Elif Shafak has emerged as a major author in Turkey. The architect of the Sultan (Flammarion) takes us back to Turkey today, the alleged authoritarianism of President Erdogan, the progression of Islamism, non-recognition of the Armenian Genocide …

Le Vif / L’Express: One of your characters says that “women can not hide their feelings because they are weak; they have the chance to hide behind their veils. “ She has the status of women changed fundamentally in Turkey today?

Elif Shaffak: In Turkey as in many Muslim countries, more and more women wear the veil. We must discuss it. However, the headscarf ban does not seem to be the solution. As this will cause a violent backlash. However, we must encourage the emergence of women in the public sphere dominated by men while women are pushed into the private sphere. No matter whether with their headscarves or their miniskirt, it is important that women enter the public space. Too many politicians even tell us how we should live.

This trend has intensified since she’s accession to power of the Islamist Justice and Development Party (AKP)?