New regulation that changes dress code set free wearing hijab and stubbly beard among civil servants in the Turkish Armed Forces(TAF). With this change same dress code in the public institutions will be applied to civil servants in TAF. Purview of the regulation supposed to “ensure civil servants to be in fashion according to Atatürk revolutions, modern, not overshooting, modest and in harmony”. With the last legislative changes allows more than 30 thousand civil servants in the Turkish Armed Forces to wear hijab.
"NOT FREEDOM OF DRESSING BUT ISLAMIZATION OF GOVERMENTAL INSTITUONS"
This move seen by opposition as a part of continuous attempts of islamization of governmental institutions. Main reason of that accusation claims meanwhile hijab and religious clothings are introduced in public institutions, government imposes restrictions about height of skirts or make-ups. High School students forced to wear pants in some schools. Meanwhile muslim style beards are allowed, mans still can’t grow their hair. Man are mobbed to go to friday prayers and can’t be successful in their careers if they not.
President Erdoğan’s general attitude towards woman also supports this accusations. Erdoğan suggest woman to stay at home as mothers, give at least 3 births, and play their maternal roles more than one occasion. While labour law in being changed in favor of capitalists, woman workers who married or give birth have given new rights; about their cancellation of labor contract without penalties. Specially unions of public employees complain about systematic islamization of public administration.
ARMY'S SECULAR IMAGE IS FADING
The latest change in the army also has symbolic importance. Turkish Armed Forces has seen for a long time as protector of secularism. Even the cooperation between TAF and AKP government is overt, the change inside the army still received with puzzle.
Notwithstanding, TAF has cancelled 10th of November - commemorating Mustafa Kemal Atatürk ceremonies with a last minute call. Clouded decision justified with possible provocation treaths, but TAF itself did not made such statement. Army’s participation in Syrian conflict alongside with jihadi Free Syrian Army forces also questioning.
