Turkey’s far-right Nationalist and Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli on Tuesday hailed what he called a transformative era for Turkey and the region, asserting that “the doors to peace have swung wide open”. Addressing members during his party’s parliamentary group meeting, Bahçeli highlighted the resolution of the Kurdish question and stability in Syria as pivotal milestones.
Referring to recent changes in Syria, Bahçeli stated, “The era of oppression in Syria has ended. It is time for Syria to rise again.” He directly targeted Kurdish groups, saying, “The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and the People’s Protection Units (YPG) must understand that they have no place in Syria.” He accused these groups of undermining stability in the region and reiterated Turkey’s intent to eliminate their presence. “The Kurdish-Turkish brotherhood will not be undermined, and those who aim to disrupt it will face relentless resistance.”
Bahçeli linked recent political and military developments in the region to a broader vision of stability. He declared, “The new century will be one of peace and tranquillity,” envisioning the resolution of what he referred to as Turkey’s “chronic issues” to create a stronger and united nation.
He underlined that recent shifts, both domestically and internationally, marked the start of a new chapter. “Much has changed; the old ways are behind us. Locks have been opened, and a new dawn of prosperity for the Turkish nation has begun,” Bahçeli stated, reiterating the necessity for unity among Turkey’s 85 million citizens.
Turning his attention to the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), Bahçeli criticised them as ineffective and divisive. “Their politics of deception have reached a dead end,” he said, characterising them as “drowning in a sea of falsehoods”.
Bahçeli also responded sharply to comments by the co-chair of the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party Tülay Hatimoğulları, who compared domestic issues to the plight of Gaza. “Gaza is already in our hearts,” Bahçeli retorted, accusing critics of attempting to “import chaos” into Turkey.
The MHP leader’s rhetoric extended to cultural themes, where he defended the significance of Arabesque music—a genre often dismissed by cultural elites—as a cornerstone of Turkish heritage. He paid tribute to the late singer Ferdi Tayfur, calling him a voice for the “wounded hearts” of the nation.
Bahçeli also reaffirmed his commitment to the governing alliance with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP), pledging to protect Turkey’s sovereignty and unity. “We will not yield an inch of our homeland or compromise on our values,” he said.
Bahçeli’s statements also reflected his broader nationalist agenda, defending Turkey’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. On Syria, he called for supporting what he referred to as the country’s “new administration” while explicitly opposing the presence of Kurdish groups. “The fight against terrorism will not end, and Turkey will not allow the YPG to establish any foothold in Syria,” Bahçeli said. He accused global powers, including the United States, of fostering instability in the region.
“The so-called plans for Syria by certain actors are sly and dangerous. Turkey will stand firm against any attempts to undermine peace,” he added, signalling ongoing tensions over Ankara’s regional policy.
