Terror-free Turkey lauded as pivotal moment for peace by civic groups
In a significant development, the "terror-free Türkiye" initiative, launched by Devlet Bahçeli, the leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) in 2024, is gaining momentum. This initiative aims to put an end to over 40 years of violence committed by the PKK terrorist group.
The 11th session of the committee overseeing the process was held in Ankara's ceremonial hall, bringing together business leaders, women's associations, security representatives, and tribal confederations from southeastern and eastern regions.
Orhan Kandemir, president of the Anatolian Village Guards and Martyrs' Families Confederation, emphasized the crucial role of the village guards in maintaining security and stability. He stressed that nearly 50,000 guards continue serving alongside Turkish forces and that their contribution should be recognized. Kandemir also highlighted the importance of including the village guards in the peace process, ensuring they are not excluded.
Sahismail Bedirhanoglu, head of the Southeastern Industrialists and Businesspeople Association (GÜNŞİAD), viewed this moment as a critical turning point after decades of failed attempts. He urged the government to introduce fresh, region-specific investment incentives to spur growth and development. Bedirhanoglu also called for legislative reforms enabling broader use of Kurdish in public life.
Devrim Türk, head of the Eastern and Southeastern Business Federations (DOGÜNSIİFED), considered the process precious for the business community due to lost opportunities in agriculture, tourism, and industry. Türk further urged measures to boost cross-border trade and provide attractive incentives to spur growth, framing the initiative as a model for conflict resolution worldwide.
Özlem Külahci Tanaman, president of the Eastern and Southeastern Women Entrepreneurs Association (DOGÜNKAD), viewed the initiative as the beginning of a new chapter. She emphasized the importance of women's visibility in decision-making and production as a guarantee of peace.
Peace, according to Külahci Tanaman, should go beyond the silence of arms, encompassing stronger democracy, justice, and economic renewal. Rasim Aslan, chair of the Ancient Tribes Federation, emphasized brotherhood and equality as the foundation for lasting peace. Aslan also linked national unity to regional security, arguing that restoring Turkish-Kurdish solidarity is "the greatest safeguard against Israeli aggression and expansionism."
The PKK consented to lay down arms after its jailed leader, Abdullah Ocalan, urged them to do so. This historic step is seen as a significant milestone in the "terror-free Türkiye" initiative. The belief that conflict and violence are ending is spreading across society, according to Bedirhanoglu.
However, the question remains: who should be responsible for the development of the "terror-free Türkiye" initiative if the parliament turns this initiative into law? This is a question that will undoubtedly be addressed as the process moves forward.
