Azerbaijan, Baku, 31 May / Trend corr S. Ilhamgizi, R. Hafizoglu/ Still acting ban on scarf wearing for religious women in Turkey and other religious minorities' problems in the field of freedom result from unclear understanding of secularity principles.
"Wrong understanding of secularity principles in Turkey causes problems to religious people," Turkish expert Sinan Ogan said.
According to Turkish press, Turkey's Foreign Minister Ali Babacan stated at the European Parliament on 28 May that not only religious minorities but also Muslims who represent majority in the country face freedom problems.
"Main principle of secularity is separation of religion from the state. Nobody in Turkey experiences pressure due to his religion and views," Sinan Ogan, head of the Turksam centre for international relations and strategic research, said from Istanbul on 30 May.
According to the expert, Babacan's statement was treated ambiguously. The Minister meant that women cannot wear scarves to schools and state establishments.
"However, the Minister missed that this is a juridical issue. The Constitution and laws of Turkey prohibit women from wearing scarves to universities, state bodies. Everybody must follow the law," expert said.
Ogan said that scarf-wearing problem has acquired urgency in Turkey in recent 20 years and it occurred also in France and Russia. According to him, such approach of an official to the problem is objectionable.
"To describe the problems persisting in the society in some other light, to refer a minor problem to 'all Muslims' means pressure upon Muslims," expert said.
According to Ogan, it is the governing pro-Islamic party to solve the problem.
Nigar Gomrukcuoglu, former Director of Mezlumder organization engaged in protection of freedom of religion and freedom of expression of Turkey's Muslims, believes that religious problems in the country result from authorities' attitude towards religion.
"Originality of the political system and legislation in Turkey causes a range of problems to Muslims and other religious minorities," Gomrukcuoglu said in a telephone conversation from Istanbul on 30 May.
She said that one of the key problems of Turkey's Muslims is still acting ban on scarf wearing.
According to the expert, scarf ban prevents religious women from receiving higher education.
"The problem is that Turkish Fund on Religious Affairs cannot solve Muslims' problems. Just the opposite, Fund's activities are intended to restrict Muslims' freedom of religion and to control them," Gomrukcuoglu said.
For over 20 years women in Turkey have been prohibited from visiting educational establishments and state bodies with covered heads. The initiatives by the governing Justice and Development Party were rejected by the Constitutional Court. Court is still investigating scarf issue.
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