Thursday, March 14, 2013

Some Controversies Surrounding The Turkish Turban

By Anne Kelley


Every time you mention the Turkish turban, people think of lots of political and religious disagreements about the same. It is true that the head band has been around for some time. There are many other places where the head band is a popular outfit. Notable places include the Middle East, northern Africa and most of Asia. There are different reasons why communities use the head band and it is therefore not possible to give one reason.

Unlike in other places where the religious or cultural reasons that lead to the popularity of turbans cut across a big sector of citizens, it is however different in turkey because of its location and proximity to Europe. The religious cultures of the population also vary since there are Muslims, Christians and many other religions within the country.

The main reason why many do not want to have the country clearly turned into an Islamic state is the economic ambitions they have for the state. Within the area where the country lies, there are two main trading blocks of different ideological and religious difference. The main advantage is that the nation has a geographical link to Europe.

Considering the fact that the country is torn between their demand for economic growth and the retention of the cultural trends of the local population, there have been many attempts by parliament to try and change the culture of the country to look liberal enough. This was a deliberate attempt to make the rest of Europe to view the country as liberal.

After the barn many years back, new regimes that have come into power have always had to deal with the problems arising from the barn. As a result, the last regimes have tried to lift the barn. Some view this move as a step backwards because they fear this move could easily rewind the gains by turning the country into an Islamic state such as Iran.

Considering the fact that most of Europe is not religiously too conservative, turkey on the same note has been trying to tone down any perceptions that may depict it as being Islamic. This could be a good explanation for the attempted barn on the head band in many public institutions such as universities and public offices.

This move was however not very successful because it as met by lots of resistance from many quarters. It was not only the Islamic religious groups that expressed their objections to the move. Even the secular groups felt that anyone who has an attachment to the head band should be left to express their desires without intimidation from anyone.

After trying in vain to appeal to citizens to accept the barn on the Turkish turban, the barn had to be lifted because it only brought about more disagreements into the country as opposed to the results it was supposed to bring about. To date, the debate still rages on and it seems as though it might continue for some time to come. It seems like it might be helpful to let the dressing culture of Turkey alone as you pursue economic gains in the region.




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