Abstract:

With regard to analysing When the Turkish Women’s role throughout the historical process analyzed, the importance and value of women was respectfully mentioned in the Orkhon Inscriptions, which are accepted as the first important historical documents. However, in the course of time, women receded into the background by the influence of Arab or Byzantine culture as a result of changes and sanctions in social structure. Turkish women were granted several rights through reforms initiated in Tanzimat era and in the following period, thus the foundation for the reinforcement of their status was laid. After the proclamation of Republic of Turkey in 1923, women gained some rights in educational, social and political areas. For example; they were granted rights to vote and to stand for election in the local election in 1930 and the general elections in 1934. With the acception of the law on Unification of Education in 1924, female and male students gained equal education rights. With new Turkish Civil Law which was enacted in 1926, polygamy and unilateral divorce by men were abolished and women were given the rights to initiate divorce and the custody of children. These examples are the achievements that emphasize the role of women in society.However, Turkish women have failed to keep their success in terms of educational, social and political rights today. As a result of rapid social change in the world, women have started to increasingly overcome difficulties related to their gender and to take their roles in economic and political life as an active workforce. Although the status of woman has been tried to be improved by educational reforms and related social changes introduced for the economic, cultural and social development of women starting from Tanzimat era and particularly from the proclamation of Turkish Republic until today the desired educational level of women has not been reached and the participation of women in work, political life and decision mechanisms has been rather weak. This study aims to review the rights granted to Turkish Women since the proclamation of Turkish Republic and to analyse the present status of women in educational, social and political life.

Keywords: