Pro-Kurdish Dem Party MP Raises Kurdistan Flag in Turkish Parliament, Defends Its Significance
The action came in response to comments made by Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş, who had referred to the flag as a "rag."
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a bold move on Thursday, Sırrı Sakık, a Member of Parliament from the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), raised the Kurdistan flag in the Turkish Parliament. The action came in response to comments made by Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş, who had referred to the flag as a "rag."
Sakık, visibly passionate, addressed the controversy head-on, asserting that the flag symbolizes the Kurdistan Region in Iraqi Kurdistan. He pointed out the irony of the criticism, highlighting that when senior officials from the Kurdistan Region visit Turkey, the Kurdistan flag is proudly displayed alongside the Turkish flag at Ankara's Esenboğa Airport.
"Some people call this flag a rag, but it is an emblem of the Kurdistan Region and deserves respect," Sakık said. He also noted the economic ties between Turkey and the Kurdistan Region, emphasizing that Turkey has a consulate there and exports approximately $1 billion annually to the region.
Sakık questioned the source of hostility toward the Kurdish people, saying, "Why are they so hostile to the Kurds? If democracy is truly for everyone, it must respect all languages, beliefs, identities, and flags."
In a statement posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Sakık reinforced his call for respect, saying, "We want respect for all languages, beliefs, identities, and flags." His gesture has sparked discussions about inclusivity, freedom of expression, and the recognition of Kurdish culture in Turkey.
Sakık’s act of raising the Kurdistan flag symbolizes his ongoing advocacy for equality and the rights of Kurdish people in Turkey and beyond.