A second post? But we haven't even left yet...

I'm changed.  And I like it.

While discussing Islam, the primary religion practiced in Turkey, the topic of Muslim women's dress came up.  Many Muslim women choose to wear scarves or other types of coverings.  First enlightenment:  there are many types of headscarves and dress worn by Muslim women.  The full veil and all black dress of the burka usually comes to mind when one thinks of Muslim covering because of the press it's received as of late.  The predominant scarf in Turkey is called hijab.  Hijab covers the hair and ears.  Other types of scarves/dress worn by Muslim women include chador, niqab, and the contentious burka (muslim headscarves).  Second realization: for most women, its a personal choice to wear hijab or not.  I learned that women do not feel oppressed by wearing hijab.  In fact, it empowers them.  This is all part of an important Islam aspect of modesty in both women AND men.  Something American society is seriously lacking.  I've always held the assumption women were MADE to wear hijab but this is not true.  (Revelation!)

My female, American mind could not fathom covering my hair!  Hair is a symbol of beauty in our society and has been engrained into my brain since I was 4 years old playing with my Barbies.  We are so judged and labeled by our appearance in Western society.   Mystery is completely absent from the images girls and women see everyday in American "culture."  I really pondered the thought of what wearing hijab would do for one's sense of self. 

In today's Turkey, hijab is coming back.  While leader of the newly labeled Turkey (1922), Ataturk told women to abandon the hijab and men to wear Western fedoras.  Hijab can be found in many colors and patterns. Or in black or plain.  It's all based on your personal preference.  The hijab I've encountered during the small amount of research I've had time to do is all very beautiful and there is a great variety.  

I learned something new and so can you.  So could the world.  I think Islam is probably the most misunderstood thing in America.  I'm an open-minded, educated human living in a quasi-liberal section of the US and I still had many of my preconceived notions shredded by 30 mins of discussion.  One tiny piece of information is all it takes.  One.