exercise their individual (and religious) freedoms in the United States of America and the United Kingdom but not in their own country?
Let's take a minute to grasp what this ban entails for Turkish women who choose to wear the hijab on campus. These women have had to make life-altering choices (of either wearing a wig to campus or taking the hijab off at the entrances) or lose out on education, a basic right for all. Essentially, they are denied a fair chance of seeking higher education because of the choice of dress. Is that fair? Is it democratic? The answer is obviously no. Easing the ban would grant them equal treatment.
Aggressive secularism
The ban was part of the aggressive secularism enforced nearly 80 years ago by "modern" Turkey's founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Easing it for the sake of equality on campuses does not in anyway take away from the country's secularism. And who is to say that veiled women cannot be "secular"? Making that separation can have dangerous implications.
Furthermore, talk of whether or not Turkey is serious about its integration into European and Western civilisation is unneeded when it comes to this subject matter. This is because democratic values and Islam are not only compatible but they are also complementary and Turkey has demonstrated over the years that liberal and Islamic values work together.
Those who criticise the government for trying to reintroduce a simple religious freedom are defenders of "coercive secularism" and in trying to secularise themselves have ended up overlooking basic freedoms.
This is not to say that the government of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyib Erdogan is free from controversy. While reassessing its laws, the government should also look into extending constitutional protection to its linguistic minorities for example, which is a far more significant issue for the international community to focus on. There are also questions on the country's other freedom, freedom of expression and opinion worth mentioning.
The current hype surrounding the amendments on easing the ban doesn't end here. The Republican People's Party, the leading opposition party in Turkey, continues to oppose the bill and has promised to challenge its validity in the constitutional court. If nothing, this is a clear indication that talk of the hijab will dominate headlines in 2008.
Finally, it seems the West is particularly confused of what to think of Turkey's Islamic identity, which is very much present amongst members of its ruling party. A simple vote on a minor issue reflects the extent of this confusion. Given the nature of the topic, it is totally uncalled for.
Send us your comments
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Gulf News may edit comments for length and clarity but will not change the tone of the message. Comments will only be accepted if all fields (including name) are filled correctly and the message isn't abusive, defamatory or offensive. The Gulf News website will only print your first name along with your comment. Please state in the message if you wish to remain anonymous. All comments sent may be forwarded for use in the Gulf News newspaper.
