Başkaya: The solution to the Kurdish question can progress alongside the democratization of Turkey

Fikret Başkaya criticized the state regarding the process, saying: "In order to talk about a peace process, the conditions for peace must first be created. The resolution of the Kurdish issue can only progress alongside the democratization of Turkey.”

The debates that began after MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli's statement in Parliament gained new momentum on February 27 with Abdullah Öcalan's historic call for peace. However, discussions and concerns about the process continue. The return to periods marked by major massacres and attacks due to previous ceasefires and negotiation processes being undermined by the state brings with it the fear that the state might sabotage this process as well.

Associate Professor Dr. Fikret Başkaya told ANF that the state gives the impression of distrust regarding the ongoing talks and views the issue from the perspective of state survival.

The debates that began after MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli's statement in Parliament gained new momentum on 27 February with Abdullah Öcalan’s historic call for peace. However, discussions and concerns about the process continue. The return to periods marked by major massacres and attacks due to previous ceasefires and negotiation processes being undermined by the state brings with it the fear that the state might sabotage this process as well.

Associate Professor Dr. Fikret Başkaya stated that the state gives the impression of distrust regarding the ongoing talks and views the issue from the perspective of state survival.

Fikret Başkaya, known for his books on the processes of the nation-state in Turkey, evaluated the new process for ANF.

The state is thinking about its own survival

Başkaya said that the state is more concerned with its own survival than resolving the Kurdish issue, and added: “Two things: First, it is said that ‘procedure takes precedence over substance,’ and second, ‘not every word suits every mouth.’ The way the issue is presented and the language used do not inspire trust from the outset. I believe the issue is less about solving the Kurdish problem and more about the so-called sacred state’s survival.”

Can the word of the regime be trusted?

Başkaya emphasized that a regime alienated from ethical values cannot be trusted, stating that the solution to the problem lies in struggle. He continued: “The political Islamist (Ikhwani) regime has no concern for peace, democracy, human rights, or the welfare of society. The aim is to turn Turkey into an Islamic Emirate and remain in power forever. Can the word of a regime that does not comply with existing laws, including the constitution, and is completely alienated from ethical values be trusted? In my view, what must be done is not negotiating with this anti-people regime, but rather struggling to overcome it first. Only then can the problem be brought to a solvable ground and gain meaning and value. A small truth cannot exist within a great falsehood. First, the regime must be brought to a level where it can solve problems, and only then should talks begin. In fact, the issue seems to have come to the agenda not because of Turkey, but due to the imperialist redesign in Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria.”

Turkey is in a state of collapse

Fikret Başkaya stated that what is happening cannot be defined as a peace process, as the conditions for peace must first be established. He added that he does not believe any problem can be resolved without a radical reckoning: “In order to talk about a peace process, the conditions for peace must first be created. The solution to the Kurdish issue can only progress in parallel with Turkey’s democratization.

Personally, I do not believe there has been any flexibility in the concept of the ‘sacred state.’ This regime does not have the capacity for such flexibility. Frankly, without a direct and radical reckoning with the dogmatic official history and official ideology, there is no chance of resolving any issue, including the century-old Kurdish problem. Turkey needs a radical shake-up and renewal. The country is trapped in a complete picture of collapse. The term ‘crisis’ does not fully capture Turkey’s current situation. This is a ‘state of collapse’—and collapse means crossing an irreversible threshold.”