Iran and Turkey modernization of the women's movement (1830-1965)

In the eighteenth century, there were serious economic as well as social and political changes throughout Europe. These changes have affected the lifestyles of various societies. After the Industrial Revolution in Britain and the French Revolution, other countries began to alter their lifestyles under the influence of these events. These changes were known as modernism. These changes also attracted the attention of such governments as Qajar and the Ottoman. However, some of the reforms known as modernism differed from the Islamic principles prevailing in these governments. One of the most important of these principles was about changing the position of women both in the home and in society. Regarding this change, Muslims strongly opposed the reforms because of their belief in the principles of Islam. Although the fanatical Muslims in society opposed these changes, the Qajar and Ottoman governments gradually implemented reforms in line with European modernism, and these reforms deeply affected the status and lifestyle of women. The aforementioned reforms were brough about more quickly after the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in the place of the Ottoman Empire, and also the replacement of the Qajar dynasty with the Pahlavi government in Iran. In both of these countries, women gained more rights and changed their positions after this event. In Iran and Turkey, inspite of the full support given to women by Reza Shah, and Mohammad Reza Shah; and Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, respectively; the presence of religion hardliners and extrimists, and superstition still caused serious problems concerning reforms aimed at improving women's rights. In this thesis, we examine the evolution of the women's movement that started in the 19th century and the changes in the social status of women in both countries using a comparative method. Iran and Turkey are two neighbors which, unlike the West's colonial geographies in the Middle East, Africa or the Far East, did not come under colonialization and started, instead, the process of modernization with their own choice. At the same time, the history of the historical rivalry in the case of women will be evaluated.