The Islamic Community of Kurdistan (CIK) Chair Şevket Çakır evaluated the “Peace and Democratic Society” process initiated by Abdullah Öcalan, describing it as a historic step that could fulfill the Kurdish people’s long-standing demands for peace and freedom. Çakır emphasized that peace is not only a political goal but also a divine command. He said that the Kurdish people have resisted oppression for decades, paying a heavy price in their struggle for peace and rights.

Çakır said, “The Kurdish people have long desired peace. Our people have paid a great price for achieving peace in Kurdistan on the basis of justice and rights. Peace is a right commanded by Allah. In the Surah al-Baqarah, Allah says, ‘Enter into peace wholeheartedly.’ The Prophet also chose peace under difficult circumstances. Today, as we defend the rights of the Kurdish people, we must show the same determination.”

Çakır underlined that Abdullah Öcalan has always stood for peace, highlighted the dialogue and peace initiatives that took place between 1993 and 2012. He said these initiatives clearly reflected the Kurdish side’s consistent pursuit of peace. Çakır also added: “Throughout his 52-year struggle, Öcalan has consistently adopted an approach centered on peace. The Kurdish side has repeatedly put forward a policy based on the demand for peace. To ensure the success of this process, we must all fulfill our responsibilities.”

The example of the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah

Şevket Çakır emphasized the importance of peace by drawing examples from Islamic history and referred to the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah as a key lesson. Çakır also said: “At that time, some people criticized the Prophet and even accused him of betraying the cause. Yet the value of peace was above everything else. The Prophet removed the phrase ‘Messenger of Allah’ from his signature in the treaty and signed only with his name. This example shows us that to achieve lasting peace, one must make sacrifices and take bold steps. Today, as we defend the rights of the Kurdish people, we must demonstrate the same determination.”

Our demands for lasting peace are clear

Şevket Çakır stated that the Turkish side continues to postpone the issues by repeatedly using the rhetoric of “brotherhood,” emphasized that the demands of the Kurdish people must be guaranteed.

Çakır explained that the goal of the process is to end conflicts, secure the Kurdish people’s language, culture, and rights, and establish social justice. He said: “As a people, our language, culture, and rights must be recognized. Legal arrangements must be made to guarantee these rights. This is both a human and an Islamic right. Our people have paid a heavy price to live freely, with dignity, and in peace.”

Çakır also drew attention to the universal meaning of peace for all humanity and said: “To save one life is to save all of humanity. Peace is not only a wish but also a shared responsibility of humankind and the rightful demand of the Kurdish people. This process is an opportunity to end years of suffering and to secure our human rights. We stand for peace and will do everything in our power to ensure the success of this process.”