In early April, Turkey’s media watchdog reacted harshly to the tragic storyline, fining the series creators and temporarily banning the drama, which was canceled at the end of the month. . While the official line was that authorities needed to intervene to prevent depictions of violence against women, many stakeholders said the government was concerned about critical depictions of religious families in which women had little voice. He said he was upset.
For the Islamist populist Erdoğan, this is no mere sideshow. The support of religiously conservative women was essential to his rise to power. To many, he was a liberating figure. Until now, secular governments have restricted their life options by excluding them from schools, universities, public places, and workplaces if they wore a headscarf. In theory, many believe Erdogan should be able to count on Nursema’s votes.
But things aren’t that simple, and the themes explored in the drama cut into some of the country’s most passionate social and political issues.
Some of the same women who helped propel Erdogan to power also have questions about a range of topics, from economic mismanagement to women’s rights. Marital violence is a particularly serious issue. A political issue for Erdogan, now abandoned by former allies and forced to form a coalition with increasingly radical Islamist partners in this election, has raised fears that the Turkish government will roll back protections against domestic violence. So Nursema has become politically intense. The series has been the subject of panels, debates and articles, and even inspired a banner slogan for International Women’s Day on March 8.
Losing Faith
Aysel (who asked not to use her family name) describes herself as a Nasema fan. She works as a caregiver with her family in Istanbul and said she has supported Erdogan’s ruling AK Party from the start.
But she has no intention of voting for him or his party this time.
