Emel Abidin-Algan on giving up the headscarf

Emel Abidin-Algan, who comes from a prominent Turkish family, wore the headscarf for years. A year ago Abidin-Algan, who is now 45 years old, stopped wearing it and donated it to Bonn's Museum of History. She now explains why: "Nowadays I ask myself why religion is used as a justification for wearing a headscarf, but removing the headscarf out of religious conviction is not regarded as a religious act... How can we conceive of a God who only requires women to wear this uniform as a conscious demonstration of their belief in Islam? Why are men not required to label themselves in this way? The belief that religion consists of god-given laws and irrefutable religious duties, instead of godly recommendations and divine wisdom, blocks open communication with people who think differently and also the willingness to reflect on why we do the things we do."

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