When Abdullah Öcalan launched the Peace and Democratic Society Process on February 27 last year, it opened a new door of hope in the name of peace. This step placed the fundamental discussion about resolving the issue onto the ground of politics, social negotiation, and parliament.
While expectations for peace have strengthened in society in 2025, the state’s slow progress on concrete and institutional steps has created a problem of trust.
Residents of Amed shared their evaluations of the past year of the peace process and their demands with ANF.
We have not seen real peace
Abdülaziz Balta stated that their expectation from the peace process was a “real peace” and said he does not find the current situation sufficient. He expressed that contradictory statements from different political parties have created distrust in society and drew particular attention to conditions in prisons.
Pointing to overcrowding and harsh conditions in prisons, Balta said, “They speak of peace, but people are sleeping on the floor. As long as no concrete steps are taken, these statements are not convincing.”
Balta argued that Öcalan should be released for the process to move forward and called for increased economic investment in the region and a reduction in security measures. He said that removing checkpoints and military practices in the region would provide social relief, adding, “Kurds are ready for peace, but there are obstacles. The state needs to take steps toward real peace and a general amnesty.”
The process is moving slowly
Hanifi Ömeroğlu noted that the process started positively but is progressing very slowly. He said that contacts with Imralı should be more frequent and regular and emphasized the importance of keeping dialogue channels open.
Ömeroğlu stated that the atmosphere of peace has had a positive impact on the regional economy, pointing to the increased activity in Amed’s Sur district as an example: “Shopkeepers are doing business, people are at ease. But if the process backfires, the people will suffer the most.”
He added that the possibility of a return to the 1990s creates concern in society and stressed that the process must be accelerated to achieve lasting peace.
“The discourse of brotherhood must be supported by concrete steps”
Salih Kızıl also said that the frequently voiced discourse of “brotherhood” must be backed by concrete steps. Noting that Turks and Kurds have lived together for centuries, Kızıl referred to their historical joint struggles and emphasized that this unity should be crowned with lasting peace. He said, “We want permanent peace. Our only wish is peaceful peace. If we founded this homeland together, then we must establish the law of brotherhood together and equally.”
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