Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan made a historic move with his “Call for Peace and Democratic Society” on February 27, and his video message released after 26 years captured global attention. Alongside the other prisoners in İmralı F-Type High Security Closed Prison, Abdullah Öcalan reiterated the opening of the way for a democratic politics and the socialization of peace. 

 

After the second video call ahead fo the PKK’s planned disarmament ceremony in Sulaymaniyah, all eyes turned once again to the steps the state will take. Calls from various segments continue urging the state to take action. 

 

One of these voices is Peyruze Kurt, the mother of YPS member Aydin Kurt (Agîd Dildar), who died in 2016, and YJA STAR member Nudem Kurt (Newal Mêrdîn), who died in 2024. Peyruze Kurtis also part of the İzmir Peace Mothers Initiative. She expressed that she feels both happy and hopeful about the process started to establish peace: “This process was both very difficult and very good for me. I buried two of my children. But on the other hand, I said, ‘I cried a lot, so others don’t have to cry.’"

 

‘THE STATE SHOULD TAKE ACTION’

 

Peyruze Kurt has been fighting for years for the war to end and peace to prevail. She said: “My children lost their lives for peace and brotherhood. I received my son Aydin’s funeral seven years later. I still have not received my daughter Nudem’s funeral, but I am still calling for peace. As a mother who lost two children, I want the state to finally take steps and end the war. We mothers with burning hearts call on the state; Do not fear peace, take action.”

 

‘IT WOULD BE AN EXAMPLE TO THE WORLD’

 

Peyruze Kurt emphasized that Abdullah Öcalan’s call is invaluable to everyone in the world: "Kurds have been struggling for their rights for 52 years. I believe if Kurds and Turks make peace, wars worldwide will end. Peace in Turkey would be an example for America, Israel, Iran, Palestine, and anywhere blood is shed. We find this process very important and positive. We highly value everyone striving for its success. May this process be completed and serve as an example to the whole world."

 

Highlighting that an important step in the process is the release of ill prisoners from prisons, Peyruze Kurt also stressed the need to provide opportunities for meetings with Öcalan during this process. Addressing the pressures and assimilation policies against Kurds,  "We want to live on our own lands with our mother tongue, our colors, and our Kurdish identity. Kurds’ rights must be granted. A commission should be established in the Parliament and everyone must participate in this commission," she said. 

 

PARTIES SHOULD EXPLAIN THE PROCESS TO THE PEOPLE

 

Pointing to the "Democratic Society Meetings" organized by the DEM Party centered on the process, Peyruze Kurt said: "DEM Party is explaining the process to the people city by city. The state and the Parliament should also call on the people, establish a commission, and every party should hold meetings to explain the process to the public. Everyone must put their hand under the stone so this bloodshed stops and peace comes."

 

‘LET’S ENSURE LASTING PEACE’

 

Touching on the role of women in peace, Peyruze Kurt said, "Not only Kurdish mothers, but Turkish mothers should also visit Öcalan. Öcalan wants peace not just for Kurds and Turks, but for everyone. The wars in the Middle East bring poverty and unrest. Therefore, I also call on Turkish mothers; let’s come together and ensure lasting peace. Let’s make the world a garden of roses."

 

MA / Ugurcan Boztas