A conference organised by the Human Rights Association (İHD) on “The resolution of the Kurdish issue and peace” brought together intellectuals, activists and politicians throughout the weekend to discuss the future of peace in Turkey, particularly in relation to the Kurdish issue. The event sought to explore the potential for initiating a new peace process as Turkey moves into its second century.
The conference’s sessions, notably moderated by Hakan Tahmaz of the Peace Foundation, saw significant contributions from journalist Ali Bayramoğlu and Celalettin Can of the 78’ers Initiative. Their discussions underscored the critical need for a renewed approach to resolving the longstanding Kurdish issue, emphasising the importance of inclusive dialogue and negotiation.
In his remarks, Celalettin Can highlighted the pivotal role of the “Wise People,” a group proposed by Abdullah Öcalan, imprisoned leader of Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), in significantly boosting public support for peace. He pointed out the discrepancy in representation within this group, advocating for a more inclusive selection process that genuinely represents the Kurdish freedom struggle. Can’s observations underscored the transformation in public sentiment towards peace, noting a substantial increase in support from 30% to 84%, attributed to the efforts of the Wise People.
Journalist Ali Bayramoğlu, on the other hand, addressed the internal conflicts within the Kurdish community and the changing international dynamics that affect the resolution of the Kurdish issue. Bayramoğlu expressed concerns about the realistic expectations of peace in the current political landscape, marked by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s leadership style, which he referred to as dictatorial.
The discussions focused on the role of civil society organisations (CSOs) in peace processes on the second day of conference. Presenters Murat Çelikkan and Erkan Şenses emphasised the critical importance of CSOs in supporting peace-building efforts, from documenting war crimes to fostering intercultural understanding. They argued that CSOs must work unconditionally for human rights and peace, despite potential obstacles. The conference highlighted the need for greater advocacy and engagement from civil society, including bar associations, in peace processes, underlining the essential role these organisations play in moving from conflict towards peace.
In a message to the conference, Democratic Society Congress (DTK) co-chair Leyla Güven, currently detained in Sincan Women’s Prison in Ankara, called for a louder voice for peace and fraternity among peoples for a solution process with genuine stakeholders to begin.
Güven expressed renewed hope upon hearing that the conference gathered around the idea of peace longed for by the people of Diyarbakir. She emphasised the need for a persistent push towards peace, comparing it to pedaling a bicycle, and highlighted the struggle of Middle Eastern people for a democratic system where everyone can freely express their identities, beliefs and cultures in peace.
Despite the challenges posed by external powers interested in maintaining the status quo through division and conflict, Güven believes in the possibility of a dignified peace and fraternity among peoples. She praised the İHD’s efforts and expressed gratitude towards those contributing to the peace process, sharing a message of respect and hope for free and bright futures.
The conference, by bringing these issues to the forefront, served as a crucial platform for dialogue and set the stage for potential peace initiatives. It called for the engagement of a broad spectrum of society, including political parties, civil society organisations, academics, intellectuals and other key stakeholders, in the peace process. The discussions made it clear that resolving the Kurdish issue requires collective efforts and a steadfast commitment to dialogue, negotiation, and understanding across all levels of society.
