The Platform of Kurds from Central Anatolia (PKAN) held its sixth ordinary congress in Grevenbroich, North Rhine-Westphalia, on Saturday. Delegates from Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Canada attended the event.
The meeting opened with a minute’s silence for those who fell in the Kurdish liberation struggle. The assembly then elected its presiding committee. Cardiologist Zeynep Binici, who attended the congress from Norway, was elected chair of the presiding committee, while Abdullah Kaya and Muzaffer Küçükyıldız were elected as members.
In his welcoming speech, Abdullah Kaya referred to the platform’s ten-year anniversary. “We owe our gathering today to those who have preserved their language, culture, and identity despite all adversities,” he said.
Preserving cultural diversity and a democratic future as a guiding principle
The main topics of the congress were the protection of the Kurdish language and culture, the role of the Central Anatolian diaspora, and political self-determination.
Former HDP MP Fatma Kurtulan, who was invited as a guest speaker, emphasized the importance of democratic participation and recalled prominent figures such as Jineolojî researcher Nagihan Akarsel, former HADEP chairman Murat Bozlak, and imprisoned politician Leyla Güven. A model of peaceful coexistence has been created in Rojava,” Kurtulan said. “We must also make this example of democracy, tolerance, and diversity possible in Turkey—together, in a spirit of mutual respect.”
The co-chair of the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK), Ahmet Karamus, praised the resistance of the Kurds from Central Anatolia: “Despite forced resettlement, alienation, and attempts at assimilation, you have preserved your language, art, and identity. This is not something that can be taken for granted—it is a cultural act of self-assertion.” Karamus spoke of a new political phase in which the right to self-determination is at stake. According to Karamus, Rojava’s democratic model of society is now internationally recognized and extends beyond the region.
Largest Kurdish diaspora in Europe
Kurdish diplomat Selahattin Soro described the exile community of Central Anatolian Kurds, numbering around 700,000 people, as “the largest Kurdish diaspora in Europe.” This community, he said, has a significant social presence, with academics, authors, political representatives, and committed individuals in business and culture. “PKAN must better harness this potential,” said Soro. “If these people act together, they can become a serious social force.”
Elections and accountability reports
During the course of the congress, the accountability report on the past term of office, financial reports, and reports from the regional representatives were presented. In addition to its central committee, PKAN maintains local structures in several European countries, including Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. Further representatives are based in Canada, France, and Belgium.
Finally, the delegates elected Co-Chairs and the Central Management of PKAN. Hasan Bozlak from Sweden and Çiğdem Akbina from Germany were appointed as the new co-chairs. In addition, a 27-member central management committee was elected.
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