This paper discusses that Saudi Arabia is undergoing a transformation as they implement many liberal reforms. These reforms are not isolated but are part of a strategic framework called Vision 2030...Show moreThis paper discusses that Saudi Arabia is undergoing a transformation as they implement many liberal reforms. These reforms are not isolated but are part of a strategic framework called Vision 2030. This is to ensure that Saudi Arabia becomes more attractive to the Western world as a tourist hotspot and to do business with. This paper analyzes some of these reforms within the framework of vision 2030.Show less
The mythical half-snake, half-woman creature named Shahmeran from the Middle East has made an appearance in a controversial artwork highlighting LGBTQ+ oppression and faithbased misogyny during the...Show moreThe mythical half-snake, half-woman creature named Shahmeran from the Middle East has made an appearance in a controversial artwork highlighting LGBTQ+ oppression and faithbased misogyny during the Boğaziçi University student protests in early 2021. Shahmeran is an old and known symbol in the region, especially in the diverse areas of south-eastern Turkey, northern Iraq and Iran. She is most probably a remainder of ancient mother goddesses, and was changed overtime to be adopted by the Islamic community with her own story with the help of early Indo-Iranian literary culture, thus making her a pre-Islamic phenomenon. Traditionally, Shahmeran is used primarily for oral storytelling, literature, and art, but also serves as an important talisman for protection against the evil eye and adversity, as well as for happiness and prosperity. The use of Shahmeran in a student protest at a famous university to highlight social issues is a significant change compared to her traditional roles in the region’s folk beliefs. In response to these events, I based my research on the use of Shahmeran as a political symbol for minority groups such as the LGBTQ+ community and the Kurds. This research was conducted by analysing existing Turkish literature, various artworks and news articles. Shahmeran is an inherently non-binary creature, with both female and male sexual characteristics, making her an important symbol for the LGBTQ+ community and gender expression in general. For Kurds, Shahmeran is used as a symbol of resistance against the Turkish state. Both minority groups in Turkey use art with her in it to express their political realities.Show less
