In previous years, the tribal chiefs were the last hope of the AKP-MHP government, which did not pay the HDP municipalities in an attempt to defeat the party, jailed mayors, appointed trustees, and made some people protest in front of HDP provincial offices with photos in their hands, but still failed.

By presenting tribal chiefs as opinion leaders, the AKP hopes to demolish the Kurdish Freedom Movement's successes while planning to defeat the HDP at the ballot box in the elections. One of the most important tasks is to gather tribes and people whom society no longer respects in state parties and utilize them against the people in favour of the state.

THEY WORK AS AKP'S REGIONAL DEALER

The AKP-MHP government, which bases its political calculations on this, wishes to sever the Kurdish people's unity, particularly in the context of Rojava. It is worth noting that the government chose Van as a pilot province in order to rekindle tribalism and pit Kurds against one other. The goal is to put tribalism at the heart of social and political life throughout the Serhat region, beginning with Van.

In this regard, the AKP and tribal chiefs have a similar mindset. Tribalism, like the AKP, involves an authoritarian and dictatorial kind of organization that rejects alternative viewpoints. Tribal associations serve as the AKP's regional dealers.

TRACE OF BARZANI BEHIND THE TRIBAL ASSOCIATIONS

The KDP, led by Masoud Barzani, is the driving force behind the tribes founded in Van. It is no secret that these people, introducing themselves as tribal representatives, routinely visit Southern Kurdistan (Northern Iraq) and meet with Barzani and his family. It was learned that some people from Southern Kurdistan attended the Pinyanişi Tribe Association's opening event last week. The statements of Association President Senar Yıldız, who frequently thanked Barzani at the conference, drew notice.

TENDERS ARE SHARED BY THE TRIBAL ASSOCIATIONS

Rasim Aslan, President of the Ancient Tribes Federation (KAF), is reported to have divided the large tenders he obtained from Van Highways and numerous state institutions with these tribal elders who are employed on a profit-based basis.

13 TRIBAL ASSOCIATIONS FOUNDED IN VAN

The names of the tribal associations opened in Van in the last 5 years are as follows: Inter-tribal Cooperation Association, Inter-tribal Aid and Solidarity Association, Tribal Research and Development Association, Burukiler Social Cultural Assistance and Solidarity Association, Tribal Culture Research Association, Ancient Tribes Federation, Küresünniler Association, Küresunni History and Research Association, Malbat Research Association, Van Tillo Aid and Solidarity Association and finally Pinyaniş Tribal Association.

AKP members are at the head of the tribes.

One of these associations, Pinyaniş Tribal Association, is administered by Senar Yıldız, the Chairman of the Board, known for his Rubar program on TRT 6 (Kurdish), while the Chairman of the Ancient Tribal Federation is Rasim Aslan, former Ipekyolu District President of the AKP. Leyla Tanrıtanır from the AKP is the President of the Inter-tribal Aid Association, and the Chairman of the Küresünniler Association is Ferhat Atacan, one of the AKP Van Provincial Administrators.

SENAR YILDIZ: WE SIDE WITH OUR STATE AND FLAG

Senar Yıldız, a TRT 6 programmer, said at the opening of the Pinyanisi Tribe Association, which was finally opened in Van with an official ceremony attended by the governor; "Our tribe is a very old one, with a history that will be written in gold letters. Our tribe has always done the right thing and stood by the state and its flag since the Ottoman Empire", revealing the mission of tribal groups.

ASSOCIATIONS ESTABLISHED WITH THE PERMISSION OF INTERIOR MINISTRY

The establishment process of associations does not look like the establishment process of political parties.

Following permission from the Turkish Ministry of Interior after the establishment procedure, the associations are opened with official ceremonies attended by the governor, district governor, and police chief.

In the speeches made at the opening of the Pinyanişi Association, it was claimed that tribes protect the state's security in Kurdistan.