If they had, it surely would have triggered accusations of a hidden Islamic agenda faster than it takes to wrap a headscarf.

Perhaps surprisingly, it was not AK who piped up. That is, until a couple of weeks ago, when one party took the initiative. But for all the fierce political debate, there have been few attempts to find a political solution. The issue has been raised very often over the last decade, in particular since the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK) came to power in 2002. Many, including the president’s wife, were given a place at university but were unable to go because of the headwear. That piece of fabric that Muslim women use to wrap around their heads has been banned in universities and public buildings de jure since 1980, and de facto since 1997, meaning that Turkish women wearing it are not allowed to work in most civil service positions.

Not for the first time in recent Turkish politics, the headscarf is all anyone can talk about. Hayrünnisa Gül Confused by all the knots and shapes? Here’s our guide

Bb flashback pro 5.19