HÜDA PAR General Chairman Zekeriya Yapıcıoğlu has called for the launch of an “Interest-Free Türkiye” process, arguing that the interest-based economic system is a major source of inflation, unemployment, income inequality and social problems.

Speaking at the HÜDA PAR Van Provincial Chairmanship’s 5th Ordinary Congress, held at the Application Hotel in Van’s Edremit district, Yapıcıoğlu addressed a wide range of issues, including economic justice, the fight against drugs, family policies, the process of ending violence, and Israel’s ongoing attacks and genocide in Gaza.

The congress began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an and was attended by HÜDA PAR Batman Deputy Serkan Ramanlı, representatives of political parties and civil society organizations, as well as numerous party members.

“Manzikert was the victory of the Islamic ummah”

Referring to the anniversary of the Battle of Manzikert, Yapıcıoğlu said the historic victory should not be reduced to ethnic or ideological interpretations.

He described Manzikert as a struggle between faith and unbelief and said the victory of Sultan Alparslan’s army represented the victory of peoples who had embraced Islam, particularly Turks, Kurds and Arabs.

“In these days when our surroundings are boiling over, when unbelief and oppression are ravaging the world, and when Muslims have become distant from one another, we have a dire need for that Manzikert spirit,” Yapıcıoğlu said.

“Violence will end, weapons will fall silent”

Addressing the process aimed at strengthening domestic unity and ending decades of violence, Yapıcıoğlu said HÜDA PAR had submitted a comprehensive and practical report to the parliamentary commission.

He argued that violence and weapons had harmed society as a whole while benefiting only those who profit from bloodshed.

Referring to legislation that passed Parliament with 467 votes, Yapıcıoğlu expressed hope that the period of violence would come to an end.

“Violence and weapons have harmed everyone. With the law that passed in Parliament by 467 votes, God willing, the period of violence will come to an end. Weapons will fall silent, brotherhood will speak, and justice will spread everywhere,” he said.

Yapıcıoğlu also described HÜDA PAR as more than a political party, saying it represented a broader effort aimed at returning society to its core values and rebuilding civilization.

“Interest is the mother of all economic diseases”

Yapıcıoğlu devoted a significant part of his speech to Türkiye’s economic problems, arguing that the country needs to move away from dependence on interest-based borrowing.

He noted that interest payments consume a larger share of public resources than commonly acknowledged and argued that debt and interest have become structural problems affecting economies around the world.

“Interest is not only the cause of inflation; interest is also the cause of unemployment, of injustice in income distribution, and of social decay. Interest is the mother of all economic diseases,” Yapıcıoğlu said.

Calling for an “Interest-Free Türkiye” process, he urged policymakers and citizens to reduce reliance on borrowing.

“Come, let us launch an ‘Interest-Free Türkiye’ process. Let us cut our coat according to our cloth. Let us give up borrowing. And God willing, let us gradually rid ourselves of this plague of interest,” he said.

“The minimum wage must not fall below the hunger threshold”

Yapıcıoğlu also criticized the tax burden on citizens and called for changes to the minimum wage system.

He said indirect taxes constitute a significant portion of tax revenues and argued that the minimum wage should take the needs of workers’ families into account.

“We must include not only the worker but also the family in the definition of the minimum wage,” Yapıcıoğlu said, emphasizing that the minimum wage should be sufficient to meet the essential needs of a family of at least four people and should not fall below the hunger threshold.

He also called for the lowest pension to be brought to the level of the minimum wage, saying HÜDA PAR had submitted a draft law to Parliament on the issue.

Family policies and TOKİ housing proposal

Addressing declining marriage and birth rates, Yapıcıoğlu called for stronger state support for young couples.

He argued that marriage assistance should be provided as grants rather than loans and proposed preferential access to TOKİ housing for larger families.

“If we want to strengthen the family and increase the number of children, let us give priority in TOKİ housing to those with three children; and let us allocate that house free of charge to those with five children,” he said.

According to Yapıcıoğlu, such measures could encourage young people to marry and contribute to strengthening family structures.

Calls for tougher penalties against drug trafficking

Yapıcıoğlu also addressed the spread of drugs and called for harsher penalties for those involved in drug trafficking, particularly public officials.

Describing drug trafficking as a form of “slow death” inflicted for financial gain, he argued that public officials who participate in the trade should face significantly increased penalties.

“We have also submitted a draft law to Parliament for this,” he said.

He further called for stronger legal protections for sacred values, underlining that existing penalties for insults against religious beliefs and sacred values are insufficient and warning that such acts could damage social peace.

“Let us not allow Gaza to fall off the agenda”

Yapıcıoğlu devoted another major section of his speech to Gaza and Palestine, calling on Muslims and the international community not to allow the humanitarian crisis to disappear from the global agenda.

He said that despite claims of a ceasefire, killings and restrictions on humanitarian aid continue, while Palestinians living in makeshift shelters face even greater hardship as winter approaches.

“The ummah has failed the test,” Yapıcıoğlu said, urging people to consider their efforts for Gaza insufficient and to seek additional ways to support Palestinians.

Call to prosecute dual nationals accused of genocide

Yapıcıoğlu also criticized delays in parliamentary consideration of a HÜDA PAR proposal concerning Turkish citizens with dual nationality who participate in genocide.

He called for such individuals to be prosecuted in Türkiye and, if they fail to appear before the courts, for measures including the revocation of citizenship and confiscation of assets to be considered.

Yapıcıoğlu said the proposal had received support from eight political parties and reached the General Assembly but had not yet been placed on the agenda for a vote.

“Whoever participates in the crime of genocide—if they are dual citizens—let us summon them and try them,” he said.

Stray dogs debate

The HÜDA PAR leader also addressed the controversial issue of stray dogs, arguing that public safety and animal welfare should be considered together.

He said animals should be treated with compassion but maintained that measures must be taken against animals that pose a threat to people, particularly children and the elderly.

Yapıcıoğlu said HÜDA PAR had maintained its position throughout the public debate and welcomed the adoption of legislation regulating the issue.

“With four deputies, we are working with the force of 1,111”

Turning to HÜDA PAR’s parliamentary activities, Yapıcıoğlu said the party’s four deputies were working to have an impact beyond their numerical strength.

Referring to Bediüzzaman Said Nursi’s expression concerning the multiplication of strength through unity, he said HÜDA PAR would continue to pursue its political objectives without being deterred from speaking what it considers to be the truth.

“With four deputies we are trying to achieve work with the force of 1,111,” Yapıcıoğlu said.

“Show people HÜDA PAR’s true identity”

Concluding his speech, Yapıcıoğlu called on party members and supporters to increase their grassroots activities and establish direct contact with the public.

He urged members to go into the field following the congress and explain HÜDA PAR’s policies and identity directly to citizens.

“The press may not give us much coverage, but I believe that the best way to introduce oneself is through one-to-one contact,” he said.

Rasim Sayğın re-elected as Van provincial chairman

Following the speeches, the provincial chairmanship election was held with a single list.

Incumbent Chairman Lawyer Rasim Sayğın received the votes of all delegates and was re-elected as HÜDA PAR Van Provincial Chairman. (ILKHA)