Muslim ‘feminist’ women in modern-day Turkey :|the changing conceptualization of body, intimacy and sexuality

Abstract

The subject of this study is Muslim Feminist Movement in Turkey which became apparent in public sphere in 1987 for the first time, following many ups and downs, this movement nowadays takes an important space among women movement in Turkey. This study aims to reveal the movement’s historical process and where it stands today, by comparing the first generation in 1987 and the new Muslim Feminist generation of today. It can be suggested that patriarchy adapts itself to new conditions in new ways. Therefore, struggling against this phenomenon is always a formidable mission for women. In today’s world women advanced and diversified their ways of struggling with patriarchy. The Muslim Feminist movement is crucial to analyze, since this movement tries to struggle against both the traditionally accepted patriarchy and the modern patriarchy at the same time. In this study, I focused on these women’s perceptions of their sexualities and bodies, since the patriarchal public reduces women into their sexualities, bodies as well as the private sphere. Accordingly, for the methodology, I examined the writings of these women, then I made in-depth interviews considering that these texts might not be enough. Finally, It’s been understood that the first generation has started a movement bravely; however, the generation of today appreciates this but takes the level in higher ways of struggling and discussing.