Abdullah Öcalan’s 2007 criticisms of symbolic gestures, specifically referring to a handshake involving far-right leader Devlet Bahçeli, have resurfaced following Bahçeli’s recent handshake with pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party members, emphasising the need for genuine recognition of Kurdish rights in order for peace to be possible.
In a 2007 meeting with his lawyers, Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), commented on Bahçeli’s handshake with MPs from the pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party (DTP), saying, “A handshake just for the sake of symbolism cannot be.”
Bahçeli’s gesture on 1 October, when he shook hands with DEM Party co-chair Tuncer Bakırhan and called for peace within the country at the opening of the new legislative year, has sparked discussions recalling Öcalan’s earlier remarks. Bahçeli said, “We are entering a new era. When seeking peace globally, we must ensure peace within our own country.”
DEM Party co-chair Tülay Hatimoğulları responded cautiously, saying, “Turkey does need internal peace. We will watch what steps are taken.” Party officials emphasised that a genuine solution to the Kurdish issue requires concrete actions and pointed to the role of Öcalan.
The PKK leader’s past remarks highlighted the importance of sincerity and recognition of Kurdish rights. “If we don’t know this, a handshake just for the sake of symbolism cannot be; otherwise, politics becomes frivolous,” he said in 2007. “Does Bahçeli accept the existence and rights of the Kurds? If he does, then a relationship can be established.”
Otherwise, it would be unprincipled,” he said.
The renewed interest in Öcalan’s comments comes amid discussions of possible peace initiatives. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has also expressed support for Bahçeli’s remarks, stating, “We do not shy away from any dialogue that will benefit the nation.”
Öcalan had foreseen a Justice and Development Party (AKP) and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) partnership, and stressed then that a solution to the Kurdish issue required more than superficial gestures. “Peace will not come through such simplicity. The danger is truly great,” he warned in meetings between 2010 and 2011.
