A VAGUE ISSUE OF EXISTENCE: THE CASE OF TURKEY ON WOMEN’S RIGHT TO VOTE AND BE ELECTED (1930-1960)

Abstract

The issue of women’s right to vote and be elected has historical developments which differ from society to society. These differences can be attributed to many reasons. This right, which was given at different periods in some socities and at the same time in others, was put into force within the framework of particular restrictions or costs. While the progress about this issue was rather indistinct in some socities it was visible enough in others. The struggle of women to exist in political life was sometimes carried out through their own voices and writings and sometimes covertly without a particular voice and identity. The fact that women have the right to vote and be elected expresses the existence and visibility of women in political life. Considering this issue within the framework of freedom of women and human rights means understanding the nature of the process. In the historical process it can be seen that this issue has ben prioritized in socities that experienced the colonial process. Moreover, the fact that in such societies the right to vote and be elected was given at the same time instead of gradually, is also noteworthy. This study focuses on the relation between this situation and the experience of colonization and process of nation-stateization. Thereafter, it is seen that the activity of women regarding the right to vote and be elected increased during the colonial and post-colonial period. In fact, the fact the associability of the right to vote and be elected, which was granted to women in many countries at the same time, with decolonialism is another argument of the study in question.