Politicians, academics: resolving Kurdish question is fundamental condition for democratizing Turkey

Participants in the conference stated that sustainable peace and democratic consolidation in Turkey are closely linked to finding a solution to the Kurdish question and enhancing societal participation. Kurdish politician Ahmet Türk stressed that the continued denial of Kurdish identity, language, and fundamental rights lies at the heart of the Kurdish issue.

During a session entitled “Democratic Politics and the Power of Society: From the Region Toward a Democratic Republic,” Türk stated that the Kurdish political movement has, for many years, defended democratic politics and the path of peace despite facing significant pressures and challenges. He noted that since the establishment of People's Labor Party (HEP), the movement has worked to strengthen unity between the Kurdish and Turkish peoples on the basis of democratic values. He added that party closures, political assassinations, and various forms of pressure had never led the movement to abandon democratic political engagement.

Türk also recalled meeting the late Turkish President Turgut Özal in 1993 before traveling to Damascus to meet Abdullah Öcalan. According to Türk, Özal believed that a military solution was not the answer to the Kurdish issue and advocated democratic politics and consensus as the path toward resolution.

Addressing the current political process, Türk explained that numerous meetings had taken place following the call issued by Ocalan on February 27. However, he argued that public opinion still lacks a clear vision of the future roadmap. He added that the Kurdish political movement remains committed to the hope of peace despite growing feelings of distrust within society.

When asked what constitutes the Kurdish issue, Türk referred to his own experience. He noted that Turkey’s Supreme Election Council had confirmed on three occasions that there was no legal obstacle to his candidacy, and that he was elected mayor of the metropolitan municipality of Mardin three times. Nevertheless, government-appointed trustees were assigned to administer the municipality in his place.

He stated: “Some people ask what the Kurds want. I will use myself as an example. I come from a large family that owns extensive lands in Kurdistan, yet I have no identity, no language, and my people are subjected to denial. For this reason, I say that I myself am the Kurdish problem.”

Türk emphasized that throughout his political life he has advocated unity and coexistence. He noted that the Kurdish political movement has made the brotherhood of peoples and a democratic solution the foundation of its policies and positions. In closing, he reaffirmed his commitment to political and democratic solutions and called on all concerned parties to work for peace, strengthen understanding among peoples, and develop projects that ensure a secure future for everyone.

Democracy and Peace

In another session titled “Consolidating Democracy and Peace,” participants discussed issues related to social peacebuilding and democratic transformation.

Session moderator Şebnem Korur Fincancı argued that security policies take precedence over freedoms in Turkey, stating:

“In this country, security comes before freedom, and our freedoms are sacrificed in the name of security.”

For his part, Ahmet Faruk Ünsal stressed that the democratic transformation of the republic can only be achieved through social acceptance. He highlighted the importance of creating appropriate conditions for negotiations with Abdullah Ocalan and releasing political prisoners to strengthen such acceptance.

Meanwhile, Yüksel Genç argued that peace is not merely the silencing of weapons but requires a profound transformation of society and the rebuilding of trust among its components. He noted that society is currently facing a crisis of confidence that demands collective efforts to overcome.

For his part, Cemal Salman criticized what he described as the insufficient inclusion of Alevis in discussions on democratic transformation. He emphasized that peace and democracy can only be achieved through the joint participation of all segments of society, stating:

“Democracy and the republic are the art of living together.”

Finally, Vahap Coşkun asserted that resolving the Kurdish issue is the fundamental prerequisite for democratizing Turkey. He argued that peace and democracy are complementary processes, adding that while the silencing of weapons may appear to be a small step to some, it is in fact a major development and an important opportunity for all. He further stressed that Turkey needs a broad democratic understanding of the concept of “we” that embraces all components of society.

ANHA