reporter: much in ovacik differs from the rest of turkey. you can buy alcohol without difficulty and there's hardly a headscarf in sight. although, it seems the government doesn't want too many eyes on this communist-led spot. a civilian policeman stopped us from filming. to continue, we have to agree to restrictions. all residents are invited to town hall meetings in ovacik, even the youngest. two council members are absent. macoglu explains why. mayor macoglu: one had to work, and the other couldn't attend because he was arrested this morning. reporter: the kurdish council member has been accused of supporting terrorism, part of everyday life since erdogan declared a state of emergency two years ago. students study for exams in the town hall library. the mayor provides young people from poorer backgrounds with a modest university scholarship. the students wouldn't want to live in a city run by islamic nationalist erdogan supporters. >> things are freer here than in most places in the country, especially for women. reporter: it is women who