Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that women are not equal to men and criticized feminists for "rejecting the concept of motherhood".
Speaking at a rally in Istanbul on women's rights, Erdogan said that due to biological differences, men and women cannot play the same role in life, AFP reported.
"Our religion (Islam) has determined the place of women (in society) - motherhood," said the Turkish president at a gathering where his daughter Sumeje was among the women.
"Some people can understand that, while others can't. You can't explain that to feminists because they don't accept the concept of motherhood."
According to him, women and men cannot be treated equally "because it is against human nature".
"Their characters, habits and physique are different. Women can't do all the jobs that men can do, like in communist regimes. You can't tell women to go out and dig the ground. It goes against their refined nature." he said.
Erdogan's government with Islamic roots has long been accused by critics who believe it violates the country's secular principles and restricts women's civil liberties, AFP reported.
He also drew the ire of feminist groups by declaring that every Turkish woman should have three children, while proposing to limit abortion rights.
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