Tuncer Bakırhan outlines 4 demands of Kurds at Diyarbakır Newroz

DEM Party Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan delivered significant messages at the mass Newroz celebrations held in Diyarbakır. In his speech, Bakırhan addressed the state, the opposition, the Turkish public, and the Kurdish community under four headings, emphasizing the need to take action for coexistence and democratic transformation.

Noting that the country is facing an unprecedented opportunity regarding the resolution of the Kurdish issue, Bakırhan stated: "Kurds and the Kurdish geography are right in the middle of this fire. In this picture, Kurds are trying to both ensure their own security and contribute to the stability of the region. The Kurdish people and their political will defend the rights, laws, and future of all those who suffer injustice. Regional capitals must see this reality. Today, there is a historic opportunity, especially before Ankara. A Turkey that solves the Kurdish issue would be a powerful actor in the region. By seizing this opportunity, Ankara can ensure peace in Turkey and stability in the region. There is no time to lose, no other generation to waste. We have lost enough of our youth, enough of our generations. Let us not forget that those who only care about saving the day lose the future. Let us not lose our future."

EMPHASIS ON DEMOCRACY, EQUALITY, AND A COMMON FUTURE

In his speech, Bakırhan called for building a democratic future, inviting the country's 86 million citizens to unite around the ideals of equality and freedom, and stated that the pains of the past should not be allowed to overshadow the future. Addressing the public, Bakırhan said, "We say let us build Turkey together around the values of equality and freedom for 86 million. We invite everyone to talk about the politics of the future instead of the heavy burden of the past, and the politics of the district instead of personal politics. The future of Turkey is not in Kandıra Prison, Edirne Prison, Silivri courtrooms, or Amed dungeons, but in the parliament, in the squares, and on democratic ground."

In one part of his speech, Tuncer Bakırhan highlighted the demands that Kurds have been voicing for a long time:

"In the witness of millions, I will try to express our historic demands clearly. You know how they always ask what Kurds want. Today, at the 2026 Newroz in Amed Square, let us repeat once again, all together, what Kurds want. Kurds want their identity to be recognized in Turkey. Kurds want education in their mother tongue. Kurds want constitutional guarantees. Kurds want local democracy. Kurds want equal citizenship. When the Republic was founded, Kurds were on the front lines.

Kurds were in Çanakkale, in Urfa, in the War of Independence, all across Turkey. Kurds were in the Parliament when it was established. This country was founded together. The price was paid together. We were partners in disaster and pain. So, we ask, why should we not be partners in prosperity? We do not want to leave the weight of this problem to future generations. We want to change this fate now. We can complete the story that was left unfinished at the founding of the Republic with an ending where everyone is happy."

INVITATION TO COEXISTENCE AND LEGAL GUARANTEES

Emphasizing that Kurds do not want separation, but rather want to contribute to the process for recognition and coexistence, Bakırhan said, "The demand of the Kurds is not separation, but partnership. It is not denial, but recognition. Kurds want to be partners in governance. Kurds no longer want to debate with the state, they want to negotiate." Continuing his speech, Bakırhan referred to Abdullah Öcalan regarding the peace process, stating, "Let it be a promise, Mr. Öcalan, this construction will one day surely be crowned with peace."

Bakırhan stated that Kurds living in the region are seeking solutions in the capital of every country, drawing attention to the responsibility of the state and the government for the process to move forward.

EMPHASIS ON FREEDOM LAWS FOR 2026

In his statement, Bakırhan expressed that the path to a solution lies in peace laws and called on the government to build a law of peace: "My first call is to the state and the executive branch. Let us establish the law of peace. Let us open the door to democratic transformation. 2025 was the year when weapons were burned. Let 2026 be a year where freedom laws are discussed. My second call is to the opposition. The opposition should not fear peace. Peace means democratic strengthening. If democracy strengthens, the opposition strengthens. Supporting peace is the opposition's debt to 86 million. My third call is to the Turkish public; every corner of Turkey has paid a heavy price for the half-century-long conflict. Blood and pain have fallen on almost every inch of Turkey. No one should pay any more price.

Now is the time for embracing and reconciliation. One call is to the Kurdish people. Democratic unity among Kurds is no longer a choice. It is a historic necessity. Our politics may be different, but while the region is going through a storm, there should be no separation or discord. Democratic unity must be established without delay. As I conclude my words, the fire lit in this square today is the harbinger of the closing of one era and the opening of a new one. This Newroz is the Newroz of the transition from rebellion to construction. This Newroz fire will never go out. This struggle will never stop. This will will never bow down. This square will not be silent. Amed Square will never be silent. And this right will surely prevail."