Tulay Oğulları: Leader Ocalan’s message to women will be read on March 8

Tulay Hatim Oğulları,the Co-Chair of the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM), addressed our agency regarding leader Abdullah Ocalan’s call for peace and a democratic society. A member of an Arab Alawite family, she was part of the delegation that recently visited Imrali and met with Abdullah Ocalan.

Describing the meeting as "historical, significant, and exciting," Hatim Oğulları stated, "It was the first time I saw Mr. Abdullah Ocalan up close. I am very pleased about this. The meeting lasted approximately four hours, during which we discussed numerous issues."

Discussing  leader Ocalan’s assessments and recommendations, Hatim Oğulları remarked:"He explained the meaning of his call. I saw that he has great hope. He emphasized the necessity of societal transformation and reorganization. I was particularly moved by his previous assessments regarding the case of Narin Goran. His sensitivity towards the issue of women is well known. Here is someone who has spent 26 years in solitary confinement yet dedicates all his energy to resolving global and Middle Eastern issues. I witnessed this firsthand during our meeting."

"If Democracy Is Achieved, Solutions Will Follow"

Hatim Oğulları highlighted leader’s call for peace and a democratic society, stating:

"The text discusses how society can transform on the basis of peace and democracy. It explains how the Kurdish issue can shift from a framework of violence to one of legal and democratic resolution. When we examine the text in its entirety, it becomes clear that democracy provides a platform for people to express themselves freely. If democracy is fully realized, many problems will be resolved. A key principle of democracy is ensuring that all peoples in Turkey can speak, learn, and express themselves in their mother tongues freely."

"Recognition of Language Rights and Legal Guarantees Are Essential"

Hatim Oğulları underscored the importance of legal recognition, saying:"Over the past century of the Turkish Republic, the Kurdish language has been banned, Alevi beliefs have been suppressed, and diversity has been ignored in favor of unilateral policies. Until the age of seven, I knew no language other than Arabic. When I started school, my teacher would beat me daily because I did not know Turkish. My Kurdish brothers and sisters endured even worse experiences. We learned Turkish at school, but legal recognition of the right to speak one’s mother tongue is crucial for the success of this process. To move forward, the conditions of Mr. Ocalan’s confinement must be improved, and channels of communication with him must be opened. Additionally, legal guarantees must be provided for delegation meetings. The Turkish Parliament must take swift responsibility for this matter, forming working groups that include all political factions, from the government to the opposition. A broad-based public participation is essential for this process to succeed."

"Steps Toward Rapprochement Will Accelerate the Process"

Hatim Oğulları noted the global resonance of Öcalan’s call and emphasized:

"Following this call, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) declared a ceasefire and announced that it would act in accordance with this appeal. The state must take steps as well. Security forces must immediately halt cross-border operations. The more rapprochement efforts are made, the faster the process will progress."

"Women’s Struggle and leader’s Vision"

She further stated that leader Abdullah Ocalan consistently offers significant perspectives on women's issues, explaining:"In every meeting, Mr. Ocalan provides critical evaluations on the issue of women. In our last discussion, he highlighted that the issue of women is as fundamental and profound as the question of rights itself. He analyzed the historical background of women's oppression, referencing developments as far back as Göbekli Tepe. We exchanged views on this matter."

"The Rojava Model Has Dismantled Divisive Policies"

Hatim Oğulları asserted that leader Ocalan’s call serves as an inspiration for women and announced that his message will be read publicly on March 8.

"The global impact of the women's struggle is a result of Öcalan’s ideas. Establishing a powerful women's movement in patriarchal societies deeply influenced by political doctrine is no easy feat. Yet, within Kurdish society, an exceptionally strong women’s movement has emerged, and it has united with women’s movements in Turkey, achieving great successes together. The co-presidency system is a unique model globally. These achievements have become part of the history of the global women's struggle. The accomplishments of women in Rojava must be acknowledged by women’s movements in Turkey. For years, imperialist powers have fueled conflicts between peoples by exploiting their differences. However, in Rojava, this divisive policy has been dismantled. Here, there is equal representation, and all peoples coexist—this is an exceptionally democratic system. A model of a democratic society has been realized in Rojava," Oğulları added

"Attacks on Tishrin Dam Must Cease Immediately"

Hatim Oğulları warned that the ongoing attacks on Tishrin Dam pose a serious threat to the process and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

"For meaningful discussions to take place, weapons must fall silent. In this regard, the PKK’s statement following leader Ocalan’s call was of great significance. Turkey must reciprocate with similar steps. A mutual ceasefire would be a practical response to this appeal."

"Strengthening a Unified Struggle"

She also addressed Arab women, stating:

"Political Islam erases women, while imperialist forces subject them to violence. However, the women’s movements established by Arab women are a source of hope. Their unity with women’s movements in Turkey is a crucial step forward. Through a unified struggle, we can achieve even greater accomplishments. Therefore, we call upon them to strengthen our common struggle."

a.k

ANHA