“İhsan Doğramacı has added a new concept to the "headscarf" term:

"Modern headscarf!..."

The planted seeds of the September 12 military regime are sprouting. While compulsory religious courses and religious education are handed over to the control of religious sects, the funerals of sect sheikhs and their followers are arranged by Council of Ministers decrees.

Within the Arabesque-liberal framework of understanding, the state is surrendered to the Turkish-Islamic synthesis cadre. At the Military Academy, questions about 'Belief in Hızır (Hızır Nebi),' 'the falling of cinders,' and 'Nowruz' can be asked in the “Ataturkism and Revolution History” classes. Those who keep beards “other than religious beards” are prohibited from entering military lodges.

We may not believe it, but as soon as the issue of headscarves is mentioned, those who champion freedom and democracy suddenly fall silent. Yet, we watch with sorrow how they manage to make a fuss about professors expelled from universities by force of Law No. 1402.

The headscarf issue is exploitation of religion.

Today it's the headscarf, tomorrow the 'jilbab', the day after it's the fez...”

(Cumhuriyet, December 6, 1988, Headscarf and Jilbab...)

“No problem is solved by prohibition. We also do not believe that the issue of headscarves will be resolved through prohibition.

It should no longer be ignored that, the organized development of "reactionism" in conjunction with September 12 is “state-sponsored”.

The “Rabıta” incident is a clear example of this "siege operation." Rose water, after-shave, green kufi, Rolex watch, full beard, robe, Davidoff cigars... and the headscarf….

On one hand, restrictions on thought and organization persist; on the other hand, restrictions on headscarves are lifted. On one hand, those detained and convicted in prisons are forced by the state to wear standardized clothing; on the other hand, laws dictate the wearing of headscarves for Islamist young girls.

Of course, all of this is done in accordance with the "spirit and philosophy of September 12" and the "principles and revolutions of Atatürk." ” 

(Cumhuriyet, November 20, 1988, Negotiation...)

-Uğur Mumcu