Turkey’s Century: The Century of Turks and Kurds

In a recent social media post, President’s Chief Advisor Mehmet Uçum made a bold statement, declaring that “Turkey’s Century is the Century of Turks and Kurds. The single state and single nation are Turkey’s only truth. It is only by accepting and embracing this truth that the nation can gain the power to make decisions about its future.”

Mehmet Uçum’s Perspective

Mehmet Uçum emphasized the inclusive nature of the Turkish people, stating that Turks, Kurds, Arabs, Zazas, Laz people, Circassians, Bosniaks, Georgians, and all other segments are essential components of the Turkish nation. He highlighted that the Turkish nation is composed of the people of Turkey and rejected the notion that the ethnic structure of the Turkish nation is exclusively Turkish.

He further elaborated on the significance of the Kurdish language in various aspects of life, emphasizing recent developments that demonstrate the state’s concrete steps towards recognizing and supporting Kurdish culture and identity.

Challenges to Unity

Uçum warned against falling into the trap of advocating for the “two nations in one state” concept, which he argued plays into the hands of imperialist agendas seeking to sow division among the Turkish population. He stressed that the threat to the Turkish nation extends beyond targeting Turks alone, encompassing all ethnic groups that make up the diverse fabric of Turkey.

State Initiatives and National Unity

The core principle emphasized was that the diverse composition of the Turkish people serves as the foundation for national unity. Uçum highlighted that the Turkish nation is not based on ethnic nationalism but on citizenship, emphasizing the legal bond of Turkish citizenship as the unifying factor.

He underscored that the future of Turkey hinges on the unified support and development of the Turkish nation, emphasizing the need for internal cohesion to pave the way for Turkey to become a pivotal force in the region.

In conclusion, Uçum’s message resonates with the call for all segments of Turkish society, including Kurds, to embrace and strengthen the unity of the Turkish nation and the Republic of Turkey. The path forward lies in recognizing the reality of a single state and single nation, empowering the nation to make collective decisions about its future.