First lady tells of her difficult days in Çankaya Palace

ISTANBUL

Hayrunisa Gül. AA Photo

First Lady Hayrunisa Gül has shared the difficult memories of her first days in Çankaya Palace during an interview for her new book, daily Türkiye reported today.  

Gül told reporters that she was prevented from using the door that is used during reception ceremonies, because she wore a headscarf.  

"The palace have several different doors. Official ceremonies and receptions are held at the 'A' door. If a foreign president comes with his wife, Turkish presidents welcome them with his wife, too. It was like this until we came.” Gül said. “However, I was prevented from welcoming guests with my husband at the 'A' door. We went to the 'A' door only for photo shooting after welcoming guests at the 'C' door, which is behind 'A.'”  

Gül also said that she considered the "C" door the “punishment door.”  

“It was an insult not only for me, but also for all women in Turkey,” the first lady said. “Thanks to God, those days are in the past now, but I confess it was not easy.”