The Islamic swimsuit consists of a fully closed suit
More and more women are dressing this way on Turkish beaches. This trend has caused alarm in secular circles and heated discussion on websites that have special forums. The staff in charge of order often expel women in such suits from the beaches. But apparently, victory will belong to religion - indeed, there are no legal reasons prohibiting women from sunbathing while dressed.
Previously, conservative Muslim women traditionally avoided beaches. If they did go, they did not swim because they could not undress in public. However, over the past year, about 25,000 special Islamic swimsuits were sold, and their leading manufacturer Hasema is struggling to keep up with growing demand. Among the buyers is Hayrunnisa Gul, the wife of Turkey's foreign minister. Special swimsuits for Muslim women come in various colors and styles. The latest version even lets through sunlight - so that a woman can tan without baring herself.
Women's clothing in Turkey is a matter of politics as much as fashion. Since Mustafa Kemal Ataturk founded the modern secular state, the wearing of headscarves was banned in schools, universities, and civil institutions. However, after the election of the moderately Islamic government of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Muslim women have become much freer in displaying their religious affiliation in public.
Along with the growing popularity of body-covering swimsuits, Muslim campsites, sanatoriums, and resorts are increasingly appearing, where alcohol is not sold and men and women are not allowed to be in the same room. For example, the Caprice hotel on the Aegean coast presents a 'modern holiday complex where the muezzin's call to prayer is heard five times a day.' Another popular Islamic holiday destination has become Club Hotel Karaburun in the village of Okucular near Antalya.
_