The topic of the headscarf and the turban are still discussed in contemporary news, regardless of more important topics. This is due to the immense amount of pressure felt by both sides: those who choose to wear them, and those that don’t. The following are my personal observations.
The wearers of the turban are much less leniant with their children continuing to wear the religious garb whereas the head scarf wearers are much more allowing of modern day changes. For example, a mother wearing a turban is less likely to allow her daughter to not wear a turban, however a mother in a head scarf is more accepting of a daughter’s decision not to cover her hair.
The turban is seen more on younger women, whereas the headscarf is more often on older women. The turban has allowed young women to follow contemporary fashion along with her religious standing.
While the headcloth is a tradition, a turban is more a conscious decision having political and ideological connotations. We don’t see the turban in Turkish tradition, it hails from lebanese ancestry. The turban found its way into Turkish fashion in the late 1970’s becoming more and more fashionable until we reach modern day.
I personally believe that if we are to solve our problem of our view on religious garbs, we should, as a community, accept all choices made regardless of religion, sex, or ideology. We should not be prejudiced or despise people for what they wear.
The media and political figures should avoid confusing the minds of the people by constantly covering the subject. It wasn’t a problem in the past and, if left alone, it will gradually solve itself.
