Turkey: 'Unfortunately, the revolution of the mind is not as easy as it should be'

From Word ’Alevi’ stirrs public discussion:

The mentioned story was published a few years go by Turkey’s leading Can Publishing House and reached a wide audience. The story, written by Alevi-origin Şahinler, features the worries of an Alevi girl, who lost her virginity before, while preparing to marry an Alevi boy from the central Anatolian city of Sivas. Şahinler did not reply to questions from the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review’s.

One of the recent comments on the issue is striking. According to the comment, "Bridal Hair" part in the play is not the main reason for discussions about the play as it is supposed. But it is the part named "Yedi Ağlı Don," which was also written by Şahinler and is depicting religious orders.

The play will not be staged for some time
Discussions about the play divided the city’s theaters into two. "Fascist and heartbreaking" said theater’s art consultant Kenan Işık, while art director Orhan Alkaya said the play was nothing hurtful for Alevi citizens.

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Giving the example of the play "Savaş ve Kadın" (War and Woman), which he is directing, Alkaya said, "The play tells of the story of Yugoslavian civil war. I staged this play in order to show the results of politics carried out over identities. The most dangerous politics are those about ethnic discrimination."Alkaya said he has struggled against handicaps for freedom of expression in Turkey for many years. "Unfortunately, the revolution of the mind is not as easy as it should be."