During the traditional Eid al-Adha visits, a remarkable political exchange took place on Saturday between the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). Representatives of both parties met at their respective party headquarters and agreed that parliament is the place for finding political solutions.

The MHP delegation, led by Deputy Party Chairman Sadir Durmaz, was welcomed at the DEM Party headquarters in Balgat, Ankara by Deputy Co-Chair Mehmet Rüştü Tiryaki and Party Assembly members Zeyno Bayramoğlu and Ihsan Seylan. The MHP delegation was accompanied by Bahçeli’s key advisor Esma Özdaşlı and Central Council member Şahin Kartal.

During his visit, Durmaz emphasized the importance of social unity, saying: “Eid al-Adha is a day of reconciliation and brotherhood. May no force destroy our national unity.” Tiryaki responded by pointing to the increased hopes for peace and said: “The developments since October 1, including the statements by Mr. Bahçeli, Abdullah Öcalan's message of February 27, and the announced self-dissolution of the PKK, have created a new climate. We hope for an end to bloodshed and violence.”

Tiryaki emphasized that a political solution would not only serve the Kurdish question: “A democratic, peaceful Syria, a strong Turkey, and a more active role in the region—all of this is possible if we act courageously.” The DEM Party, he said, intends to fully support the process that has been initiated.

In a second speech, MHP’s Durmaz referred to the long-term burdens caused by the conflict, saying: “An entire generation has been shaped by terror. It is time to renew our brotherhood and move toward a peaceful future together.” He emphasized that the solution lay in parliament: “By forming a cross-party commission in parliament, we can make progress in the interests of national unity.”

The DEM party also paid an official visit to the MHP on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. The delegation, led by MP Zülküf Uçar and Cemile Turhallı Balsak and Fatma Koçyiğit Öner from the central party assembly, was received by MHP deputy chair Zühal Topçu and other party members.

In his speech, Uçar spoke of growing expectations within society: “The hope for peace is alive. As the DEM party, we want to nurture this hope.” He said that the announcement by MHP leader Bahçeli regarding the possible establishment of a commission in parliament was a constructive step: “We see the commitment to peace and democracy as our central political responsibility.”

In her response, Zühal Topçu emphasized that the MHP was ready for constructive work in parliament: “Solutions must be found within the framework of the democratic system. Our parliament is the place where the national will is formed; that is where these issues belong.” She called for cross-party cooperation and emphasized Bahçeli's political consistency on the peace issue.

During the rest of their Eid visits, the DEM party met with representatives of the Future Party. In return, a party delegation visited the DEM Party headquarters.

Rumi Bekiroğlu, deputy chairman for electoral affairs of the Future Party, said: “The latest developments are giving many people new hope. Political dialogue is crucial for social and economic stability.”

DEM Party MP Tiryaki said: “All political actors are currently making a contribution that is new and historic. A solution in parliament is our common hope.”

The latest signs of political openness, particularly from within the ranks of the MHP, and the continuing calls for political dialogue, including with the participation of Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan, are creating new momentum in Turkish domestic politics. The Eid visits are seen as a symbolically important sign of a possible easing of tensions in Kurdish-Turkish relations.