General

Proposed Turkish Airlines uniforms are too conservative, say critics

‘They should reflect Turkey and Turkey is not this.’

Images of proposed new Turkish Airlines uniforms are stirring up a debate for being too conservative.

Images of the uniforms, which are being designed by Turkish designer Dilek Hanifi, were leaked online. The uniforms — with knee-length, or longer, skirts and long-sleeved shirts for women — were called too modest and old-fashioned by some. The hats have been compared to costumes in a popular Ottoman-era Turkish television program, reports Hurriyet Daily News.

Social media users weren’t the only ones speaking against the new look.

“The clothes look like they belong to Kuwait or Saudi Arabian Airlines. However, they should reflect Turkey and Turkey is not this,” said fellow Turkish designer Vural Gökçayl?.

Hanif told The New York Times that the leaked designs were not final. “Contrary to the photos that were leaked, we are also working on a range of modern designs,” she said.

While Turkey is a Muslim country, it prides itself on having a secular government. Current Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has moved to appease more religious and conservative Turks, notably by lifting a ban on women’s head scarves in public institutions. Some secular Turks see this as a move towards a more Islamic government.

This image of proposed Turkish Airlines uniforms was leaked earlier this month.

Looking for more?

Get the Best of Maclean's sent straight to your inbox. Sign up for news, commentary and analysis.
  • By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
FILED UNDER: