İZMİR – Ferzende Deniz, spokesperson for the İzmir Platform of Religious Scholars, stated that any meaningful solution to the century-old Kurdish issue requires dialogue with Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan. “For a real solution, the commission must meet with Mr. Öcalan,” Deniz said.

 

The peace process, known as the Peace and Democratic Society Process, continues through the work of the Parliamentary “National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy Commission.” After three meetings, calls for a broader and more inclusive approach are increasing. Religious scholar Ferzende Deniz emphasized that the process cannot be one-sided, adding, “The Kurdish side has already taken all necessary steps. All of Mr. Öcalan’s calls have been honored. But the state must also take steps to show sincerity, for example, by releasing sick and political prisoners on humanitarian grounds. So far, there has been no such gesture.”

 

‘ÖCALAN IS A KEY PARTY TO THE PROCESS’

 

Deniz underlined that Abdullah Öcalan is not only the initiator of the current peace efforts but also a central actor whose ideas are crucial to the Kurdish people. “This commission is an opportunity for Turkey. If it fulfills its duties, the kind of life we all dream of could become reality. Öcalan is a party to the conflict and a driver of the peace process that began after February 27. His role cannot be ignored. If the commission does not engage with him, how can they pursue a genuine resolution? Peace cannot be one-sided, it must come through mutual steps, and that means dialogue with Öcalan is essential,” he said.

 

‘MUSLIMS MUST MEDIATE BETWEEN THE SIDES’

 

Drawing on Islamic principles, Deniz called on Muslims to take an active role in mediation. “God says: if two sides are in conflict, believers must work to reconcile them. Today, Muslims are responsible for intervening in this conflict. Despite the political nature of the issue, what’s truly at stake is honorable peace between peoples. If we are brothers, that brotherhood must include equal rights. If my Muslim brother has certain rights, I must have them too. Otherwise, it contradicts the Qur’an’s concept of brotherhood,” he stated.

 

Deniz concluded by reminding that decades of war have brought great loss to Turkey. “Had the commands of the Qur’an been followed, these losses could have been avoided. The Qur’an commands us to embrace brotherhood, this must guide us now,” he said.