A woman from Turkey's southeastern Mardin province, who has become famous for her looks that resembles Hollywood star Marilyn Monroe, has been out on the streets to get support for the "yes" campaign for the upcoming April 16 referendum on the country's constitutional amendments.
Melek Akarmut, mother of four children, is originally from the central Afyon province, but now lives in the historic Mardin province. According to Ihlas News Agency (IHA), she has launched an individual campaign in support of the "yes" voters, where she knocks on the doors of people and visits businesses in Mardin neighborhoods to explain why they should vote in favor of the constitutional changes.
"In the past Turkey has suffered a lot, passed through many hardships. The July 15 [coup attempt] was one of the prime examples. Turkey has seen many coups before July 15 as well," Akarmut said highlighting the importance of the referendum. She added that Turkey has also suffered a lot from economic crises emerging from political instability and that she thinks the "yes" vote will help the economy to further develop as well. "This is why I go around the town and try to convince people."
Mardin's Monroe also urged everyone from Mardin and beyond to unite around the "yes" vote as she believes that the new system will benefit the country's future.
Akarmut has worked for many years as a carpet weaver and also acted in a short film. She also said she has received many offers from advertising firms, but her dream is to act in a film on Monroe's life.
