A Social Regulation In Republican Istanbul: The Removal Of Curtains In Transportation Vehicles

Abstract

In the Ottoman Empire, from the 19th century onwards, the gradual expansion of land and sea transportation networks led to discussions on how women could utilize these means of transportation. The conclusion reached on this matter was to allocate separate spaces for women in transportation vehicles. Curtains were commonly used to separate the sections for women and men. The disruptions created by this solution have caused various problems and this has brought criticism. Nevertheless, the practice continued until the proclamation of the Republic. After the proclamation of the Republic, the Istanbul Police Directorate ended this practice on December 23, 1923, citing health concerns caused by the curtains. Thus, the curtains in transportation vehicles were removed, allowing women to travel alongside men. However, designated spaces were allocated in transportation vehicles for women who preferred to travel separately. Although the regulation in question was based on health grounds, it was evaluated mainly in terms of its social aspect in the public opinion. In this context, although there were some reactions to the decision and its health justification was questioned, the decision was generally received positively. Positive assessments emphasized that it was unreasonable for women, who participated alongside men in many aspects of social life, to face discrimination in transportation vehicles. In this respect, it has been stated that the elimination of such discrimination is a societal advancement and even a revolutionary step. During this process, Erzurum deputy Ziyaeddin Efendi submitted a parliamentary question to inquire about the justification for this decision. The Minister of Internal Affairs, Ferid Bey, responded to this motion during the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye’s session on January 16, 1924, stating that the regulation was implemented on health grounds and that they had not issued any directive on the matter. In response, Ziyaeddin Efendi found the health justification unconvincing, questioned the authority of the Istanbul Police Directorate, and argued that this was a misguided step towards modernization. In the parliamentary session, there were deputies who supported his view, and there were also those who welcomed the decision. Despite this discussion, since no contrary decision was made in the Turkish Grand National Assembly, the arrangement for the removal of the curtains continued.