Tuncer Bakırhan: Güler’in Dili Sürece Uygun Değil, Kürtlere Saygı Gerekli

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Siirt, Turkey – Tensions are rising in Turkey following sharp criticism from Dem Party (DEM Parti) Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan of Defense Minister Yaşar Güler’s rhetoric regarding Kurdish figures and the ongoing situation in Syria. Speaking at a public meeting in Siirt on February 21, 2026, Bakırhan accused Güler of employing language “unsuitable to the process,” specifically referencing the minister’s continued characterization of Mazlum Abdi as a terrorist, despite Abdi’s recent engagement in international diplomatic efforts.

The exchange underscores a deepening divide over Turkey’s approach to Kurdish issues, both domestically and in neighboring Syria. Bakırhan’s remarks came during a rally organized by the DEM Parti in Siirt, where he too addressed the importance of linguistic rights and the require for democratic reforms within Turkey. The event also saw the participation of Pervin Buldan, a member of the DEM Parti’s Imralı delegation, highlighting the party’s focus on issues related to Kurdish political representation and rights.

Criticism of Minister Güler’s Rhetoric

Bakırhan directly challenged Minister Güler’s statements, questioning his awareness of the evolving international perception of Kurdish actors. “The Minister of National Defense continues to use a language that is not appropriate for this process, a language that does not reflect the reality of the Munich conference photograph,” Bakırhan stated, referring to a recent gathering where Mazlum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), engaged in discussions with representatives from numerous countries. “The world knows Mazlum Abdi. Yet he continues to call him a terrorist. Honestly, where are you living?”

This criticism comes amid a complex geopolitical landscape in Syria, where the SDF, largely composed of Kurdish fighters, plays a significant role in combating ISIS and maintaining stability in the northeast. The SDF’s relationship with Turkey, however, remains fraught with tension, as Ankara views the group as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a designated terrorist organization. Turkey launched several military operations in northern Syria targeting the SDF, further complicating the situation.

Focus on Linguistic Rights and World Anadil Day

Bakırhan’s speech also coincided with February 21st, World Anadil Day, a day dedicated to celebrating linguistic diversity and promoting the rights of indigenous language speakers. He used the occasion to highlight the challenges faced by the Kurdish language in Turkey, stating that “50 million Kurds live in this region, and we are celebrating this day in a process where the language of 50 million people is banned.” He called for a future where Kurdish children can receive education in their mother tongue and emphasized the importance of recognizing linguistic rights as fundamental human rights. According to UNESCO, approximately 40% of the world’s languages are endangered, underscoring the importance of linguistic preservation efforts globally. UNESCO’s World Mother Language Day page provides further information on this issue.

The Munich Conference and Shifting Dynamics in Syria

Bakırhan specifically referenced the significance of the Munich Security Conference, where Mazlum Abdi and Ilham Ahmed, a prominent Kurdish political figure, engaged in discussions with international leaders. He argued that this engagement signaled a shift in international recognition of Kurdish actors and called for Turkey’s policies to align with this evolving reality. “Mazlum Abdi and Ilham Ahmed were received by officials from almost all the world’s states at the Munich conference,” he stated. “The Munich photograph should be reflected in the practical applications in Syria.”

The January 30th agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian government, brokered with Russian mediation, has further altered the dynamics in Syria. Bakırhan asserted that this agreement has granted legitimacy to the Kurdish presence in Syria, stating, “Rojava won on January 30th, as the Syrian regime gained legitimacy alongside the Kurds.” This development has raised concerns in Turkey, which views any strengthening of ties between the SDF and the Syrian government as a potential threat to its national security interests.

Calls for Democratic Integration and an Complete to “Kurdish Hostility”

Bakırhan urged an end to what he described as “Kurdish hostility” and called for a more inclusive approach to addressing the Kurdish issue. He criticized Minister Güler’s call for the immediate integration of the SDF into the Syrian government, arguing that such a demand ignores the ongoing efforts of the SDF to achieve a democratic integration. “The Minister of National Defense says the SDF should immediately integrate into the Syrian government. Well, good morning. The SDF has been working on integration for months. Are you just realizing this now?”

The DEM Parti leader also emphasized the party’s commitment to democratic reforms within Turkey, including the protection of the right to education in the mother tongue, the strengthening of local democracy, and the lifting of the appointments of government-appointed trustees to municipalities run by elected Kurdish officials. He argued that the removal of these trustees is a crucial test of the government’s sincerity in pursuing a peaceful resolution to the Kurdish issue. The practice of appointing trustees to municipalities has been widely criticized by human rights organizations as a violation of democratic principles.

Parliamentary Report and the Path Forward

Bakırhan also referenced a recent report prepared by a parliamentary commission, stating that it contains “crucial headings in terms of democratization, rights, and law.” He urged the government to implement the recommendations of the report, arguing that doing so would “allow Turkey to breathe and gain democracy.” The specifics of this parliamentary report, and its potential impact on Turkish policy, remain to be seen.

The DEM Parti, formerly the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), has long advocated for greater Kurdish rights and a peaceful resolution to the Kurdish conflict. The party has faced significant challenges in recent years, including the arrest of its leaders and the closure of several of its branches. The party’s current leadership is navigating a delicate political landscape, seeking to balance its commitment to Kurdish rights with the need to engage in dialogue with the Turkish government.

The ongoing debate over Turkey’s approach to the Kurdish issue highlights the complex challenges facing the country. Balancing national security concerns with the need to protect human rights and promote democratic values remains a key challenge for Turkish policymakers. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Turkey can forge a more inclusive and sustainable path forward.

As the situation continues to evolve, further developments are expected regarding the implementation of the parliamentary report and the ongoing dialogue between the Turkish government and Kurdish representatives. The international community will be closely watching these developments, as they have significant implications for regional stability and the fight against terrorism.

Key Takeaways:

  • DEM Parti Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan criticized Defense Minister Yaşar Güler’s rhetoric regarding Kurdish figures, particularly Mazlum Abdi.
  • Bakırhan highlighted the importance of linguistic rights and celebrated World Anadil Day.
  • The Munich Security Conference and the recent agreement between the SDF and the Syrian government are reshaping the dynamics in Syria.
  • The DEM Parti is calling for democratic reforms within Turkey, including the lifting of trustee appointments to Kurdish municipalities.

The situation remains fluid, and further updates will be provided as they become available. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and perspectives in the comments section below.

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