[LINK] "Depressed in Istanbul: Why are Turkey's young Islamist men feeling so blue?"
Pinar Tremblay at Al-Monitor points to an ongoing controversy in modern Turkey. Are women are doing so much better than men--or are perceived to be doing so much better, at least--that men feel depressed? It's not unimaginable.
On July 19, Islamist writer Ismail Kilicarslan published a piece titled "Joyful pious girls, unhappy Islamist young men" for the pro-Justice and Development Party (AKP) daily Yeni Safak. The piece became an instant hit, receiving thousands of tweets from all over the political spectrum in Turkey. Several other columnists have chimed in on the issue since and Kilicarsan felt compelled to pen a follow-up piece on July 21 to better explain himself and to respond to some of the critics.
The controversial piece had said, “Today pious girls [young women] are more advanced than Islamist men in the culture of living and finding joy. Girls are better than men in learning about life, respecting differences, developing sensitivities and comprehending life from different perspectives. On top of all these, girls are better at active participation in life than guys.” Kilicarslan continued to explain that although young Islamist men are frequently heard talking about “saving the world” while puffing hookahs, women are the go-getters. They are the real game changers. To make his point, Kilicarslan argued that women today are better educated, more involved in politics and Islamic matters while men act like know-it-alls in colleges and seminar halls. He explained that one reason why there are so many seemingly overconfident yet delusory young men are the false images created. Kilicarslan complained that Islamic teachings boost young men’s egos and they start developing unrealistic expectations about possible future spouses.
Kilicarslan said that devout girls were focused, sociable and hardworking in the causes of Islamic studies and charity, while young men had pumped up egos and high demands, yet were unqualified to fulfill the needs of their families and society. Therefore, these young men are perceived as failures, and hence are unhappy.
While some applauded Kilicarslan, many were extremely critical of him. His analysis, perhaps long overdue, hit a nerve in Turkish society.
On July 19, Islamist writer Ismail Kilicarslan published a piece titled "Joyful pious girls, unhappy Islamist young men" for the pro-Justice and Development Party (AKP) daily Yeni Safak. The piece became an instant hit, receiving thousands of tweets from all over the political spectrum in Turkey. Several other columnists have chimed in on the issue since and Kilicarsan felt compelled to pen a follow-up piece on July 21 to better explain himself and to respond to some of the critics.
The controversial piece had said, “Today pious girls [young women] are more advanced than Islamist men in the culture of living and finding joy. Girls are better than men in learning about life, respecting differences, developing sensitivities and comprehending life from different perspectives. On top of all these, girls are better at active participation in life than guys.” Kilicarslan continued to explain that although young Islamist men are frequently heard talking about “saving the world” while puffing hookahs, women are the go-getters. They are the real game changers. To make his point, Kilicarslan argued that women today are better educated, more involved in politics and Islamic matters while men act like know-it-alls in colleges and seminar halls. He explained that one reason why there are so many seemingly overconfident yet delusory young men are the false images created. Kilicarslan complained that Islamic teachings boost young men’s egos and they start developing unrealistic expectations about possible future spouses.
Kilicarslan said that devout girls were focused, sociable and hardworking in the causes of Islamic studies and charity, while young men had pumped up egos and high demands, yet were unqualified to fulfill the needs of their families and society. Therefore, these young men are perceived as failures, and hence are unhappy.
While some applauded Kilicarslan, many were extremely critical of him. His analysis, perhaps long overdue, hit a nerve in Turkish society.