Mass Gathering in Diyarbakir Backs New Peace Process in Turkey

Feb. 8, 2025

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Amid renewed hopes for a peaceful resolution to the Kurdish issue, tens of thousands are expected to gather in Diyarbakir on Saturday, in a show of support for the latest peace initiative in Turkey. 

The event, organized under the slogan "Social Reconciliation and Freedom Meeting," brings together co-chairs, parliamentarians, and supporters of the Peoples' Democratic Party (DEM Party) and the Democratic Regions Party (DBP).

The rally signals strong public backing for dialogue and reconciliation, despite ongoing challenges in Turkey’s approach to the Kurdish issue. 

According to Kurdistan24 correspondent Maher Yuksel, the Diyarbakir gathering marks the beginning of a series of events advocating for renewed negotiations and peaceful coexistence. 

A follow-up assembly is planned for Mersin on Sunday, with more gatherings anticipated in several cities.

However, a notable absence from today’s event is the Imrali delegation, which has engaged in two rounds of discussions with Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). 

While their non-participation raises questions, the ongoing talks at Imrali prison indicate continued efforts to reach a sustainable resolution to the Kurdish question in Turkey.

The new peace process comes at a critical juncture, as previous attempts have either stalled or faced state resistance. 

Advocates stress that any durable solution must involve dialogue with all stakeholders, including Ocalan. The growing mobilization behind the initiative underscores the Kurdish population’s enduring demand for rights, autonomy, and an end to hostilities.