During his party address on the eve of Turkey’s Republic Day (October 28), Devlet Bahçeli, chair of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), asserted that Turkey does not have a Kurdish problem and will not recognize such an issue in the future. He emphasized that the challenges facing the nation are not rooted in ethnic or sectarian divides but rather stem from the problem of separatist terrorism, which he pledged to eradicate.
Bahçeli stated, “This is the Age of the Turks; this is the Century of Turkey,” highlighting a renewed sense of national pride as Turkey approaches its second century as a republic. He asserted that the nation is moving forward with a strong vision grounded in unity and solidarity.
His remarks followed a terror attack on Turkey’s leading defense corporation, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), which resulted in the deaths of five employees, with two attackers killed by security forces. The Ministry of Interior identified the perpetrators as affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which claimed responsibility for the attack on the same day. This incident occurred shortly after Bahçeli hinted at the possibility of releasing PKK founder Abdullah Öcalan last week.
Key points from Bahçeli’s address
Devlet Bahçeli’s speech revolved around the theme of looking toward the future rather than dwelling on the past. He stated: “Having completed its first century, the Republic of Turkey is now entering a new era filled with hope and commitment to national unity. This unity is essential as the country embraces its founding principles while looking ahead.”
He asserted that today’s generations are inspired by the Republic’s values and are eager to contribute to a bright future for Turkey. Additionally, Bahçeli noted that the establishment of the Turkish Republic represents the culmination of the nation’s longstanding pursuit of freedom and independence.
The MHP chair cautioned against exploiting ethnic differences, declaring that Turkey would not entertain notions that threaten its integrity. He stressed that unity among the Turkish people is paramount,.especially during turbulent times in neighboring regions.
No “Kurdish Issue” in Turkey
Bahçeli reiterated that Turkey does not have a Kurdish issue and will not acknowledge.any ethnic or sectarian crisis within its borders. He affirmed that the main problem lies with separatist terrorism and vowed to.confront this challenge decisively, stating that Turkey would “remain.steadfast in its commitment to rooting out terrorism and preserving its national identity.”
He concluded by honoring the founder of the modern Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk,.the heroes of Turkey’s independence struggle, and all those who.have sacrificed their lives for the nation. Bahçeli expressed deep respect and gratitude,.wishing the Turkish nation a joyous Republic Day and extending heartfelt greetings to all.
Background
Turkey’s “Kurdish issue” has deep historical.roots tracing back to the establishment of the Republic in 1923,.which adopted policies aimed at promoting a unified Turkish identity while inhibiting Kurdish cultural expression. This approach contributed to cultural backlash among the.ethnically Kurdish population and led to the emergence of the.PKK in the late 1970s, which began an armed conflict in the 1980s.seeking an autonomous Kurdish state.
In the early 2010s, a period known as the “Kurdish Opening” emerged,.during which the Turkish government sought to engage in peace talks with the.PKK to address longstanding grievances. However, this process collapsed in.2015, leading to renewed violence and an escalation in military operations against the PKK.
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The reopening
In his weekly party address in Parliament last week, Bahçeli.indicated a potential reinitiation of the solution process,.stating: “If this terrorist leader’s isolation is ever lifted,.he should speak with the DEM Party in the Turkish Parliament. He should proclaim that the terrorism is finished and that his organization is dissolved. If he shows determination on these matters,.then perhaps the ‘right to hope’ will be available to him.”
This statement surprised many, as Bahçeli is known as a hardliner.on the Kurdish issue, having previously referred to Öcalan as the.‘Murderer of İmralı’ (the island prison where he is held) and called for his execution. Öcalan’s death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment in 2002,.and capital punishment has been illegal in Turkey since 2004.
Following Bahçeli’s speech, an armed attack on the headquarters of Turkish Aerospace Industries.(TAI) occurred on October 22, resulting in seven deaths and twenty-two injuries. In response to the attack, the Turkish military.launched an offensive against targets in Northern Syria and Iraq.
