Emphasising the critical role of artists and thinkers in addressing the Kurdish issue in Turkey through truth and dialogue, art critic and painter Feyyaz Yaman has advocated equal rights of representation for the Kurdish community and remarked on the importance of confronting historical and societal realities to achieve peace and coexistence as part of the broader initiative, “Let’s Be a Voice for Peace”.
Yaman, along with other prominent figures from the art and literary world in Turkey’s Kurdish community, has signed the declaration, “Let’s Be a Voice for Peace”, which aims to foster societal peace and resolve the long-standing Kurdish problem.
Reflecting on the declaration, Yaman emphasised the importance of artists and intellectuals in confronting truths and opposing societal pressures. “We are going through a historical process,” he remarked, indicating the need for a critical reassessment of Turkey’s political history and the freedoms promised by the 1921 Constitution compared to its successors.
Central to Yaman’s advocacy is the resolution of the Kurdish issue, which he believes is crucial to the coexistence of Turkey’s diverse populations. “The problem we face is discussing the right of the Kurdish community to representation on an equal platform and finding a solution within a common agreement,” Yaman stated. He highlighted the power of dialogue in resolving conflicts, citing examples from Ireland and from Catalonia in Spain.
Yaman called for a transition towards a culture of confrontation, challenging artists and intellectuals to use their critical voices in a reality-based platform. “This is a start and a point of renewal,” he said, encouraging others to join in this movement. He stressed the necessity of confronting reality in order to continue the journey as artists, intellectuals, democrats or freedom advocates.
