Turkish pop diva targeted by media over criticism of headscarves in schools

ISTANBUL

Aksu previously expressed support for the government during the constitutional referendum in 2010. DHA Photo

A row has developed over Turkish singer Sezen Aksu’s remarks regarding the government’s recent bill allowing girls to wear headscarves in schools, with the pop diva attracting the ire of pro-government media outlets.

Aksu criticized the new education bill when she took the stage for a concert in Istanbul on Sept. 29.

“Instead of covering us, discipline your desire, you berks!” Aksu said twice during her concert.

While some media figures supported her remarks, others known as close to the government published the story with insults directed at the singer. 

Tabloid daily Takvim described Aksu as a “washed-up sparrow” in its headline, referring to her popular nickname “little sparrow.”

Another media organ, daily Yeni Akit, described her as a “so-called singer,” slamming the remarks as “arrogance.”

Meanwhile, Aksu has released a statement on her official website.

“I support unlimited freedom. I bow respectfully before every decision made by an adult on his/her own will, as well as their beliefs and ideas. I stand against all kinds of discrimination. My whole life is full of these kind of examples,” read the statement.

“But I completely refuse this sexist approach that suggests turning a school-age girl into a woman by covering her head. This is the matter. What happens on the stage is irony and a show,” it added.

Aksu had publicly expressed her support for the Justice and Development Party (AKP) during a constitutional referendum in 2010.