How is anti-democratic repression affecting women's and gender studies in Turkey? A conversation with Nurseli Yeşim Sünbüloğlu.

The article discusses the impact of anti-democratic repression on women's and gender studies in Turkey. The conversation with Nurseli Yeşim Sünbüloğlu, a visiting faculty and director of the Women and Family Studies Research Center at Kadir Has University, highlights the recent name change of the center and the pressure from conservative government agencies. Many women's studies centers in Turkey have undergone similar name changes, and all universities in Turkey are feeling the pressure. While the name change may not significantly affect the center's mission, it has made them more aware of what they say in public and how they define themselves. The article also mentions self-censorship in teaching and research, but notes that gender research still receives support, especially when focused on gender equality. Despite increasing authoritarianism, Turkey has a history of resistance and democratic movements. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of self-censorship and the need to consider the political context in research. [Extracted from the article]