A representative survey conducted by the Center for Socio-Political Field Research (SAMER) based in Amed (tr. Diyarbakır) shows growing public interest in legal reforms in the context of the Kurdish question. 71.9 percent of those surveyed were in favor of the introduction of a legally regulated “right to hope”.
Barometer on politics and peace
The survey, entitled “Analysis of public opinion in the context of discourse and practice in Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia,” is based on four field studies conducted in 16 cities in October 2024 and January, March, May, and October 2025. The aim was to gauge public sentiment regarding the “peace and democratic society process” initiated by Abdullah Öcalan and the roles of the actors involved.
The starting point for the survey was marked by the symbolic handshake between MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli and DEM Party representatives at the opening of parliament on October 1, 2024. Bahçeli’s speech addressed to Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan on October 22 also contributed to the renewed visibility of debates on resuming the peace process.
Public priorities: Economy remains a key issue
When asked “What is Turkey’s biggest problem?” in January, 53.6 percent cited the economic crisis, while 27.7 percent cited the Kurdish question. In May—after the dissolution congress of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK)—the proportion of those who see the economy as the main problem rose to 68.9 percent. At the same time, the proportion of those who consider the Kurdish question to be the most pressing problem fell to 16.4 percent. In October, this trend was partially reversed: the proportion citing the Kurdish question rose to 21.2 percent, while economic concerns stood at 59.7 percent. The authors of the survey attribute this to a lack of political response from the government.
Growing gap between government rhetoric and practice
Another finding shows that perceptions of the government’s work have deteriorated. Only 25.6 percent of respondents said last October that they saw consistency between government statements and actual actions. This figure was 16 percent in January, rose to 27.7 percent in May, and then fell slightly again. At the same time, the number of those who believe the government’s policies are inconsistent rose to 47.7 percent.
Significant increase in calls for reform
The study also documents growing support for specific legal reforms:
▪ Amendment of the Penal Code: from 65% in March to 78% in October
▪ Abolition of the Anti-Terrorism Law (TMK): from 60.4% to 62.4%
▪ Release of sick prisoners: from 68.5% to 74.9%
▪ Release of political prisoners after serving their sentences: from 66.7% to 74.5%
▪ “Right to hope”: from 68.9% to 71.9%
▪ Legal certainty for peace mediators: from 66.7% to 74.7%
According to SAMER, this increase reflects collective experiences from past processes, particularly the legal prosecution of former mediators.
Attribution of responsibility: Highest level of trust in Öcalan
When asked which actors were best fulfilling their responsibilities in the peace process, Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan received the highest approval rating at 42.9 percent, followed by the PKK at 40.5 percent. The lowest ratings were given to the government (24.8%), the parliamentary opposition (20.3%), and parliament as a whole (22.1%).
Rather cautious expectations for a positive outcome to the process
Expectations regarding a successful peace process are cautiously optimistic: in October 2025, 23.3% believed that the process would have a positive outcome (January: 18.9%), while 24.8% considered this unlikely (January: 20.4%).
Attitude toward Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria
In October, 34.5 percent of respondents wanted to see “constructive and sincere cooperation” with regard to the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria. Explicit approval of cooperation stood at 23.3 percent.