i recently came across the postings on your blog dealing with headscarfs in Turkey.
I was today on an exhibition on "defining Europe" and European identity that among others comprised a section precisely on headscarfs that immediately made me think of your articles. For one part there were scenes of interviews with young Muslim women in Germany, for the other exhibits of traditional headscarfs and similar objects.
I was intrigued by the question, what role the headscarf had in Europe and that outside the Muslim religion. (Predominantly old) women in large parts of Central and Eastern Europe were and are still wearing headscarfs - is that a religious symbol? Nuns are wearing wide clothes and cover their heads. So do nurses in their classical dress. Where did religion blend into tradition, where does fashion start and where an active religious statement?
Digressing even more: Jews are not allowed to enter sacred places when their head is NOT covered, good Christians uncover theirs when entering the church.
I am sure that an in-depth discussion could lead to interesting insights, breaking out of the perspective normally - and too often - adopted when it comes to this topic.
It is very true that it has not helped the cause of women when the headscarf was picked as a political symbol rather than what it really is, a religious statement and/or a tradition. Us Westerners will always have to deal with a certain malaise when dealing with this issue, but self-determination, the respect of indivuality and the protection of women rights have ultimately to be achieved elsewhere.
I am glad to hear voices that resist the urge of the West, to express outrage on the unbearable fate of Muslim women wearing the scarf, and, at the same time, manage to show the ambiguity of the issue and the struggle of the ones that are really concerned. Yes or No is not always the answer...
To answer one of your questions, in short: I believe many women wear the headscarf for the same (psychological) reason that others wear miniskirts: to please Another, whether material or spiritual.
I see you are interested in the Balkans and the Caucasus as much as I am.
I will be happy to exchange more ideas on the subject with you.
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2 comments:
Dear Kinia,
i recently came across the postings on your blog dealing with headscarfs in Turkey.
I was today on an exhibition on "defining Europe" and European identity that among others comprised a section precisely on headscarfs that immediately made me think of your articles. For one part there were scenes of interviews with young Muslim women in Germany, for the other exhibits of traditional headscarfs and similar objects.
I was intrigued by the question, what role the headscarf had in Europe and that outside the Muslim religion. (Predominantly old) women in large parts of Central and Eastern Europe were and are still wearing headscarfs - is that a religious symbol? Nuns are wearing wide clothes and cover their heads. So do nurses in their classical dress. Where did religion blend into tradition, where does fashion start and where an active religious statement?
Digressing even more: Jews are not allowed to enter sacred places when their head is NOT covered, good Christians uncover theirs when entering the church.
I am sure that an in-depth discussion could lead to interesting insights, breaking out of the perspective normally - and too often - adopted when it comes to this topic.
It is very true that it has not helped the cause of women when the headscarf was picked as a political symbol rather than what it really is, a religious statement and/or a tradition. Us Westerners will always have to deal with a certain malaise when dealing with this issue, but self-determination, the respect of indivuality and the protection of women rights have ultimately to be achieved elsewhere.
I am glad to hear voices that resist the urge of the West, to express outrage on the unbearable fate of Muslim women wearing the scarf, and, at the same time, manage to show the ambiguity of the issue and the struggle of the ones that are really concerned. Yes or No is not always the answer...
Regards,
Martin
Dear Martin,
thank you for your kind and wise words.
To answer one of your questions, in short: I believe many women wear the headscarf for the same (psychological) reason that others wear miniskirts: to please Another, whether material or spiritual.
I see you are interested in the Balkans and the Caucasus as much as I am.
I will be happy to exchange more ideas on the subject with you.
Best,
Kinia
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