ANKARA – Celal Fırat, Istanbul MP for the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party and a member of the Parliamentary Commission, emphasized the need to address the problems faced by Alevis in Turkey. “Turkey must liberate itself from the nation-state mind-set,” he said.
The Commission on National Solidarity, Fraternity and Democracy, established to address the Kurdish issue, continued its fourth session by hearing from the relatives of those who lost their lives during the conflict. Fırat shared his evaluations regarding both the commission’s activities and the broader peace process.
CRITISISM ON RHETORIC
Fırat criticized the government’s rhetoric and said: “The current political language does not promote peace, it fuels conflict. Real peace requires mutual respect for both sides’ values, traditions, languages, and histories. I hope the government takes an honest, not just political, approach and abandons this toxic language.”
‘THE PUBLIC IS AHEAD OF THE GOVERNMENT’
Fırat said the public supports the process and seeks a peaceful resolution to the Kurdish issue through dialogue. “The government is far behind the people in how it sees the issue. Society is far more advanced than political leaders and institutions. If political actors and the media change their language, public perception will also shift.”
‘POLITICAL PRISONERS MUST BE RELEASED’
Addressing what the commission must prioritize, Fırat pointed to the release of political prisoners. “The Kurdish issue is one of Turkey’s most critical issues, deeply rooted in the policies of denial that began with the Republic. Kurds have suffered greatly, forced from their homes and stripped of their identity. We must show empathy,” he said. “There are ill prisoners who can’t meet their basic needs. If a Kurd says, ‘I cannot live my identity, language, and traditions freely in this country,’ that must be recognized as a problem.”
‘THE ALEVI ISSUE MUST ALSO BE ADDRESSED’
Fırat also highlighted the need to take concrete steps regarding the Alevi issue. “If Alevis still need to say in 2025 that ‘Cemevis are our places of worship,’ that signals a major problem. The state still views Alevis through a security lens. It must abandon the oppressive mind-set of the nation-state and embrace the principle of equal citizenship.”
He added: “This commission presents an opportunity to address double standards. The legal recognition of Cemevis should be as straightforward as it was for mosques. This could be achieved through a simple omnibus bill. A shift in mind-set is essential, I don’t believe any party in Parliament would oppose such a reform.”
‘CHP MUST TAKE BOLDER STEPS’
Fırat also called on the Republican People’s Party (CHP) to play a more active and courageous role in the process. “CHP must raise its voice against rights violations and focus on empathy and understanding. Our society is more oriented toward coexistence than conflict. Instead of competing over suffering, we should build a shared framework for solutions.”
He concluded, “Saying, ‘We won’t act until our friends are released from prison,’ is not enough. Freedom must be secured for everyone. The public is watching this process closely and will support a positive, inclusive approach. CHP must be bolder in removing barriers to freedom and equality.”