Democratic Autonomy which has been proposed by the Kurdish politicians for a democratic solution for the Kurdish problem in Turkey was accepted at the 4th General Assembly of the Democratic Society Congress (DTK). While the autonomy project is widely discussed by the Turkish public opinion it was handled with prejudice as a result of separation paranoia of Turkey.

Zeynep Gambetti, Ass. Prof. Dr. of Political Science Department at Bogazici University in Istanbul who has been studying the Zapatista’s autonomy experience in Mexico stated that the ongoing discussions on the democratic autonomy in Turkey are based on a reductionist approach. She however, said not only autonomy but also ‘Democratic Autonomy’ is a feasible model to implement. 


Based on Democracy


Emphasizing the fact that autonomy does not necessarily means democratisation Gambetti said it is more related to the nature of state. She also said in contrast to the perception of thereat which has remained at the forefront in Turkey, Democratic Autonomy means an alternative model which is ecology-sensitive, based on women emancipation and proposing alternative economy. She further said to be able to construct such a structure more than legal and political dimensions, economical aspects should be handled. 


Alternative Economy

Giving the system implemented by Zapatistas in Chiapas region of Mexico Gambetti claimed that an organisation structure from ground to the top like cooperatives and collective producing style should be improved in the Kurdish region, especially having taken the regional conditions into consideration. She further said that this kid of producing style should also be united with the other international alternative economic powers and the potential that the region has for agriculture and husbandry should be improved. 





Tough job from now and on

Gambetti also believes that considering the consequences of the Kurdish struggle it will not difficult to implement Democratic Autonomy as a social and political model. She added: “Moreover, in terms of political and social organisation the Kurdish movement at the most advanced level in Turkey. Of course the Kurds identify themselves as the suppressed. But it is seen as a great achievement from the west. Not it is the Turksih side who is weak and infirm. No other political in Turkey has the same level of political conciseness. Maybe the women’s movement has a similar solidarity character but after all Kurds are forward in terms of solidarity.” 


Philosophical basis

Gambetti further said that the legal basis for autonomy can be brought by a new constitution and until that de facto autonomy can pressurize the state to convert and make a new constitution. She also said that the discussions about autonomy should not be restricted to technical issued and it should be extended to the philosophical basis. In that sense, the European Charter for Local Self-governance is should be considered as a technical instrument regulating the local administrations.

In conclusion Gambetti said the discussions on Democratic Autonomy are an important step however, it will be long period requiring struggles and negotiations. She also defined the current discussions as the beginning of a long lasting model.