Professor in the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Boğaziçi (Bosphorus) University, Istanbul, Dr. Yeşim Arat, will speak on this topic. Dr. Yeşim Arat is professor in the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Boğaziçi University (Bosphorus) in Istanbul. She has worked on questions of women's political participation and democratization in Turkey. Her scholarly work includes her books,Patriarchal Paradox: Women Politicians in Turkey; Rethinking Islam and Liberal Democracy: Islamist Women in Turkish Politics; Violence Against Women in Turkey, with Ayşe Gül Altınay; as well as numerous articles in edited volumes and professional journals. She was the provost of her university from 2008 to 2012 and is a member of the Science Academy, Turkey.
Abstract:
This talk will assess the accomplishments and shortcomings of feminist activism in Turkey over the past three decades. I will argue that as some feminist goals are attained, more complicated impediments arise over time. I will first draw attention to the feminist challenge to the Republican framework in which women's rights were upheld in Turkey. I will then discuss the changing nature of feminist activism influenced by second wave feminism in the West and expansion of women’s rights in Turkey. Finally, I will speculate on the new challenges feminists confront in the context of rising Islamist conservatism.
Part of the Turkey and Modernity Series, Curated by Professor Carter Findley.
To register for this event, RSVP on Eventbrite by Tuesday, April 2, 2013. If you have any questions or concerns, please email Ann Powers at powers.108@osu.edu. It is part of a seminar begining at 4:00, with Professor Sevket Pamuk's talk on Turkey's Economy in Globalization since 1980.
