Writer Murat Aslan has been in prison since 2012. In a letter he sent to ANF, he evaluated Abdullah Öcalan’s call for peace and a democratic society.

Aslan underscored the need to correctly understand Abdullah Öcalan’s call and wrote: "First, I send my heartfelt greetings and love to all our people and the public. The call made by our leader on February 27 marks the start of a new era for our people, for all the oppressed, the denied, for women, Alevis, and Kurds. Understanding this call correctly and embracing it is critically important for ensuring the future and building a new tomorrow.

We, the thousands of political prisoners who have endured years of imprisonment and made countless sacrifices, have always stood at the forefront of resistance against tyranny. Let it be known that, for this reason, we now wish to stand at the forefront of efforts to build a democratic and honorable peace. This is not connected to whether we are released from prison or not. None of us have personal expectations. Our youth was sacrificed for this cause, and we have no regrets. From now on, we will not hesitate to make any further sacrifices necessary. When peace, the long-standing yearning of our peoples and a reality that has caused immense suffering and exacted heavy costs over centuries, is within reach, no one has the right to say, 'What about me?' Instead, we must ask ourselves, 'What will we become together?' We need to consider this and work collectively to build a shared future. I therefore call on everyone to correctly understand the call for peace and a democratic society. This is not merely my personal stance, it represents the shared position of my fellow Kurdish political prisoner comrades. We wholeheartedly embrace and trust Öcalan’s call. Our confidence stems from the belief we have in ourselves."

The suffering we’ve endured must now lead to a just peace

Aslan emphasized the importance of revisiting Abdullah Öcalan’s 'Sociology of Freedom,' written 16 years ago. He wrote: "There may be certain aspects that our people and society struggle to fully understand. These are matters that can be clarified over time. But I have a humble suggestion for everyone: 16 years ago, the 'Sociology of Freedom' was written. I recommend that the sections titled ‘The Issue of Peace and Democracy in Society’ and ‘Democratic Politics’ be read and examined once again. The historical truths presented in that book at that time are the same truths conveyed in this letter and declared to all our peoples today. This is not something developed from scratch; it’s something that Öcalan has been working on and striving to advance for many years. Those who know, know. I also hope that our people will wholeheartedly believe in this. Our people have endured great suffering and paid great costs. It is now time for this to evolve into a just and lasting peace."

The PKK transcends borders by becoming universal

Aslan highlighted the huge importance the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) holds for the Kurdish people, describing it as a spirit that has evolved into a deeper phenomenon. He wrote: "I would also like to point out that, of course, the PKK, through the sacrifices it made and the efforts it invested in, has garnered immense respect among the Kurdish people, becoming a significant value and a spirit. The fact that this party may be dissolved today may naturally cause some sadness among our people. This is understandable, and it is something valuable. However, we must recognize that this is a spirit, and at times, spirits transcend the confines of an institution’s nature or borders by becoming universal. This spirit has now found its place in democratic modernity; it has come alive and become a culture. It is important to believe in this. Therefore, the issue is not about whether there is a party with this name today or not. What truly matters is that this spirit and the meaning it represents come to life and transform into a process of peace and construction. Everyone has made sacrifices for this. Those who gave their lives did so for this honorable peace. Those who know understand; even out of loyalty and respect for their memory, we must present this honorable peace to future generations. I believe that all our people will embrace this process with this level of awareness and sensitivity."

All efforts and sacrifices are for an honorable peace

Aslan said that all efforts and sacrifices are aimed at achieving an honorable peace, underlining that the Kurdish people are the most familiar with oppression. He wrote: "This is our clear and unequivocal stance. Every sacrifice, every effort, every struggle has been for an honorable peace. Of course, we understand war, death, and all forms of oppression better than anyone. Because we have been the ones consumed by the fire of this struggle. As a people, Kurds know this better than anyone. But now is the time to establish fraternity. This is not about giving up on anything; it is not about abandoning a cause, a hope, or a dream. On the contrary, it marks the beginning of a new strategic struggle period. It is essential to understand this correctly. This new strategic struggle is one in which everyone can win, everyone can participate, and society can be further democratized, making the system and the state more responsive to democracy. It must be understood this way.

On a ground without conflict, where the legal and political infrastructure is established, political and ideological struggles can commence. In that arena, the one who best conveys their truth will undoubtedly expand their influence. We believe in our truth; our truth is the moral and political society that has persisted throughout historical society. Our people already know this through their lived experience. Who can understand the reality of moral society better than our people? They have never lost touch with these values. It is our people who have historically built them. We want to emphasize once again that we, together with all our comrades, are ready to contribute beyond what is expected and to be at the forefront as builders of this process. I extend my heartfelt respect and love to all our peoples."