Islamists hit beach to advise women to cover up

SAKARYA – Doğan News Agency

The members of the religious group from the Çarşamba neighborhood of Istanbul distributed brochures on correct Islamic deportment. They were also accompanied by a child. DHA Photo

Turkish holiday goers flocked to beaches and resort towns last weekend, as the summer holiday season kicked off. However, in the Black Sea resort of Kaynarca northwest of Istanbul, those who headed to the beach were also joined by a group of traditionally pious Muslims, who flocked to the seaside in order to convince women to cover themselves.

On the sandy beaches of Kaynarca, two men wearing thobes and kufis distributed brochures to beach-goers, offering advice about correct Islamic deportment.

The two men, who were accompanied by a child, said they were members of an Islamic foundation from the ultra-conservative neighborhood of Çarşamba in Istanbul’s Fatih district.

The brochure, titled “The lady that God wants” contained a total of 72 points, including the following instructions: “The lady should be covered; she should not shake hands with male strangers; she should not go outside without asking permission from her husband; she should not go to weddings where there is music; and she should not sit in public areas.”