Adnan Oktar is the most notorious cult leader in Turkey. In addition to introducing the world to his bizarre take on Islamic religion, the Muslim creationist credits himself with introducing his followers to feminism.
Oktar refers to his group of devoted women followers as “kittens.” These women or “kittens” are far from how the average female Muslim behaves. They discard the use of hijabs and traditional dress.
Instead, they wear designer outfits, apply heavy makeup, and undergo plastic surgery. They also happen to be wealthy socialites. Together, Oktar and his followers are ushering in what they call the new face of modern Islam.
Oktar and his kittens even have their own television network to broadcast their views, which include discrediting evolution. Inside this unbelievable cult, it would shock people to know what life is really like for women.
Oktar, 62, who started to preach his version of the Muslim faith in Istanbul in the 1980s, has since then collected 300 “good friends,” as he terms them, who follow his path, despite accusations that they are being brainwashed and also exploited sexually and economically.
Since 2011, when his television station, A9, started broadcasting globally (with English subtitles), his religious tenets have been getting more attention in Turkey and also worldwide.
Oktar focuses on activity geared to interfaith dialogue, which has put him in contact with politicians and rabbis in Israel.
His controversial interpretation of the “covering” women should wear according to Islam includes even the most revealing bikini. His only requirement is that it covers the nipples and the groin area.
“Women are amazing manifestations of God,” Oktar explained to Haaretz. “They are the most beautiful beings in the world. They are incredible works of art, created by God. They are glorious beings that should be respected, admired, loved, cherished and protected all their lives as blessings.”
The best-known part of his cult is his “kittens,” as he calls them – a group of young women, heavily made up and dressed in body-hugging, revealing designer outfits, who appear on his television programs listening to his religious exhortations on current issues.
In the breaks between his remarks, they will dance robot-like in front of the cameras. According to Oktar, “Cats are very cute animals, and kittens are even cuter. They are incredible manifestations of God.”
