Headscarf within the modernisation process of Turkey: Problems and acquisitions

This study discusses last stage of Turkish modernisation process within the "headscarf" symbol. Modernisation history of Turkey which had started in the last phase of the Ottoman Empire has undergone a qualitative differentiation. Modern elites, who alienate their own history and assert some social groups as "others", have tried to minimise all kind of symbols and rituals which reflect "others". In this regard, headscarf has been tried to ignore too. The headscarf prohibition in Turkey has a half-century-long history. However, the prohibition has been repealed thanks to legal regulations which have been completed by AK Parti (Justice and Development Party) in last 4 years. On the other hand, conversely to other past terms secular political actors have not opposed to the new regulations. On the contrary, they have tried to seem at peace with Islamic symbols. Because, the headscarf has become an inseparable part of daily life within the context of social harmony. In the process of legitimacy of headscarf again, two social dynamic can be determined. First, against to all negative conditions, struggle of existence in common use areas of women with headscarves. This is the insistence of women to participate to the modern life. The second dynamic is the move of Islamic actors that aim carry large social groups to the centre via bureaucracy. The Islamic actors have changed their marginalised discourses which had leaded exclusion in past terms. Thus, they have adopted an inclusive political discourse. The political strategy which revealed as a gradual transformation has unintentionally promoted prevalence of modernisation. Although, Islamic actors familiar with political and economic bureaucracy, this relationship has institutionalised in Justice and Development Party's term. Thus, Islamic demand, symbols and implementations have become an inner part of the system and the headscarf turns into a modern element. In this regard, after a comprehensive reading it can be suggested that 28th of February is not a "modernisation keeper" post-modern attempt conversely to claims of secular actors. On the contrary, it is an anti-democratic attempt which excludes some social groups. The current period which we live in is a process of normalisation that minimise social tensions. Key Words: Headscarf, Islamism, Modernisation, Legitimacy.