Former Turkish Prime Minister and Future Party leader Ahmet Davutoğlu has visited Ahmet Türk, the ousted co-mayor of Mardin (Mêrdîn), during a trip to the southeastern city. Ahmet Türk, a well-known Kurdish politician, was removed from office by Turkey’s Ministry of Interior and replaced with a government-appointed trustee, part of a policy widely criticised as undermining democracy.
The meeting, held privately, centred on addressing Turkey’s Kurdish issue and strengthening democratic practices. Davutoğlu presented a dossier outlining his party’s strategies for resolving the Kurdish question. Speaking to the press afterwards, both leaders emphasised the importance of dialogue and inclusivity.
Ahmet Türk expressed gratitude for Davutoğlu’s visit and stressed the need for unity to achieve peace. “We shared ideas about creating a democratic future. Justice, equality, and freedom are achievable if we work together—not only as politicians but as citizens too,” Türk said, adding that Mardin’s diverse cultural and linguistic heritage symbolises coexistence.
Davutoğlu, echoing Türk’s sentiments, described their meeting as constructive. He reaffirmed his opposition to the removal of elected officials, referring to Türk as “Mayor of Mardin” despite his dismissal. “Replacing elected mayors with trustees is a political mistake. It disregards the will of the voters and erodes trust in democracy,” he said.
Davutoğlu also called for dialogue between the government and Kurdish communities, emphasising peace and collaboration. “Achieving peace requires inclusive democracy and unwavering public order. Dialogue is essential for both,” he said. He also stressed the importance of fostering relationships with Kurdish communities in neighbouring Syria and Iraq without relying on external powers.
Addressing the ruling government, Davutoğlu warned them to “Never break or damage the bridges of dialogue. Instead, let’s build bridges. If there are any, let’s strengthen them.”
The visit concluded with Davutoğlu offering condolences to Türk following the recent passing of his sister. This meeting in Mardin followed a visit by İstanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, highlighting the city’s role in debates around democracy and governance in Turkey.
İstanbul Mayor İmamoğlu visits Mardin: Trustee appointments ‘a national embarrassment’
