MERSIN – Artists from Sanatolia Collective Studios have criticized the continuation of military operations while peace is being discussed, calling it "an indicator of the state's sincerity in the process." They emphasized the importance of immediate steps toward a democratic solution to the Kurdish question and the cessation of hostilities.
Following Abdullah Öcalan’s call for a “Peace and Democratic Society,” the PKK declared its dissolution and disarmament at a congress. Despite this major step, the Turkish government has not taken reciprocal actions and continues military operations, particularly in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
PEACE MUST BE MORE THAN A MOOD
Artist Gülhan Bişeng said Öcalan’s call sparked a hopeful climate: “That hope must not remain temporary, it should transform into a collective societal shift. We need a democratic foundation where all segments of society can live together equally and freely.”
She emphasized the role of artists: “Art has a crucial place in building peace and a free society. Artists must take on this responsibility. Peace will come, and together we will build a free life.”
THIS CALL IS A SOURCE OF HOPE FOR ALL PEOPLES
Artist Şirin Kaya underscored the importance of addressing cultural rights, especially the status of the Kurdish language: “A legal framework is necessary for the free public use of Kurdish. The state’s sincerity will be proven through its actions. This call is a source of hope not just for Kurds, but for all peoples living in Turkey.”
Şirin Kaya added: “We don’t want to see more deaths in our land. We want the freedom to live and express our culture and language—not only for ourselves, but for all peoples. As artists, we will continue to work with this goal in mind.”
TOWARD A FUTURE WHERE WORDS, NOT BLOOD, PREVAIL
Dengbêj Ramazan Kevzinî, a traditional Kurdish singer, said artists support the transformation of the current climate into a lasting peace: “Peace must be restorative and permanent. It cannot be built by one side alone; it requires the collective will of all peoples. We dream of a future where no one’s child dies, and words, not blood, speak.”
ALL PARTIES MUST EMBRACE PEACE
Artist Kadir Çat noted that although a slight societal opening toward peace is felt in Turkey, major contradictions remain: “The most fundamental issue is the silencing of weapons. While the PKK has declared its dissolution and ceasefire, Turkey continues military operations. This contradiction undermines the peace process.”
He emphasized the damage such actions cause: “You can’t talk about peace on one hand while conducting operations on the other. That is a direct reflection of the sincerity, or lack thereof, behind the process.”
Çat called for collective responsibility: “Peace won’t come easily again. All parties must embrace it seriously. A democratic future for all peoples in Turkey depends on establishing peace both in Turkey and in Kurdistan. Our call is for everyone in Turkey to hold on tightly to this opportunity for peace.”,
MA / Abdulkadir Ayten