ISTANBUL, Nov 5 (AFP) - One of Turkey's best known singers, Ibrahim Tatlises, was at the center of controversy Friday after threatening his former lover, a famous belly dancer, who has sought protection from authorities.
Onur Cakmak, whose stage name is Asena, filed suit last week against Tatlises claiming she feared for her life and had been threatened by him since last February, when she decided to end their relationship.
Outraged by her remarks, the singer summoned reporters to a press conference during which he said he was the only one to decide on whether the relationship could end.
"Asena is my doll and she can't abandon me," he said. "I am the only one who can make such a decision.
"When I love someone, it is until death. Nothing is over until I say so."
Women activists in Turkey have denounced Tatlises' remarks and wondered how they would sit in a country with patriarchal traditions as it seeks to join the European Union.
The large circulation daily Hurriyet expressed outrage at Tatlises' comments and wondered: "Is there no one to stop this guy?"
Yielding to European Union pressure, Turkey last month rushed through parliament a reform package that introduced ground-breaking rights for women.
11/05/2004 10:45 GMT - AFP