Turkey Lifts Headscarf Ban in Military

Turkey has lifted the ban on the use of headscarves in the secular military of the country, thereby making changes to the last governmental institution that still did not allow its female employees to wear headscarves. On Wednesday, March 4, the French news agency reported, citing Turkish state media, that the order to lift the headscarf ban in the military was issued by the Ministry of Defense and applies to female officers serving in command and administrative sections of the army. According to this order, women are permitted to wear headscarves under their hats, provided that the headscarves match the color of their uniforms and do not cover their faces. The French news agency states that this order is effective immediately upon publication in Turkey's official newspapers and also applies to students at military academies, but it is unclear whether it can be implemented during military operations. The ruling Justice and Development Party, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has long sought to lift the headscarf ban in governmental and state institutions and has succeeded in lifting this ban in educational, political, and police institutions. The report also reflects statements by Binali Yıldırım, Turkey's Prime Minister, who emphasized that he believes lifting this ban is a 'very positive' step. Historically, the Turkish army has always been considered the last bastion of secularism in Turkey and has stood against the formation of Islamist governments; however, with the political events of recent years in Turkey, especially the recent failed coup, control of the army has fallen more than ever into the hands of Erdoğan and his party, known for their Islamist tendencies.