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Two women with full veils on the Galata Bridge
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Two women with full veils on the Galata Bridge
When Ataturk came to power and established the Republic, he felt it essential for the veil to be abolished in a modern society. He said in a speech that the only reason Turkish women wore the veil, was because it was well known they were the ugliest women in the world and overnight the veil disappeared from Turkey
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Media ID 4424067
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10280183
Barrier Burka Carrier Constantinople Galata Istanbul Olives Veil Veiled Veils
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This evocative black-and-white photograph captures the historical significance of the Galata Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey, as two women in full veils cross the iconic barrier between Europe and Asia. The image is a poignant reminder of the complex and layered history of the Turkish Republic and the role of the veil in shaping the identity of Turkish women. The Galata Bridge, a constant connection between the continents since its construction in the 19th century, has been a symbol of unity and diversity in Istanbul. The bridge, adorned with olive trees and the bustling activity of local traders and fishermen, serves as a backdrop to this intriguing scene. The women in the photograph, their faces obscured by the full veils, or burkas, carry the weight of history on their shoulders. This practice, deeply rooted in Turkish culture for centuries, was challenged when Mustafa Kemal Ataturk came to power and established the Turkish Republic in 1923. Ataturk, a visionary leader, felt it essential for the veil to be abolished in a modern society. In a famous speech, he declared that the only reason Turkish women wore the veil was because it was well known they were the ugliest women in the world, and overnight the veil disappeared from Turkey. Despite this bold move, the veil continued to be worn by some Turkish women as a symbol of their faith and cultural identity. Today, the Galata Bridge remains a testament to the rich history and complexities of Turkish culture, where the old and the new coexist in a vibrant and ever-evolving society.
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