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The irony of Valentine’s Day in Turkey

Turkish women are still victims of unacceptable levels of violence, and the treatment of women remains a topic of political manipulation.
Women holding a sign which reads: "Men's love is killing us" (C), shout slogans during a protest on Valentine's Day in Istanbul February 14, 2012. A group of female supporters of the left wing Socialist Platform of the Oppressed (ESP), gathered in central Istanbul to protest against Valentine's Day and draw attention to what they said were rising incidences of domestic violence in Turkey. REUTERS/Murad Sezer (TURKEY - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST) - RTR2XU78

Seda Sayan is a popular Turkish singer turned reality show diva with her debut show at Kanal D titled “Mother-in-law and Bride Come to Seda!” They are surely not without the sons or the husbands, who say the last word. Sayan was inquiring on Feb. 11 about which occasion sons or husbands would consider as more important to celebrate: Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day. The mothers-in-law were all in favor of Mother’s Day, while the brides chose Valentine’s Day. The brides were on the winning side until that last question, but the sons prioritized Mother’s Day!

The brides, however, made certain that their gifts had been bought weeks in advance and that their husbands were not indifferent about celebrating Valentine’s Day.

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