Qantara.de – Portrait Emel Abidin-Algan:Faith without the Headscarf

Qantara.de – Portrait Emel Abidin-Algan – Faith without the Headscarf
Portrait Emel Abidin-Algan
Faith without the Headscarf

Her decision caused quite a stir – in Germany as well as in Turkey. Emel Abidin-Algan, daughter of the founder of the Islamic association Milli Görüs, has put aside her headscarf after wearing it for over thirty years. The 45-year-old mother of six children spoke with Ariana Mirza about her motives

“We need fewer religious people and many more believers”, says Emel Abidin-Algan

“It is absurd to infer about someone’s beliefs on the basis of outward appearances!” said Emel Abidin-Algan, expressing her views in a ready to print form. She has experience in articulating her positions. A few years ago, the former chairwoman of an Islamic women’s association took part in Germany’s headscarf debate – and offered some rather unconventional suggestions.

First, Emel Abidin-Algan and a group of Berlin women designers created fashionable hats as an alternative to the controversial headscarf. Then, in early 2005, she took off her own headscarf for good.

Since then, there have been many changes in the life of the mother of six. She dances with an Irish folklore group, practices martial arts in a mixed Aikido team, and goes to night school. Emel Abidin-Algan continues to take care of her three youngest children, who still live at home, together with her husband, although they have decided to separate. Her conservative husband refuses to accept his wife’s new attitudes.