HÜDA PAR is set to convene a significant workshop in Diyarbakır on February 15-16, focusing on finding a humanitarian solution to the complex and long-standing Kurdish issue. 

The event, titled “Workshop on a Humanitarian Solution to the Kurdish Issue,” will bring together a diverse range of academics, scholars, and political figures to engage in critical discussions and explore potential pathways forward.

Speaking to the press, HÜDA PAR Deputy Chairman İshak Sağlam emphasized that the workshop is not a response to the current political climate but a continuation of the party’s long-standing mission to diagnose problems, propose solutions, and foster public dialogue. 

Since its founding in 2012, HÜDA PAR has positioned itself as a party committed to addressing Turkey’s most critical challenges, with the Kurdish issue at the forefront of its agenda. Sağlam underscored this mission, stating, "Alhamdulillah, we have been striving to fulfill this mission in the best possible way. Whenever there is an issue in the country that is seen as a problem and requires a solution, HÜDA PAR is present, voicing its opinions, offering solutions, and undertaking the work it can do." This commitment has been particularly evident in the party’s focus on the Kurdish issue, which Sağlam described as "perhaps the most significant issue discussed in the country." 

A Century of Struggle and Unresolved Pain

The Kurdish issue is not a recent phenomenon. It is a deeply rooted challenge that has persisted for over a century, marked by cycles of conflict, negotiation, and failed resolution attempts. Sağlam highlighted its enduring nature, noting, "It is not only one of the most talked-about issues but also one of the most troubling and distressing for people." Despite numerous efforts to address it, the fact that the issue remains unresolved underscores the complexity and depth of the problem. 

For HÜDA PAR, the Kurdish issue has been a priority since the party’s inception. When drafting its program in 2012, the party placed it at the center of its agenda, recognizing its significance not only as a political challenge but as a humanitarian crisis that has fractured communities and damaged the sense of brotherhood across Turkey. "This issue has been discussed for over a century, with various solution attempts made, yet the fact that we are still talking about it today means that it has not been resolved," Sağlam said. The party’s goal, he added, is to contribute to a solution that addresses the root causes and heals the wounds inflicted by decades of unrest. 

The Need for Dialogue and Collective Solutions

One of the key themes of HÜDA PAR’s approach is the recognition that the Kurdish issue cannot be resolved through unilateral decisions or imposed policies. Sağlam emphasized, "It is well known that this problem cannot be solved through a top-down approach imposed by either the state or non-state actors. The past decades have proven this." Instead, the party advocates for a collective, inclusive approach that brings together diverse perspectives to find common ground. 

This philosophy underpins the upcoming workshop, which will bring together academics, scholars, and politicians who have engaged deeply with the issue. "The goal of these workshops is to identify the root causes of the issue, evaluate the current situation, and develop viable solutions," Sağlam explained. The event will provide a platform for open dialogue, allowing participants to discuss why the issue has become a problem, assess its consequences, and propose actionable solutions. On Sunday, the workshop will conclude with a final declaration, which HÜDA PAR hopes will contribute to the broader discourse on resolving the Kurdish issue. 

Sağlam acknowledged that different groups have proposed varying solutions, some of which may contradict each other. However, he views this diversity as a strength, stating, "As long as we are searching for solutions, we recognize the existence of the problem. I also see value in this and believe that most groups proposing solutions are sincere in their efforts." The workshop, therefore, is not about imposing a single narrative but about fostering a space where all voices can be heard and collective wisdom can guide the path forward. 

A Shifting Political Landscape Offers Hope

One of the most notable aspects of the current moment is the shifting stance of key political actors. Sağlam pointed to recent developments that suggest a more favorable environment for addressing the Kurdish issue. "We believe the current environment is more conducive for finding a solution than previous attempts," he said. A significant factor is the involvement of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), which has historically viewed the issue through a security lens. "What is particularly significant is that MHP leader was among those who reignited this discussion. In past efforts, MHP was on the opposing side, viewing the issue purely as a security concern. However, their current willingness to seek solutions is valuable," Sağlam noted. 

Similarly, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), which has historical ties to the origins of the issue, has adopted a neutral stance and is no longer actively opposing resolution efforts. "The fact that these two key actors are not resisting the search for a solution makes the current climate more suitable for progress," Sağlam said. However, he cautioned that while these shifts are encouraging, public enthusiasm for resolving the issue has waned compared to previous periods. "It is everyone’s responsibility to rekindle this excitement," he added, calling for collective efforts to revive the momentum needed for meaningful change. 

A Long-Planned Initiative, Not a Reaction

Sağlam was keen to clarify that the workshop is not a reaction to the recent resurgence of discussions on the Kurdish issue. "To be clear, we did not schedule this workshop just because the issue has resurfaced in public discussions. Since 2012, we have always considered it one of the most critical issues and kept it on our agenda," he said. The event was initially planned for the fall of 2024, following preliminary discussions in June 2023. However, it was postponed for a year due to the outbreak of the "Al-Aqsa Flood" and the subsequent focus on the Gaza crisis. "This workshop was not scheduled simply because the topic is being discussed again; it has always been on our agenda, and we see it as another step in our ongoing efforts," Sağlam explained. 

This clarification underscores HÜDA PAR’s long-term commitment to addressing the Kurdish issue, regardless of political trends. The party’s consistent focus on the issue reflects its belief that resolving the Kurdish question is not only a political necessity but a moral imperative to restore harmony and brotherhood in Turkey. 

Healing Wounds and Restoring Brotherhood

At its core, HÜDA PAR’s approach to the Kurdish issue is rooted in a humanitarian perspective. Sağlam highlighted the damage caused by decades of conflict, stating, "Over time, this issue has damaged the sense of brotherhood in our country, created divisions, and led to ongoing unrest. One of our main goals is to restore this sense of brotherhood and heal the wounds that have formed." This vision aligns with the party’s broader mission to foster unity and address the root causes of division, rather than merely treating the symptoms. 

The upcoming workshop in Diyarbakır, a city at the heart of the Kurdish issue, symbolizes HÜDA PAR’s commitment to engaging directly with affected communities. By bringing together diverse voices and fostering dialogue, the party hopes to contribute to a broader understanding of the issue and pave the way for sustainable solutions.

"This weekend, we will hold a two-day workshop with academics, scholars, and politicians who have contributed to discussions on this issue in Turkey. We will thoroughly examine the subject and present solution proposals. On Sunday, we will announce our final declaration to the public," Sağlam concluded.

In a country where the Kurdish issue has long been a source of pain and division, HÜDA PAR’s workshop represents a hopeful step toward healing and resolution. Whether it will succeed in bridging divides and fostering lasting change remains to be seen, but the party’s commitment to dialogue, inclusion, and humanitarian solutions offers a promising foundation for progress. (ILKHA)