After the pivotal meeting between the DEM Party delegation and Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of the PKK, at İmralı, Presidential Advisor and Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Council for Legal Policies Mehmet Uçum issued a statement. In a social media post, Uçum declared, “The Century of Turkey is the Century of Turks and Kurds.”
“Not a Denial of Ethnic Identities”
In his Sunday essay shared on social media, Uçum emphasized that everyone living in Türkiye is an integral part of the Turkish nation. He noted that Kurds are a foundational and inseparable component of the Turkish nation and that this acknowledgment should not be interpreted as a denial or rejection of ethnic identities.
“Kurdish Language Restrictions in Parliament Overcome in Practice”
Highlighting the growing freedoms for the Kurdish language in politics, social and cultural life, education, and teaching, Uçum pointed to recent developments, such as Kurdish greetings in Parliament and the abandonment of the term “unknown language” to describe Kurdish. He also referenced Communication Director Fahrettin Altun’s Kurdish-language posts and a Kurdish book published by the Directorate of Communications as concrete examples of progress led by the state.
“The Century of Türkiye: The Century of Turks and Kurds”
Uçum underlined that “The Republic of Türkiye is the national state not only of Turks but also of Kurds and all other elements of the people of Türkiye.” He added, “The Century of Türkiye is the Century of Turks and Kurds,” signaling a vision for a new era of unity.
“The Two-Nation Thesis Is a Divisive Threat”
Criticizing the notion of a “two-nation” thesis, Uçum asserted that it serves imperialist strategies aimed at dividing Türkiye. He emphasized the indivisible unity of Türkiye, rooted in its historical, cultural, and geographical characteristics. According to Uçum, the Republic’s national framework encompasses all ethnic elements, and the unity of a single nation and state is a fundamental reality of Türkiye.
“A Shared Future”
Uçum stressed that Kurds, as a founding and permanent part of the Turkish nation, have both the right and responsibility to embrace the Republic of Türkiye as their state. He called for deeper integration of Kurds with their state, asserting that the unity of a single state and nation is Türkiye’s reality. He concluded that achieving this unity would empower the nation to shape its collective future.
“Türkiye’s Internal and Regional Strength”
Uçum concluded his essay by emphasizing the importance of internal unity among all components of the people of Türkiye. He highlighted President Erdoğan’s vision of fostering integration among Turks, Kurds, and Arabs in the region, positioning Türkiye as a decisive regional power. Uçum expressed confidence that this historical opportunity could become a reality.
Key Takeaways from Uçum’s Essay
- The Republic of Türkiye belongs equally to all its people, including Kurds, as a unified nation.
- Efforts to impose divisive, ethnic-based narratives threaten Türkiye’s unity and serve external agendas.
- A vision of unity and shared purpose among Türkiye’s diverse communities is essential for its future stability and regional influence.
- The acknowledgment of ethnic diversity and freedoms, such as for the Kurdish language, demonstrates state-led progress toward inclusivity.
- The Century of Türkiye represents an era of integration and unity for Turks and Kurds within the framework of a single nation and state.
