The controversy was sparked by the refusal of the President to invite veiled women to his reception for the anniversary of the foundation of the Republic.
Ankara (AsiaNews) Laser light shows, fireworks, open air concerts and controversy in Ankara and Istanbul marked yesterday's celebrations for the 83rd anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of Turkey, which rose from the ashes of the Ottoman Empire. Alongside great feasting, the anniversary of the state that makes "secularization" a byword was marred by controversy surrounding a "ban" imposed by the President of the Republic on the Muslim headscarf. Ahmet Necdet Sezer in fact refused to invite women wearing the veil to a traditional reception held for the occasion at the presidential palace.
The refusal was upheld by President Sezer despite protests from members of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) of Prime Minister Erdogan, whose wives are used to wearing veils in public. Thus, only a small minority of the 355 AKP delegates turned up for the reception. The premier went alone as his wife, Ermine, was not there.
The controversy sparked by the issue prompted Sezer to affirm in his anniversary message that any backtracking from Turkey's rigorous application of secularization was "unthinkable", as this principle was the "cornerstone" of the country's transformation process. His words were echoed by the widely read Vatan newspaper, which published on the front page a big photo dating back to 29 October 1930, featuring the father of the Turkish Republic, Kemal Ataturk, dancing amid men and women in elegant European attire.
The veil, seen as a symbol of political Islam, is banned in public offices and universities in Turkey.
But things could change: next year, Sezer's seven-year term expires and his replacement will be chosen by the AKP-dominated Parliament. AKP is a Muslim party, albeit a moderate one. Officially, the party is for secularization but claims its interpretation is too tough and limits freedom of worship.
So people are now wondering whether the new president will invited veiled women to next year's reception.