ESKİŞEHİR – Circassian writer Kuban Kural stated that the Peace and Democratic Society Process initiated by Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan represents a crucial opportunity not only for Kurds but also for other marginalized peoples like the Circassians. “The resolution of the Kurdish issue is the only way for Circassian identity to survive in this geography,” he said.
Kural emphasized that the process must become a broad societal discussion and that the state should allow for freer expression of minority identities such as the Circassians, Pomaks, and Laz people, who have long suffered from assimilation and denial.
‘THE STATE MUST ALLOW OPEN DIALOGUE’
Referring to the 2013–2015 resolution process, Kural noted that it had created space for various communities to express their demands.
“We need an atmosphere today similar to that time,” he said. “The state must open space for dialogue. Society is more willing to understand one another now, what’s needed is political will for peace and democracy. This can’t be left only to the state. Civil society must push for it.”
‘TURKEY COULD BE A MODEL IN THE MIDDLE EAST’
Highlighting the impact of potential peace in Turkey, Kural argued that a solution to the Kurdish issue would extend beyond Turkey’s borders: “If Turkey can establish an equal, human-based relationship with the Kurds, it will strengthen its position in the Middle East and enhance its democracy. Turkey could become a respected model for the entire region.”
‘PEACE IS THE ONLY WAY FOR US TO LIVE WITH OUR IDENTITY’
Kural stated that the Circassians have not historically been a politicized community, but that must change: “Turkey’s democratization, and reconciliation with its ethnic groups, including solving the Kurdish issue, is the only way for Circassian identity to survive here.”
He called for Circassian representation in the newly formed parliamentary “Commission for National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy,” and noted that political parties like the DEM Party could help voice Circassian concerns: “During the 2013–2015 process, Circassians spoke publicly more than ever before. But after the process ended, silence returned. That must be acknowledged.”
‘CIRCASSIANS MUST BREAK THE TURKISHNESS CONTRACT’
Kural concluded by urging Circassians to become politically active and distance themselves from nationalist frameworks: “If Circassians don’t become politicized, they’ll be erased from Turkey’s public sphere. DEM Party has held some meetings with Circassians, but that’s not enough. The process must include all oppressed peoples. DEM’s engagement with Circassian issues, through listening, reporting, and acting, will encourage greater participation and trust from the community.”
MA / Enes Beyaz