The veiling discussions of women in the press in the Second Constitutional Era

Womenfolk have been pushed aside by societies since the social adoption of sedentary lifestyle and the emergence of private property concept. Although the status of women varies from societies to societies, generally, their rights were taken away in course of time, even they had equal rights with the men in beginning. One of these rights was the freedom of clothing and attire. Before Monotheistic religions while patriarchy was very common, women's attire was interfered by ancient civilizations and the veiling has begun to symbolize honesty and purity. Such understanding, also, affected monotheistic religions and it remained the same for generations. During the Establishment Period of Ottoman Empire, women had relatively a better social status. But, in the Classical Period, along with the influences of the Byzantine, Iranian and Arabian societies, they were forced into veiling and were thrown out of focus in society. Even the appearance of women controlled by the monarchy during this period. Such conditions have remained in the same way until Tanzimat Era, during this period, the status of women have started to be questioned and the veiling issue as well. At the Constitutional Period, the woman and veiling were clearly drawn attention by the public as the central issue of the social problems. New ways of thinking in the society brought along serious debates. Though the discussions were certainly resolved by the law, when new Turkish Republic established by M. Kemal Atatürk, veiling matter has been discussed for many years in the society. Key Words: Women, Culture, Media, Veiling Discussions