If something is to be called “the disaster of the century”, it is not the 6 February earthquakes, but the Turkish government itself, according to Besê Hozat, the co-chair of the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK).
“The AKP-MHP government itself is the disaster of the century,” Hozat told Media Haber on Monday, referring to Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and its far-right ally, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP).
“Is this earthquake really the disaster of the century, or is it this mentality of the government that caused this disaster?” Hozat asked.
The 6 February twin earthquakes hit mainly-Kurdish regions in south Turkey, which are also home to a significant number of people of Alevi faith.
Hozat warned residents in the earthquake-stricken region against potential governmental attempts to use the earthquake as an instrument to clear the region of Kurds and Alevis.
“The earthquake-stricken region is historically inhabited by Kurds and Arab Alevis,” stated Hozat, as she accused the government of implementing a migration policy to alter the region’s demographics.
According to Hozat, people are displaced and forced to migrate, especially in the villages and cities where both Kurdish Alevis and Arab Alevis live.
She further claimed that no aid was provided to these areas, and the peoples were left to die without assistance, and that such practices were a deliberate governmental strategy.
She advised earthquake victims not to sell their land, homes or property to the state.
“Our people may face difficulties, struggles, and sufferings, but they should not abandon their lands. Otherwise, they will face sufferings ten times greater than what they have experienced so far,” said Hozat.
She added that the Kurdish and Alevi villages can be easily reconstructed with one or two-storey buildings, eventually transforming the region into a lively place once again with solidarity, a common spirit, and financial support.
Hozat also expressed optimism, stating that with continued solidarity, support, and a shared sense of purpose, the affected areas could be rebuilt and transformed into thriving communities once again.
