Turkey was long viewed as a symbol of secularism in the Islamic world — an alternative to the rigid Islamic governments imposing medieval Sharia laws to their populations. Then came the election of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has steadily broken down secular tradition and introduced more and more Islamic influences in government. (You may recall Erdogan recently declaring that Muslims discovered America and that there was proof of a Mosque in Cuba when Columbus arrived) The fines imposed this week by the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTUK) have reaffirmed those concerns. RTUK officials imposed as fine of 410,000 Turkish lira ($177,000, 145,000 euros) against The game show, “I Don’t Know, My Spouse Knows.” The episode in question showed wives pictures of their husbands dancing with foreign women. That was deemed “contrary to public morality and the Turkish family structure.”
Turkey remains one of my favorite countries to visit and it is sad to see the country descend into the same religious orthodoxy as their neighbors. Turkey represented a critical partner for Western countries, a symbol that it is possible to be a nation with a majority of Muslims and still believe in the separation of religion and state. From the very beginning of his ascent to the presidency, Erdogan has played the religion card in rallying devout Muslims while attacking secular principles. The threat for women and religious minorities — as well as journalists and civil libertarians — has continued to rise during his tenure.
The four wives shown the films were aghast and angry but the Turkish government was apparently irate over the immorality of men dancing with women other than their wives. It said that the show “encouraged men to cheat on their wives and provided an environment to disturb the family peace.” It also said that such dancing “reduced [women] to sexual objects”.
The head of RTUK, Davut Dursun, insisted that he was merely trying to stop an “ugly” display and that they “made the decision that the show was not in line with the concept of the family.”
Source: Yahoo
Remember three of our sailors were attacked in Turkey. Got away safely though. A friend is leaving for a six-month at-sea, with a stop in Turkey. They are already issuing warnings and organizing bus trips to historic sites. I understand the US is considering stopping refueling in Turkey and using a friendlier country. Is there one?
Erdogan looks bent.
Sounds like the Turkish version of “Cheaters” is just as bad as the US version is.
The percentage of female CEO’s in Turkey is actually higher than in most western countries and I am happy to report that these women are using their hard-earned money to educate girls and women about their rights.
This article reminds me of what the right wing evangelicals are pushing for in this country. Not many comments on here from the ladies and gentlemen who usually have plenty to say about other issues.
This in my view is a sign President Erdoğan is now ratcheting up the introduction of Islam into Turkish society and government. I believe this was his intention from the beginning and we are now seeing his goal gaining momentum. I have concerns a later campaign might include favoring a particular sect over others and the subjugation of others, mainly the Kurds though in a worse manner given the historical tensions. Hopefully this will not come to fruition.
On another note, I think it is a foregone conclusion that Turkey is not for a very long time be part of the European Union, which it has petitioned for. President Erdoğan certainly in large part is solidifying that fact.
Does that mean Tom Bergeron is an infidel in Turkey?
Old George, I had a good friend who was a 7th Day Adventist. No dancing, no movies, etc. Our connection was sports. We played sports together and went to watch games together. I went to the Catholic HS and he went to public, losing contact. But, much to my surprise once I saw him @ a high school dance. His parents relented when he got to high school. A wise move on their part. One of he nicest guys I’ve ever known. And, a helluva catcher. I was a pitcher and he was the best battery mate I ever had.
The northern Europeans wish to get out of the EU and NATO and they think of Turkey as the worst of the bunch in NATO. Germans feel that way.
I guess it is safe to say that Erdogan would not want to watch “Footloose” on Turkey TV.
rafflaw – frankly I do not want to watch Footloose on any TV, much less Turkey TV.
I suggest that Turkey is not in line with the concept of NATO.
When I was a kid some Christian sects were like that.
Isaac, LOL!
That’s why I stopped going to weddings. I was forced to dance with the bride, and various other women. I felt like a piece of meat.
issac – if you want to feel like meat on the rack be a straight guy in a gay bar. 🙂
“…contrary to public morality and the…family structure.” This is exactly the type of law that quite a few people would like to see in this country! Frightening.
I do not think any man should be forced to dance with any woman besides his wife.