DEM Party co-chair Tülay Hatimoğulları told ANF that a delegation might visit Imrali by the end of February and that the so-much-awaited message from Abdullah Öcalan could be received.  

We are going through a period where significant debates are taking place regarding the resolution of the Kurdish issue. Taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture, what do you see? 

We are experiencing a period in Turkey where various agendas are overlapping. Since 1 October 2024, various discussions have been taking place. Following Devlet Bahçeli’s call, we have witnessed different discussions on the Kurdish issue. This is, in a way, a very important and historical process. The Kurdish question has become a widely discussed topic across all segments of Turkish society during this period. The visits made by our delegation to Imrali and the messages that come out from these meetings hold great significance and historical meaning. 

The messages sent by Mr. Abdullah Öcalan through the delegation are comprehensive. On the one hand, they contain significant insights regarding the peaceful and democratic resolution of the Kurdish question. On the other hand, they offer important messages concerning the democratization of Turkey as a whole. Additionally, during this process, the opposition and all social dynamics in Turkey have made calls to contribute to the peaceful and democratic resolution of the Kurdish issue. Messages directed at the opposition were also of great importance. Each of these messages is extremely valuable. 

While this dialogue continues, attacks targeting the DEM Party have expanded to various social segments, particularly those not aligned with the AKP. How do you evaluate this situation? 

While the dialogue process is ongoing, while the delegation is visiting Imrali, and while Mr. Öcalan’s messages are being delivered. At the same time, trustees are being appointed to municipalities, operations against the HDK (Peoples' Democratic Congress) are being conducted, military operations against Rojava continue, and trustee appointments to municipalities persist. These developments are extremely concerning. In addition, there are operations against urban consensus processes and serious operations targeting municipalities in Istanbul. All of these are issues that require deep reflection. 

Regarding the HDK operations specifically, I must point out that the targets here are socialist organizations in solidarity with the Kurdish people, as well as all individuals and groups affiliated with both the DEM Party and the HDK. There are also rumors that these operations may expand further. Similarly, the trustee appointments—on the one hand, we talk about peace and resolving the Kurdish issue, but on the other hand, there is no respect for the Kurds’ right to vote and be elected. 

Erdoğan emphasized "civil politics" during the AKP congress, yet the HDK, which stands at the center of civil politics, was targeted. Isn’t this a contradiction? 

Exactly. He spoke about civil politics, presenting it as a condition. However, the HDK is already practicing civil politics. The DEM Party is already engaged in civil democratic politics. We see these actions as an attack on democratic politics. People will judge the sincerity of this stance. 

At the same time, cross-border operations against Rojava continue. Trustees appointed to municipalities deprive Kurds of their right to vote and be elected. What does this mean? If you do not have the right to vote and be elected, it means that your right to citizenship is also being taken away. It means you are not recognized as a citizen. This is the implication. 

This repression does not only affect the DEM Party, its allies, and the HDK. This authoritarian regime is making itself felt in many other areas as well. Today, we see that even TÜSIAD (Turkish Industry and Business Association) and major capital groups are feeling the pressure. The ruling power is using the judiciary as a tool to exert control over various sectors, including big businesses. They are trying to silence everyone. They came to power claiming they would free Turkey from military tutelage, but they have now established a new kind of tutelage—one controlled by the palace. The judiciary is wielded like a sword over society and civil politics. 

This repression has now spread beyond the DEM Party and the HDK, reaching CHP municipalities and even Ekrem Imamoğlu. The government has intensified and expanded its pressure on multiple fronts. 

Given this situation, can we really talk about a solution and democracy? 

Under these circumstances, talking about democracy becomes extremely difficult. Talking about a solution is even more challenging. However, we in the DEM Party, remain committed to democratic politics. The peaceful and democratic resolution of the Kurdish question will undoubtedly contribute greatly to Turkey’s democratization. There is no need to even emphasize this fact. It is evident that these doors will eventually open. 

I would also like to highlight another pressing issue: Turkey is facing severe poverty. Nearly 50 million people live below the poverty line. Today, a unionized worker cannot exercise the right to strike. Any worker who dares to say "I am hungry" is labeled a “terrorist” or accused of being linked to terrorism. This situation must come to an end. 

What has the DEM Party done to address these issues?

In order to ensure that these discussions result in an honorable peace, significant steps must be taken. We have held meetings across Turkey and Kurdistan, engaging with the people through public gatherings. We have met with democratic forces and civil society organizations in Turkey. We have engaged with Alevi communities and will continue our dialogue with religious groups. We have held critical discussions with feminist and women’s movements in Turkey. 

Most importantly, we have been discussing peace with all these groups. This is extremely important and valuable. We have also held talks with opposition parties, and the results have been quite positive in terms of fostering peace. 

What do you think the government is trying to do in this process? 

Right now, we cannot find an answer to this question. The current government, despite the overwhelming public support for peace, is acting as if it does not see this reality. This means Turkey is being condemned to an extremely undemocratic climate. This is unacceptable. 

At a time when peace has gained widespread social acceptance, what exactly does the AKP government intend to do? Do they have a concrete plan or project for a solution? If so, what is it? These are all enormous unanswered questions. 

We do not have answers to these questions yet. That is why we continuously make this call: the government must speak up. Erdoğan must speak up. What do they think about this process and this dialogue? What do they want to do? 

This ongoing wave of repression is severely damaging the dialogue process. That is why these attacks must end immediately and unconditionally. 

The statement that Kurdish People's Leader Öcalan is expected to make is eagerly awaited. However, what kind of political struggle will be built based on the content of the upcoming message? How will this struggle be carried out?

We wholeheartedly believe that this message will have historical significance. We know that Mr. Öcalan has devoted serious thought to the democratization of Turkey. We also know that he has conducted deep and extensive work on this matter. Therefore, we expect his message to be filled with calls for peace and resolution for the Kurdish people across all four parts of Kurdistan. We anticipate that his message will emphasize the need to move the Kurdish issue from a context of violence and conflict to a legal and political framework. Based on our two meetings with him, we infer that he will insist on this approach and emphasize the necessity of progress in this regard.

This historic call will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the Kurdish people, on the peoples of Turkey, on the Kurdish Freedom Movement, and on us, the DEM Party. That is why the entire society, not just the DEM Party and not just the Kurds, has been waiting for this statement with great curiosity, as we have observed in our meetings.

What will happen after this call is made? 

We in the DEM Party are fully prepared to fulfill our duties and responsibilities. We have repeatedly expressed our readiness to assume responsibility and to play a leading role in this period. Up to now, as I mentioned earlier, we have held discussions with various political and social dynamics in Turkey and the Kurdistan region. We have talked about peace. We have discussed how peace in Turkey would benefit workers, laborers, women, youth, environmental and human rights activists, and democratic politics. We have also talked about how the peoples of Turkey can live together in equality and fraternity. In addition, we have addressed the issues faced by our Alevi brothers and sisters.

These are valuable discussions. The meetings and conclusions drawn from them confirm that, if implemented, Turkey could rapidly enter a process of democratization. The first phase of our efforts, from October 1st until now, has been focused on this. Once the statement is made, our work will enter an entirely new phase. We are determined to analyze how the message is received by all peoples and faiths in Turkey, as well as by all political and social actors. We will engage in broad discussions with the public, organize large-scale meetings, and, as we have done in the past, we will continue to do everything in our power to socialize the concept of peace.

What role should the government play in this process? 

Once this statement is made, we will do everything we can as representatives of democratic politics, but we also expect the same from the government, the ruling party, and the President. If this process does not develop in such a way, the possibility of achieving peace will become increasingly difficult. Therefore, steps must be taken. At the moment, we do not know what the government truly thinks about this issue, which creates a significant gap in our discussions. This is critical because, as history shows, those who are in conflict must negotiate to find a solution. Looking at global experiences, we see that peace processes are shaped by dialogue between conflicting parties, and any progress made in this regard serves peace.

With this upcoming call, as a party committed to democratic politics, negotiation, and dialogue, we will enter a new phase in which we will dedicate even more effort to socializing peace and calling on the government to take responsibility.

Are there any aspects of the Imrali meetings that have not yet been publicly disclosed? 

Through our interviews and statements as co-chairs and party spokespersons, we have shared summaries of these meetings. The central theme of our discussions was the emphasis on shifting the Kurdish issue from a violent and conflict-based context to a legal and political framework. Another key topic was the impact that a peaceful resolution to this issue could have on the Middle East.

Mr. Öcalan has paid special attention to this, pointing out that new developments are occurring in the Middle East, that the global system is restructuring itself, and that significant changes have taken place in Syria. He has highlighted how these developments are affecting Turkey and, particularly, Iran. He has emphasized that it would be in the best interest of both Iran and Turkey to take concrete, serious, and rapid steps toward democratization. Additionally, he has reaffirmed his commitment to playing his role in establishing social harmony and internal peace in Turkey.

One of the points he strongly emphasized was the struggle for women's rights, the progress made in this struggle, and the need to take it even further. He also spoke about the murder of Narin Güran, using this case to analyze how the existing system has corrupted society. He undelined the importance of social organization in combating these issues.

This is a crucial point. The organization of society and its democratization are essential for preventing femicide, violence against women, child abuse, and child murders. These are not just issues for Kurds, Turks, Arabs, Circassians, or Laz people; they concern all peoples and faiths. Child abuse and femicide are widespread problems in Turkey. The case of Tavşantepe is a notable example, but we know that similar incidents occur throughout the country. The only way to fight this is through strong societal organization. These topics were discussed in depth.

Your party officials previously indicated that Mr. Öcalan's statement will be made in mid-February. Why has it been delayed? 

The preparations were not completed in time. By preparations, we mean that our delegation recently visited the Kurdistan Regional Government, holding meetings in both Erbil and Sulaymaniyah. They have only just returned, and their evaluations need to be conveyed to Mr. Öcalan. That has not happened yet. Once he receives these assessments and discussions are held with his interlocutors, a date will be determined. According to the information we have, since the statement could not be made on 15 February, it is expected to come at the end of this month or the beginning of next month.

So, late February or early March? 

Yes, exactly.

But there is no final date yet, correct?

Yes, the exact date has not been set. The expectation is that the meeting will take place around the end of February or early March. However, what we truly wish for is the complete lifting of the isolation imposed on Mr. Öcalan, allowing him to work freely in a proper environment, meet with all relevant parties, and conduct discussions in a legally recognized framework. All of these are crucial. 

Once the statement is made, what responsibilities will fall upon civil politics and social opposition? 

We all desperately need peace. Our region has been exhausted by war, bloodshed, and suffering. This is true for Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Iran, and the entire Middle East. We are living in a time when peace is more critical than ever. 

The current situation in Turkey is incredibly complex. Society tells us that they are confused. There are calls for peace on one hand, while on the other, repression and violence continue. All of these concerns are valid. This process is indeed complicated and difficult to understand. However, what matters most is ensuring that this process culminates in an honorable peace and democratic transformation.

Achieving this is not solely the responsibility of the Kurdish people, nor should they be left alone in this struggle. On the contrary, this is a time for great solidarity with the Kurdish people. 

We must also recognize that peace will open the door to democratic struggle in Turkey. Today, people in Turkey are suffering from high living costs, deepening poverty, and economic hardship. Workers and laborers cannot even exercise their right to strike, and when they speak out, they are criminalized as “terrorists.” 

The path to peace lies in strengthening the voices of Turkey’s workers, laborers, women, youth, environmentalists, human rights activists, Alevis, Christians, and all oppressed peoples and faiths. We must unite, organize, and fight for peace together. 

Now is the time to stand shoulder to shoulder, resist oppression, and build a strong democratic front. Peace must be voiced from the Black Sea to the Aegean, from Marmara to Kurdistan. I believe we can do this. Turkey is moving toward such an atmosphere, and if we stand together, we will succeed.