The Democratic Unity Initiative organized the "Conference on the Importance of Kurdish National Unity" in Bazîd (Doğubayazıt) district of Agirî (Ağrı), under the motto "Towards Peace for Unyu7ity." The conference’s final declaration was announced in front of the tomb of Kurdish thinker and writer Ehmedê Xanî. The declaration underlined the vital importance of Kurdish national unity in the current conjuncture.

 

Co-spokesperson Mehmet Kamaç evaluated the conference, stating that three main topics were addressed: "Our first topic was the historical process of the Kurdish people's lack of alliance and its consequences. Discussions pointed out that Kurdish problems stem from the absence of unity. In the last century, Kurds faced denial, destruction, and assimilation. The second session discussed developments in the Middle East and the situation of the Kurds, sharing ideas on what should be done based on past experiences and the current situation. The third session debated what Kurds need to do going forward."

 

‘LET’S UNITE UNDER THE BANNER OF UNITY’

 

Kamaç highlighted the importance of Kurdish national unity as a key consensus from the discussions: "Today, the Middle East is being reshaped. Although conditions differ across the four parts of Kurdistan, Kurdistan is one. When Kurds gain ground in Rojava (West Kurdistan-Syria), their enemies attack these gains. The same applies in Başûr (South Kurdistan-Iraq), Bakûr (North Kurdistan-Turkey), and Rojhilat (East Kurdistan-Iran). Attacks target the Kurdish national identity, not their beliefs or ideology. Therefore, Kurds must build their unity on national and Kurdistani values. In this reshaped Middle East, Kurds must overcome challenges with strategy, actions, and alliances."

 

Pointing to Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan’s "Call for Peace and Democratic Society," Kamaç said: "On February 27, Öcalan demonstrated a great will. The PKK responded strongly by holding a weapons-burning ceremony on July 11. These steps have laid a solid foundation for law and politics. Our call to the Kurdish and Kurdistani people is to establish national unity and provide support for the democratic resolution of the Kurdish issue. The Democratic Unity Initiative is the umbrella for all Kurdish and Kurdistani organizations. We call on everyone to strengthen this initiative."

 

‘WOMEN LEAD THE WAY’

 

Democratic Unity Initiative co-spokesperson Gülcan Kaçmaz Sayyiğit drew attention to women’s leadership in achieving Kurdish national unity: "Unfortunately, when we look at Kurdish history, women’s names are rarely mentioned despite their strength. As shown in our conference, women have led democratic politics and will also lead peace and Kurdish unity. Great sacrifices were paid, and women were at the forefront. If we can protect our language and culture and explain democratic politics today, it is the result of women’s resistance and sacrifices. We must stay loyal to our sacrifices and values and strengthen our efforts."

 

‘UNITY IN DIVERSITY’

 

Gulcan Kaçmaz Sayyiğit added: "Today is the day of the Kurdish people. Abdullah Öcalan’s call resonates across the four parts of Kurdistan. Under the leadership of Kurdish women, we will achieve unity and continue democratic social work. Kurdistan has no single language, belief, or opinion. We are diverse. But when it comes to Kurdish rights and status, we must raise one voice in diversity. Our initiative continues its work under women’s leadership. Women draw strength from one another. We call on all women to join our initiative."

 

MA / Omer Akın