Turkey president Recep Tayyip Erdogan says work for women is 'no alternative' to motherhood

The Turkish leader has also raised eyebrows by attempting to outlaw abortion and adultery

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks with students at the Sabahattin Zaim University in Istanbul (AP)

Turkey's president said work is no reason for women to decline motherhood.

Speaking on Sunday at a women's association in Istanbul, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said "a woman who abstains from motherhood saying 'I am working' means she is in fact rejecting motherhood".

Mr Erdogan, quoted by the state-run Anadolu Agency, said: "I absolutely don't accept making (a woman's) business life an alternative to motherhood."

Earlier this week, he spoke out against birth control saying it was incompatible with Muslim traditions.

Mr Erdogan, a devout Muslim, often courts controversy with divisive public comments.

He has previously angered women's groups by stating that women are not equal to men and by urging women to bear at least three children.

The Turkish leader has also raised eyebrows by attempting to outlaw abortion and adultery.

AP