Turkey’s pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party co-chair Tuncer Bakırhan has called for renewed dialogue to address the Kurdish question, including the potential role of Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan in the peace process. Speaking at a solidarity event in Mersin on Saturday, Bakırhan warned that peace cannot be built on divisive language and oppressive policies.
Bakırhan said that Turkey stands at a historic crossroads as Middle Eastern borders and alliances shift. Stressing the importance of pluralism, he said, “A hundred years ago, different identities and languages were suppressed. The peoples of this region cannot be confined to outdated borders today. We must move towards freedom and solidarity.”
The co-chair highlighted Öcalan’s prolonged isolation in İmralı Prison, describing it as an obstacle to peace efforts. “The isolation imposed on Öcalan obstructs the unity of the Turkish and Kurdish peoples,” he said. “I hope the government finally recognises the need to break this isolation and take steps towards genuine peace.”
Bakırhan criticised the administration’s contradictory approach to peace, accusing it of using oppressive rhetoric and tactics. “If the government is sincere about peace, it must first abandon its toxic language,” he said. “Peace cannot be built on threats, detentions, and appointed trustees [in place of elected officials]. It requires mutual respect and dialogue.”
He also condemned Turkey’s military operations in northern Syria, arguing that there can be no peace in Turkey while there is war in Rojava [North and East Syria]. “You cannot talk about peace in Turkey while attacking Rojava,” he said. “The Kurdish people’s hard-earned status there must be recognised, and peaceful policies must be adopted.”
Bakırhan emphasised the need for solidarity with Syrian communities facing violence, particularly Alevis and Kurds. “We reject the creation of a ‘land of oppression’ in Syria,” he stated. “Syria cannot exist without its Kurds, Alevis and Arabs. True peace means recognising all identities and beliefs.”
He urged the government to shift its stance and embrace democratic reforms. “Peace cannot be built on poisoned words,” he said. “We need a new language and approach to address the Kurdish issue and build inclusive solutions. It is time for all communities to unite and demand change.”
Bakırhan concluded by calling for collective mobilisation to support peace and justice. “We are at a turning point,” he said. “Let us build a future where freedom and democracy prevail for all.”
