MÊRDÎN – Veteran Kurdish politician Ahmet Türk emphasized that the state must take steps “in line with the spirit of the process,” calling for transparency and concrete action in the ongoing Peace and Democratic Society Process. Türk said: “We are not compromising on democracy or our political principles. The freedom of Abdullah Öcalan would contribute greatly to Turkey’s democracy.”
Born in 1942 in Dêrik (Mardin), Ahmet Türk has been a central figure in Kurdish politics for over five decades. He has served multiple terms as a member of parliament, co-mayor of Mêrdîn, and a leading participant in numerous peace and dialogue initiatives. Despite imprisonment, torture during the 1980 coup, and repeated dismissals from elected office, Türk has remained committed to a democratic and peaceful resolution of the Kurdish question.
Recalling his long political journey, Türk said the state’s denial policies targeted all identities and cultures: “Turkey acted with a mindset aimed at erasing all identities and cultures. That’s why the Kurdish people suffered greatly. Not just Apê Musa or me, but many Kurdish politicians and people who defended democracy paid a heavy price. Despite oppression and injustice, we never gave up. We believe that struggle and perseverance can change many things.”
He noted that Abdullah Öcalan’s leadership opened a historic path for a peaceful and democratic resolution: “After Öcalan’s emergence, a new period began, one where problems could be solved through dialogue and democratic methods. We are working to make this process succeed, but it requires patience. As Öcalan said, ‘You cannot solve a hundred-year-old problem in one day.’”
‘TRUE DEMOCRACY MUST RECOGNIZE KURDISH RIGHTS’
Türk defined democracy as inclusive and universal: “Our demand is for democracy for everyone — a democracy that breaks with denial. Real democracy means recognizing that the more than 30 million Kurds in this country are a people with rights and dignity. If Turkey truly embraces this, then it can become a democratic society.”
‘THE STATE MUST BE TRANSPARENT’
Türk urged the government to act clearly and in good faith: “If a process is being conducted, the state must act in accordance with its spirit. Expectations and demands are known. The government should explain what it plans to do, what steps will be taken. There’s public anxiety and mistrust. To overcome this, politics must be open and transparent.”
He added that the state’s silence fuels public uncertainty: “People are anxious because they don’t see concrete steps. We’re following the process with patience, but the public wants to see results. There’s no reason for despair, but it’s time for action.”
‘DEMOCRACY IS NEEDED FOR ALL, NOT JUST KURDS’
Addressing repression against opposition parties, Türk said: “If steps are being taken for a democratic Turkey, they must apply to everyone, not only Kurds. It’s unacceptable that while we work for democracy, elected mayors are arrested and municipalities are seized. We are not anyone’s backyard, neither the government’s nor the opposition’s. We act according to our belief in democracy.”
He underlined that dialogue with the ruling power was necessary for any genuine resolution: “If you want to solve a century-old problem, you have to talk to the government. There is no other way. The opposition’s support is important, but the solution must come through dialogue.”
‘BAHCELI’S APPROACH IS A SIGN OF REALIZATION’
Türk interpreted MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli’s call for dialogue as a reflection of national necessity rather than party politics: “Bahçeli told us openly that he didn’t do this for political gain but because it was necessary. He realized that if this dialogue process fails, Turkey will face major challenges both domestically and internationally.”
‘FREEDOM OF OCALAN WOULD STRENGTHEN DEMOCRACY’
Türk drew parallels between Öcalan and Nelson Mandela, arguing that listening to Öcalan is essential for Turkey’s democratic future: “Mandela was taken from prison to engage in talks that paved the way for peace. If a parliamentary or civil commission visits İmralı and listens to Öcalan, they will see that he deeply cares about Turkey’s future. His physical freedom would contribute to Turkey’s democracy.”
He added: “If this is truly a project of peace and brotherhood, then the law of brotherhood must be fulfilled. This means equality and mutual respect, not exclusion.”
‘THE PROCESS MUST ADVANCE WITH PATIENCE AND DIALOGUE’
Türk stressed that progress would depend on mutual persuasion and understanding: “We must convince both our own people and the Turkish public. The freedom of Kurds does not harm Turkey; on the contrary, it will also liberate the Turkish people. As Öcalan says, ‘My concern is not only Kurds, but the freedom of all societies in the Middle East.’”
‘THE STATE SHOULD ENGAGE WITH SYRIAN KURDS’
Addressing the situation in North and East Syria, Türk said Ankara’s approach must change: “The Kurds there defended themselves against ISIS when no one else did. Their goal was not separation but freedom within Syria. If Turkey talks about ‘ancient brotherhood,’ then it must treat Syrian Kurds as brothers. Instead of viewing them as a threat, Ankara should engage with their political leaders, listen to them, and support their democratic future.”
He warned that hostility toward Syrian Kurds undermines the peace process: “You can talk with HTS, so why not with Kurdish representatives like Mazlum Abdi or Ilham Ahmed? Such dialogue would be a historic opportunity.”
‘A PROCESS THAT MUST BE MANAGED CAREFULLY’
Türk concluded by emphasizing patience, clarity, and trust: “This process must move forward carefully and without losing public confidence. It can take time, but if the right messages are given, people will wait patiently. If silence continues, however, trust will fade.”
MA / Azad Altay-Ahmet Kanbal