Not only have women been driving in Turkey since the foundation of the republic in 1923, but there are also several female rally racers who take part in national and international championships.
Some conservative provinces have recently introduced “pink taxis” and “pink buses,” which are driven by women and carry only female passengers.
They have sparked debate. Supporters say they guard against rape and sexual harassment of women using public transport, but others say they are discriminatory, and downgrade women’s equal status in society.
Canan Gullu, president of the Federation of Women Associations of Turkey, welcomed the decree allowing Saudi women to drive.
“This is the outcome of the openness of decision makers,” Gullu told Arab News.
“As two Muslim countries in the region, there are many similarities between Turkey and Saudi Arabia in terms of boosting women’s status in society.
“From now on, Turkish and Saudi women’s organizations should share much more intensively their best practices, while both states may also frame their women-related laws by exchanging views and experiences.”
Professor Gaye Erbatur, who chairs the Turkish Association of University Women, believes the decree could pave the way for further reforms.
“We would like to see all women around the world given equal status, especially in Muslim societies,” she told Arab News.
“As men and women, we should learn how to live together peacefully without violating or restricting each other’s freedoms.”
Ayca Akpek, a lawyer and president of the Association of Research on Women’s Social Life, also welcomed the decision. “It is so natural that improvements in women’s rights around the world inspire a new era of change, that is also reflected in Saudi society with women demanding their basic rights.”