Women in Turkey - Clothing

Clothing

See also: Headscarf controversy in Turkey
Do you cover when going outside?
1999 2006
No, I do not 27.3% 36.5%
Yes, I wear a headscarf 53.4% 48.8%
Yes, I wear a turban 15.7% 11.4%
Yes, I wear a çarşaf 3.4% 1.1%
NI/NA 0.3% 2.2%

A 2006 survey by the Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation estimated the prevalence of hair covering among Turkish women at 60% or about two-thirds of all Turkish women. There are regional variations: in 2005, 30% of women in Istanbul covered their hair, while in central and eastern Turkey, women are rarely seen on the streets, and wear headscarves in public.

The 2006 survey found that, compared to a previous study carried out in 1999, the number of women who employ headcoverings had increased in rural areas, but decreased in cities. It also found that the Çarşaf was almost never worn by women in the 18-39 age group.

From 1999 to 2006, women not wearing head coverings in the 25-39 age group rose from 28% to 41.5%, and in the 18-24 group increased from 40.5% to 50.7%. The prevalence also differs by income: in 2006, 37.2% of women in the medium income group were uncovered, compared to 71.2% in the higher income group.

The same survey asked single men whether they would want prospective wives to go covered: 56% responded no, 44% yes. Only 1.1% of covered women said they cover because of their spouses, fiancees or family, yet 46% thought there would be objections if they went uncovered.

On average, women who wear a headscarf are less tolerant towards gays, atheists, or ethnic minorities.

Read more about this topic:  Women In Turkey

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