DEM Party, MHP Exchange Festive Visits, Signal Hope for Dialogue in Türkiye
“Our society is weary of conflict and seeks peace—Türkiye must seize this moment,” said DEM Party MP Ayşegül Doğan at a joint press conference with MHP deputy leader Zühal Topcu. “We’re entering a critical phase, and national interest must prevail over politics.”
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — In a moment that could be described as historic and unprecedented, Türkiye’s political landscape witnessed a gesture of goodwill this Eid al-Fitr. For the first time, delegations from the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) and the far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) exchanged formal holiday visits, sending a powerful message of unity, mutual respect, and the possibility of dialogue across deep ideological divides.
On Monday, a DEM Party delegation led by MP Ayşegül Doğan visited MHP headquarters in Ankara to extend Eid greetings. In a joint press conference following the visit, Doğan struck a hopeful tone, emphasizing the need for Türkiye’s political factions to work together for a peaceful and democratic future.
“Political actors must come together with differing perspectives to work jointly for the future of the country, peace, and the establishment of a democratic society,” she said. “We view this meeting as highly significant. Our society is exhausted by conflict and in search of peace. This is a moment Türkiye cannot afford to miss.”
Zühal Topcu, deputy leader of the MHP, warmly welcomed the DEM delegation and praised the historic nature of the meeting.
“The invitation by our General Chair (Devlet Bahçeli) has reshaped Türkiye’s political landscape,” Topcu stated. “We are now entering a critical phase, and I hope this process continues. Beyond political interests, the national interest of Turkey must come first.”
Later the same day, the MHP returned the gesture. A delegation led by MHP Secretary-General İsmet Büyükataman visited the DEM Party’s headquarters, where they were received by senior DEM officials including Öztürk Türkdoğan, Yüksel Mutlu, and Hüseyin Olan.
The atmosphere remained warm and constructive.
“We sincerely thank the DEM Party for the warm welcome,” Büyükataman said during a press briefing. “We hope this celebration opens the door to peace, brings an end to war and hostility in our country, strengthens brotherhood among us, and ushers in better days. Our General Chair of the MHP sends his respectful Eid greetings to you.”
In response, Öztürk Türkdoğan expressed appreciation for the visit while highlighting the ongoing concerns of the Kurdish political movement. “You are most welcome. We’re very pleased with your visit. On this occasion, we also express our hope that our imprisoned political colleagues be released,” he said, referencing the continued detention of Kurdish politicians. “We hope for the establishment of a democratic society in Türkiye and a lasting peace.”
The reciprocal visits are being interpreted as more than symbolic.
Political observers note that such gestures could open channels for a broader dialogue between factions that have historically been in staunch opposition. While the ideological gap between the MHP’s Turkish nationalist stance and the DEM Party’s pro-Kurdish platform remains, the exchanges have sparked cautious optimism among civil society groups and democratic advocates.
With Türkiye facing numerous internal and external challenges—from economic uncertainty to tensions in its southeast and evolving regional dynamics—calls for national unity and democratic renewal have gained momentum. Observers are now watching closely to see whether these Eid visits will be followed by more substantive dialogue in the months ahead.
For now, the unprecedented holiday diplomacy between the DEM Party and the MHP stands as a rare and hopeful moment of political civility in Türkiye—one that may, if nurtured, contribute to a broader process of national reconciliation and inclusive governance.
