Educated, independent, and covered: The professional aspirations and experiences of university-educated hijabi in contemporary Turkey

SynopsisThis research analyzes the experiences and aspirations of university-educated upper-middle class women belonging to the new Islamic elite in Turkey. Based on in-depth interviews with students and professionals, it fills a gap in the existing literature on Turkish women, education, and work, which has mostly ignored the particular situation of university-educated covered women. Research results show that these women aspire to – and are ready to fight for – prestigious professional careers as well as more equal gender relations at work and at home. As a consequence of their difficulties in finding an equally pious yet open-minded partner, an increasing number of educated hijabi are choosing to remain single, divorcing, or even adopting children alone, thus significantly challenging traditional gender roles. Finally, the study also discusses the discrimination that these women face on the job market and in politics today, and argues for their increased participation and visibility.