Even though Erdogan refuted this charge, a bloc defending the ban immediately went into action, without the details of the study being clarified yet. The president of the Higher Education Council (YOK), Erdogan Tezic, said: "A new evaluation of the headscarf issue will not be very appropriate." The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), again demonstrated its tough attitude with the message, "We will resist," while the True Path Party (DYP) pledged "support" straight from party leader Mehmet Agar's mouth. The lines are clear concerning the headscarf ban. Change is not an issue. Everyone maintains his or her position.
It is difficult to simply say "yes" to the question, "I wonder, do the remarks of the prime minister promise hope towards a solution?" This is because there is a rigid bloc which shows no signs of softening on the headscarf issue. The issue was being mentioned by members of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) during their early days in government; however, the words did not turn into action. Even though he is not pleased with the situation now, Erdogan, who has been delaying a solution to the issue, spoke out: "We will put the issue on our agenda." All AKP deputies individually suffer from the headscarf issue: They are witnesses to the tragedy of the girls, either in their families or in close circles, who have been deprived of their education rights because they wear headscarves. The headscarf has become a problem that AKP members, most especially Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc and Prime Minister Erdogan, are feeling the pains during this period, because of President Ahmet Necdet Sezer's pro-ban definition of public domain. The problems their daughters experienced during this process have reflected on their spouses. The AKP's area of power has been narrowed by the public domain concept because of the headscarf.
While Turkey was walking with decisive steps towards the European Union (EU) in the last two years, bans were being lifted one by one through legal amendments. Broadcasting and opening of courses in mother tongue were legalized, broadcasts were made in Kurdish on state television channels. The scope of freedoms in many fields was expanded in the greatest possible way. The Supreme Court of Appeals gave a new liberal interpretation to the principles of secularism rather than a restrictive and narrow one. It was inevitable that the headscarf would have its share. Yet, no steps forward have been taken so far. While Leyla Zana has been released, why doesn't the headscarf deserve the same right?
The climate is suitable and the conjuncture is favorable for a solution to the headscarf issue. There is the political will in Parliament. Besides society, a majority of the politicians also favor a solution. Even among CHP deputies, there are some who approach the issue within the framework of freedom and present a political stance favoring a solution. Like Kemal Dervis and Zulfu Livaneli. The headscarf issue is not only a political matter. If it were so, it would have already been solved. It has both closed and open aspects other than the political will. In spite of this, the responsibility still rests wholly on politics. The MHP came to power with promises on the headscarf issue, however, it did not move even an inch and later paid a heavy price. The headscarf has such a burning effect. It scorches those who stand aloof and those who come closer. The same misfortune could well befall AKP, too.
That seeking a solution to the issue, at the highest level, came from Prime Minister Erdogan's mouth, shows some action will be taken in the days ahead. There is no turning back from this word, henceforward. Those, who have suffered from this problem, are waiting with great expectations and it would not be fair to frustrate them. So far, the AKP coming halfway through an election term, has accomplished many feats described as reforms, during its period of power. The Turkish currency has gotten rid of its zeroes and European standards have been introduced to the country. Perhaps, the percentage of AKP supporters, who expect that at least their demands on the headscarf issue will be met, is not small.
It is worth taking action on the headscarf issue by considering all these factors in the current picture. Even if no results are obtained, at least the AKP would have made some efforts and would have saved itself from being like the MHP. It would therefore be remembered that having a majority in Parliament is not everything within the current system and there are other powers besides the nation's will. The society would then have a chance to see who stands in which lines.
This article was written before Erdogan's refutation. When a student amnesty comes to Parliament next week, the headscarf issue will also be discussed. It is very interesting that the opposition front embarked upon action without the prime minister's remarks being clarified. We are now in the days when the AKP should take the necessary steps on the headscarf issue.
January 9, 2005
