AYDIN – Citizens participating in the public meetings held in Aydın as part of the Peace and Democratic Society Process emphasized the need for broader societal involvement. Güler Erat stressed that the AKP, MHP, and CHP should also explain and support the process within their own communities.
Organized by the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, over 180 public meetings have been held across the Aegean Region. These meetings brought together people from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, allowing them to express concerns and offer suggestions for the ongoing process.
‘EVERYONE MUST SHOULDER RESPONSIBILITY’
Erkan Göze, chair of the Köşk Cemevi of the Alevi Cultural Associations, described the process as a hopeful initiative to prevent the recurrence of past pain. “Despite our hesitations, the process is currently progressing well. Alevis must also be part of this. Everyone should understand that a process limited only to the Kurds cannot succeed. I am hopeful that we will see success in this country, together,” said Göze, calling on prominent Alevi figures and institutions to participate.
‘LEGAL REFORMS ARE NEEDED’
Another participant, Hüseyin Yersalı, voiced concern over repression but emphasized the need to move toward peace. “Just because we’re worried doesn’t mean we can’t reach out to peace. The Kurdish movement is a trustworthy actor that hasn’t succumbed to the system. These meetings are essential because people are unaware of what’s happening.”
He underlined that lasting peace would help resolve problems faced by Alevis and women in particular. “The salvation of Alevis must come through democratic alliances. Symbolic disarmament by the PKK is meaningful and deserves support,” Yersalı added.
He also urged the state to take concrete steps: “There are thousands of people in prison. What will happen to those who laid down their arms? Will they be allowed to engage in politics? Legal frameworks must be established. If all parties are included in the parliamentary commission being formed, progress will be possible.”
‘AKP AND MHP MUST ADDRESS THEIR BASES’
Güler Erat pointed to years of polarization fueled by “terror” narratives and said all political actors have a role in transforming the discourse. “This is not only the responsibility of the DEM Party. The AKP says it wants to move forward in the process, but is it working at the grassroots level? What about CHP? Will they embrace this process and explain it to their base? The Kurdish people have embraced this. Can someone in Thrace, the Black Sea, or the Aegean do the same? It won’t be easy,” Güler Erat said.
Aycan Su, another participant, highlighted that the process is a necessity for the Kurdish people. “We see it as positive. This is a societal process, and everyone must do their part. We want the weapons to be silenced now,” she concluded.
MA / Uğurcan Boztaş