MERSİN – Artists expressed their expectations from the newly established parliamentary commission to grant constitutional guarantees for Kurdish culture and arts.

 

Artists evaluating the Peace and Democratic Society Process emphasized the need for the National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Commission in the Parliament to end state repression on Kurdish culture, art, and music. They highlighted that constitutional safeguards are essential to protect Kurdish language and culture.

 

CONSTITUTIONALLY GUARANTEE 

 

Kadir Çat from Sanatolia Collective Workshops described the process as a crucial step requiring support and urged the commission to address the pressures on Kurdish art. He recalled the historical bans on albums, canceled concerts, and persecution of artists, stating, “Our expectation from the commission is to investigate these past attacks and to constitutionally guarantee the future of Kurdish music, art, and language. This process represents the liberation of all peoples in Turkey, the liberation of Kurdish art, and ultimately the liberation of culture itself.”

 

Erhan Yılmaz, a member of the Belgium-based ethno-authentic music group Jorda, spoke of longstanding state oppression and assimilation policies against Kurds. He noted, “This oppression is a state-supported and controlled policy, which has faced immense resistance and sacrifices.” Yılmaz expressed hope inspired by the peace process initiated by Kurdish Leader Abdullah Öcalan and stressed the desire of exiled artists to return home, highlighting the need for democratic and legal reforms for societal reconciliation.

 

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

 

Rap artist Simyager highlighted a shift from direct oppression to systemic control over artists, calling for artists to actively participate in the process. “Freedom of expression should be discussed with artists themselves,” Simyager said.

 

Musician Gülhan Bişeng shared her personal experience of cultural censorship and barriers due to her Kurdish identity and stressed that the commission’s priority should be to guarantee cultural rights and create a free creative space. She underscored that this step is vital not only for artists but also for social peace and a democratic future.

 

Artist Şirin Kaya affirmed support for Abdullah Öcalan’s call and peace, demanding the removal of cultural oppression and establishment of research commissions. She called on all artists in Turkey—not only Kurdish—to unite in support of the process, emphasizing, “Together we will be stronger.”

 

MA / Abdulkadir Ayten