Shona BHATTACHARYYA
AFP
Fri, 28 April 2023
For a long time, conservative women have been central to Recep Tayyip Erdogan's electoral victories in Turkey. On this August 13, 2018 photo, veiled women look at a shop window in Istanbul. © Yasin Akgul, AFP
Istanbul – Turkey’s May 14 elections are looking uncertain for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan amid a sluggish economy, young Turks less enamoured with the ruling AKP and an opposition that is finally united. Support from conservative women, usually a pillar of his voting base, is also looking less robust ahead of the vote. FRANCE 24 reports.
"I liked him a lot, and I liked the party, as well," Emine* says, when asked why she has voted for Erdogan for the past 20 years. This housewife lives in the Basaksehir district in Istanbul, one of the many neighbourhoods transformed by the ruling AKP’s urbanisation policy. She was in her early 30s when then candidate Erdogan, who ran as an MP in a March 2003 by-election, emerged as a beacon of hope for women like her: veiled, conservative women who felt marginalised and even disregarded.
The “AKP opened up new areas for conservative women by removing the headscarf ban", Esra Ozcan tells FRANCE 24. The author of, “Mainstreaming the Headscarf: Islamist Politics and Women in the Turkish Media,” Ozcan cites the fact that veiled women can now serve as police officers, judges, university professors or elected political representatives – all of which was against the law unless they removed their headscarves until the AKP came to power.
“This is indeed a group that experienced an expansion of freedoms under [the] AKP,” says Ozcan, a senior professor of practice at Tulane University in New Orleans.
Murat Yetkin, a well-known Turkish editorialist, says one of the reasons that explains Erdogan’s extraordinary popular appeal in the early 2000s was the authoritarian tendencies of the ruling coalition at the time that employed openly anti-Islamic rhetoric targeting veiled women. By denouncing this trend, the young charismatic leader became the champion of conservative women who, from then on, formed an important base of his support.
But 20 years later, “Women have changed,” says Ozlem Zengin, vice president of the AKP bloc in the Turkish parliament.
Those who were among Erdogan’s most ardent supporters in the early years – Erdogan has been president of Turkey since 2014 – could turn their backs on him on May 14 for the country’s presidential and legislative elections.
Fri, 28 April 2023
For a long time, conservative women have been central to Recep Tayyip Erdogan's electoral victories in Turkey. On this August 13, 2018 photo, veiled women look at a shop window in Istanbul. © Yasin Akgul, AFP
Istanbul – Turkey’s May 14 elections are looking uncertain for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan amid a sluggish economy, young Turks less enamoured with the ruling AKP and an opposition that is finally united. Support from conservative women, usually a pillar of his voting base, is also looking less robust ahead of the vote. FRANCE 24 reports.
"I liked him a lot, and I liked the party, as well," Emine* says, when asked why she has voted for Erdogan for the past 20 years. This housewife lives in the Basaksehir district in Istanbul, one of the many neighbourhoods transformed by the ruling AKP’s urbanisation policy. She was in her early 30s when then candidate Erdogan, who ran as an MP in a March 2003 by-election, emerged as a beacon of hope for women like her: veiled, conservative women who felt marginalised and even disregarded.
The “AKP opened up new areas for conservative women by removing the headscarf ban", Esra Ozcan tells FRANCE 24. The author of, “Mainstreaming the Headscarf: Islamist Politics and Women in the Turkish Media,” Ozcan cites the fact that veiled women can now serve as police officers, judges, university professors or elected political representatives – all of which was against the law unless they removed their headscarves until the AKP came to power.
“This is indeed a group that experienced an expansion of freedoms under [the] AKP,” says Ozcan, a senior professor of practice at Tulane University in New Orleans.
Murat Yetkin, a well-known Turkish editorialist, says one of the reasons that explains Erdogan’s extraordinary popular appeal in the early 2000s was the authoritarian tendencies of the ruling coalition at the time that employed openly anti-Islamic rhetoric targeting veiled women. By denouncing this trend, the young charismatic leader became the champion of conservative women who, from then on, formed an important base of his support.
But 20 years later, “Women have changed,” says Ozlem Zengin, vice president of the AKP bloc in the Turkish parliament.
Those who were among Erdogan’s most ardent supporters in the early years – Erdogan has been president of Turkey since 2014 – could turn their backs on him on May 14 for the country’s presidential and legislative elections.
Tradition and domestic violence
Erdogan often reminds the Turkish public of how he helped strike down the headscarf ban. He believes he has done more for women than many of his predecessors, although many deem that this measure alone was not enough.
Erdogan’s speeches reveal a traditional vision of women’s role in society: above all, a woman is a mother (to three children, if possible) who also takes care of the elderly. It is an ideal that remains unchanging even as the country experiences rapid urbanisation and modernisation.
In today’s Turkey, women – even those who wear the veil – want the same opportunities and working conditions as men.
When Erdogan pulled Turkey out of the Istanbul Convention on violence against women in July 2021 it confirmed his anachronistic tendencies. In recent years, the Erdogan government has taken a strong stance in favour of traditional family values and against the LGBT “propaganda” embraced by the Western world and the “normalisation” of homosexuality.
With the upcoming elections likely to be Erdogan’s most contested yet, the decision to incorporate two Islamist parties into his coalition that have called for the annulment of a law protecting women from domestic violence is dividing members of the AKP, a rare feat.
Red line
Zengin, 53, did not mince her words when she stated that the passage of law 6284 would be a “red line”, a comment that attracted a fireball of criticism and threats coming from her own political party. She later tried to put out the flames. “We’re sorry. I don’t want to say anything more about this law. I’m tired. I am saddened when I see the situation of our community. I did not say that the law couldn’t be discussed. I only wish that we can discuss it in a more humane, decent and Islamic environment.”
Among those that supported Zengin is the Kadem Foundation. It, too, is affiliated with the AKP and its leader is none other than one of Erdogan’s daughters. But the foundation published a tweet denouncing “an insulting and misogynistic campaign” and reminded its followers that “half of the voters who will cast their ballots are women”.
In another sign that Turkish society is evolving on these issues, an episode of "Kızılcık Serbeti" (Cranberry Sorbet), one of Turkey’s most popular TV shows, ended last month with a veiled woman being killed by her husband. The country’s RTUK media regulatory council ruled that the scene “encouraged domestic violence”, demanding the producers pay a heavy fine and taking the show off the air for five weeks. Its fans were surprised to see a documentary on Islamophobia, notably featuring President Erdogan, airing on April 14 instead of the show.
At least 23 women killed in March
According to We Will Stop Feminicide Platform, 23 women were killed by men and 19 others died in suspicious circumstances in March 2023. The organisation itself is the target of a judicial inquiry and faces closure for “carrying out activities that are against the law and morality”. The last hearing took place in the beginning of April and was adjourned until September 13.
Conservative women are not a homogeneous voting bloc in Turkey. But Ozcan is confident that the AKP “has lost sections of it”.
“Young conservative women want to see [the] AKP… go,” she writes. “They have been very disappointed [by the] AKP’s transformation from former victim to a new oppressor. These women identify as Muslims and they don’t want to see Muslims as oppressors.”
When asked why she won’t vote for Erdogan on May 14, Emine responds simply, “Because I started to think with my head.” Still, that doesn’t mean the 54-year-old will be voting for the opposition. For the first time ever, she says she will abstain.
*Not her real name.
Turkey’s Erdogan cancels 3rd day of election appearances
yesterday
In this handout photo released by Turkish Presidency, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan inaugurates Turkey's first nuclear power plant via a video link, at the Presidential palace in Ankara, Thursday, April 27, 2023. Sitting behind a desk surrounded by Cabinet members, aides and political allies, the 69-year-old leader remotely presided over the event marking the delivery of the first fuel to Russian-built Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, in southern Turkey. (Turkish Presidency via AP)
ISTANBUL (AP) — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan canceled his election appearances for a third day Friday after falling ill with what officials described as an intestinal infection.
Erdogan, who has governed Turkey for two decades as prime minister and then president, is seeking a third presidential term in Turkey’s May 14 elections. He had been due to appear at a bridge opening and a political rally in the southern city of Adana, but his schedule changed to show he would attend the opening ceremony via video link.
Erdogan spoke by phone Friday with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio on several matters, including the Ukraine-Russia grain and fertilizer deal they helped arrange, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. He said they discussed “how to guarantee the improvement, expansion and extension” of the deal, which expires May 18.
Erdogan became ill during a TV interview on Tuesday evening with what Health Minister Fahrettin Koca later said was a “gastrointestinal infection.” His election rallies planned for Wednesday and Thursday were canceled.
He looked pale Thursday as he inaugurated a nuclear power plant via video in his first public appearance since his illness. During his Friday video address Erdogan seemed well as he spoke for about 10 minutes from behind a desk.
Other officials sought to dispel concerns over the 69-year-old leader’s health ahead of the presidential and parliamentary elections. Recent polls showed a slight lead for Erdogan’s main challenger amid an economic downturn and a February earthquake that killed more than 50,000 people.
Erdogan, who underwent intestinal surgery in 2011, has ruled Turkey since 2003, first as prime minister and as president since 2014. He campaigned hard in recent weeks, attending several events across the country every day.
yesterday
In this handout photo released by Turkish Presidency, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan inaugurates Turkey's first nuclear power plant via a video link, at the Presidential palace in Ankara, Thursday, April 27, 2023. Sitting behind a desk surrounded by Cabinet members, aides and political allies, the 69-year-old leader remotely presided over the event marking the delivery of the first fuel to Russian-built Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, in southern Turkey. (Turkish Presidency via AP)
ISTANBUL (AP) — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan canceled his election appearances for a third day Friday after falling ill with what officials described as an intestinal infection.
Erdogan, who has governed Turkey for two decades as prime minister and then president, is seeking a third presidential term in Turkey’s May 14 elections. He had been due to appear at a bridge opening and a political rally in the southern city of Adana, but his schedule changed to show he would attend the opening ceremony via video link.
Erdogan spoke by phone Friday with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio on several matters, including the Ukraine-Russia grain and fertilizer deal they helped arrange, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. He said they discussed “how to guarantee the improvement, expansion and extension” of the deal, which expires May 18.
Erdogan became ill during a TV interview on Tuesday evening with what Health Minister Fahrettin Koca later said was a “gastrointestinal infection.” His election rallies planned for Wednesday and Thursday were canceled.
He looked pale Thursday as he inaugurated a nuclear power plant via video in his first public appearance since his illness. During his Friday video address Erdogan seemed well as he spoke for about 10 minutes from behind a desk.
Other officials sought to dispel concerns over the 69-year-old leader’s health ahead of the presidential and parliamentary elections. Recent polls showed a slight lead for Erdogan’s main challenger amid an economic downturn and a February earthquake that killed more than 50,000 people.
Erdogan, who underwent intestinal surgery in 2011, has ruled Turkey since 2003, first as prime minister and as president since 2014. He campaigned hard in recent weeks, attending several events across the country every day.
Turkey's Erdogan cancels events after falling ill on live TV
DW
DW
April 27, 2023
Recep Tayyip Erdogan cleared his calendar on Wednesday and Thursday after falling ill during a televised interview. The Turkish president is campaigning to extend his 20-year rule at next month's election.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan canceled his appearances for a second day on Thursday after falling ill with a stomach bug.
On Thursday, he had been scheduled to appear at a rally in Mersin as well as to inaugurate Turkey's first nuclear power station — a facility on Turkey's southern coast that is built, owned and operated by Russia's state nuclear energy company Rosatom.
Instead, Erdogan addressed the nuclear plant opening via video link, along with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Erdogan boasted that he was "proud to be making the move that will place Turkey among the nuclear power countries of the world."
Putin described the plant as the "biggest project in the history of Turkish-Russian ties."
Erdogan falls ill mid-interview
Erdogan fell ill during a live TV interview on Tuesday while campaigning for the election next month.
The interview was briefly cut and a concerned voice could be heard in the background. Erdogan returned around 20 minutes later to finish the interview.
The Turkish president said on Wednesday that he would take some time off to "rest at home under the advice of our doctors."
What Turkish officials say about Erdogan's health
Late on Wednesday, Erdogan's communications director Fahrettin Altun shared screenshots of speculation that the president had suffered a heart attack and was in hospital.
"We categorically reject such baseless claims regarding the president about his health," Altun said.
Meanwhile, Vice President Fuat Oktay said Erdogan was doing well.
"We are in constant contact," he said. "He has caught a little cold."
The election campaign in Turkey
Erdogan has been campaigning frequently as part of his bid to continue a two-decade election-winning streak.
However, his popularity has fallen due to economic issues and the impact of February's earthquakes that claimed more than 50,000 lives.
He is now neck-and-neck in the polls with opposition candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who is backed by a coalition of secular, conservative and nationalist factions.
On Thursday, polls opened for Turks in Germany — the largest Turkish diaspora community numbering 1.5 million eligible voters — to cast their vote from overseas. The first round of the election in Turkey will be held on May 14.
zc/msh (AFP, AP, Reuters, dpa)
Recep Tayyip Erdogan cleared his calendar on Wednesday and Thursday after falling ill during a televised interview. The Turkish president is campaigning to extend his 20-year rule at next month's election.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan canceled his appearances for a second day on Thursday after falling ill with a stomach bug.
On Thursday, he had been scheduled to appear at a rally in Mersin as well as to inaugurate Turkey's first nuclear power station — a facility on Turkey's southern coast that is built, owned and operated by Russia's state nuclear energy company Rosatom.
Instead, Erdogan addressed the nuclear plant opening via video link, along with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Erdogan boasted that he was "proud to be making the move that will place Turkey among the nuclear power countries of the world."
Putin described the plant as the "biggest project in the history of Turkish-Russian ties."
Erdogan falls ill mid-interview
Erdogan fell ill during a live TV interview on Tuesday while campaigning for the election next month.
The interview was briefly cut and a concerned voice could be heard in the background. Erdogan returned around 20 minutes later to finish the interview.
The Turkish president said on Wednesday that he would take some time off to "rest at home under the advice of our doctors."
What Turkish officials say about Erdogan's health
Late on Wednesday, Erdogan's communications director Fahrettin Altun shared screenshots of speculation that the president had suffered a heart attack and was in hospital.
"We categorically reject such baseless claims regarding the president about his health," Altun said.
Meanwhile, Vice President Fuat Oktay said Erdogan was doing well.
"We are in constant contact," he said. "He has caught a little cold."
The election campaign in Turkey
Erdogan has been campaigning frequently as part of his bid to continue a two-decade election-winning streak.
However, his popularity has fallen due to economic issues and the impact of February's earthquakes that claimed more than 50,000 lives.
He is now neck-and-neck in the polls with opposition candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who is backed by a coalition of secular, conservative and nationalist factions.
On Thursday, polls opened for Turks in Germany — the largest Turkish diaspora community numbering 1.5 million eligible voters — to cast their vote from overseas. The first round of the election in Turkey will be held on May 14.
zc/msh (AFP, AP, Reuters, dpa)
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