Thanks for appreciative comments folks. But I should warn that, just because the article is nonsense, doesn't mean that there is no cause for concern over issues such as Erdogan's, and the AKP's, possible tendencies towards authoritarianism. Western friends of Turkey will watch careful their relationship with what, up to now, has been an admirably free press. The Ergenekon business continues to be troubling and is really murky water.
The head covering issue is complex. If you go to Mugla city market you will certainly see the vast majority of country women selling their produce wearing head covering; but Mugla has the reputation of being one of the most left-radical provinces in Turkey. I certainly don't think that many AKP politicians get elected in the province; it isn't a hotbed of fundamentalism; it is Kemalist to its roots. On the other hand, in the bars and restauants of tourist resorts and in the business districts of large cities you will not see many covered women. Even in Konya in Central Anatolia - known as the most religious city in Turkey - I was surprised how many women were not covered. I have also seen burkas in the unfashionable (poorer) suburbs of Istanbul. It is worth considering the connection of this with the migration of many hundreds of thousands of Turks there from the Eastern provinces of Turkey. In East, so I am told, the wearing of heavy covering is traditional amongst the country people. It might also be worth considering the relationship between poverty and religion identified by one of the greatest European social philosophers: "Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people" (Karl Marx, of course). It seems to me that the "skinny scarves" are worn by a different group in society. Young, middle class and affluent. People who make a now-fashionable choice.
Does all of this suggest imminent fundamentalist Sharia revolution? Not to me it doesn't; you may disagree. You can justifiably complain that I haven't produced evidence in this post to support what I say. But I am writing a response to a forum topic; not making a living as a journalist. If I wanted to get this published in the press I would certainly back it up with evidence and references (i.e. I would do the job properly). But you can read well-informed, reflective, well-researched articles on these issues every week if you look at Turkey's English-language online newspapers. I am forced to say that even Today's Zaman - much though I disagree with its politics, which it certainly doesn't hide - does carry articles that are informative. I have also been trying to read Orhan Pamuk's novel Snow set in Kars in Eastern Turkey that delves deeply into the head covering issue. I have to warn you that I am finding it hard going, but am trying to perservere. It you want to persue these issues I suggest these are a better starting point than the Mail.
