ANKARA – As part of the “Democratic Society Meetings” organized by the Peoples' Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, approximately 50,000 people were reached through 25 meetings held in Ankara and Konya. According to DBP Central Anatolia Co-Spokesperson Ensar Bozkurt, “Central Anatolian Kurds fully support the process.”
The meetings are part of a broader effort launched after Abdullah Öcalan’s February 27 “Call for Peace and a Democratic Society”, aiming to inform the public and gather input from various communities across Kurdistan and Turkey. In Central Anatolia, 10 of the 25 meetings were held in DEM Party offices, 8 with civil society organizations, and 7 in villages and neighborhoods.
TOPICS DISCUSSED: TRUST, LEGAL FRAMEWORKS, AND ÖCALAN
During the meetings, attended by DEM Party MYK members Öztürk Türkdoğan and Canan Çağlayan, DBP co-spokespersons, and Van Metropolitan Municipality Co-Mayor Abdullah Zeydan, participants emphasized past grievances and a lack of trust in the state. A frequent question was "What stage is the peace process at, and how will it proceed?" Many attendees expressed confidence in Abdullah Öcalan and the DEM Party, but also stressed the need for legal assurances from the state as a prerequisite for trust.
The meetings will continue until the end of August.
‘CENTRAL ANATOLIAN KURDS FULLY SUPPORT THE PROCESS’
DBP Co-Spokesperson Ensar Bozkurt said: “The people have high expectations. They want the release of elected representatives, an end to the trustee (kayyum) system, and the dropping of the Kobanê case. These are seen as security concerns that need to be addressed within a clear legal framework.”
He emphasized that Kurdish communities in Central Anatolia are energized and eager to participate, saying: “They tell us, ‘We are ready to do whatever is needed.’ The people here are completely behind the process.”
‘WE BELIEVE THE PROCESS WILL SUCCEED’
Bozkurt said their goal is to make the demand for peace a collective societal issue, stating: “We are working to reach all sectors of society, faith groups, unions, professional organizations. Our goal is to hold 2,000 meetings across Turkey and Kurdistan. But more importantly, we await new developments, especially from Mr. Öcalan, whose words will guide us.”
He concluded: “Everywhere we go, we see that the people are ready. Our hope is growing — and we believe this process will succeed.”
MA / Omer Gungor