Erdogan's Democratization Package A 'Silent Revolution'
Prime Minister Recep Tayyep Erdogan considers his democratization proposal essential to Turkey’s role as a democratic and free society.
Previously in Al-Monitor, I wrote that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan was excited about the democratization package on which he was working, after having spoken to him and observing his enthusiasm. He referred to the reforms as a "silent revolution" and said that more would follow. Erdogan also shared his view that freedoms and justice are essential if one hopes to create a great state. He repeatedly said that Turkey cannot be such a country unless it becomes a state of law. Erdogan began the silent revolution on Sept. 30. A summary of its salient points follows.
Education in mother tongues
The Law on Private Education will be amended to allow mother tongue education in private schools, led by Kurdish. A constitutional amendment is required to permit education in a mother tongue in state-supported schools, but the government does not have the parliamentary majority needed to pass such a measure. For now, anyone can open a school and offer courses taught in the Kurdish language. Education in Kurdish is one of the most important issues among the reforms.
Head scarves permitted in public offices
