Main political events in Türkiye in the last week.
Main political events in Türkiye in the last week.
Last week, at the top of the agenda were new developments and statements regarding the new initiative named as a “Terror-Free Türkiye” which includes the disarmament and dissolution of the PKK.
Meanwhile, Türkiye continues to closely monitor developments in Syria. Critical remarks made last week by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on the issue were another major item on the agenda.
The wildfires affecting the western part of the country have caused deep sorrow across Türkiye.
“Terror-free Türkiye” process continues with the commission
The “Terror-Free Türkiye” process, launched in October 2024 and sustained by a statement from imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan calling for the dissolution of the organization, continued in recent weeks as a number of 30 PKK members laid down their arms symbolically in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq.
As the next phase of the process, efforts are underway to establish a special commission within the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM).
Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş announced at a recent event that the commission would begin its work in August. Kurtulmuş stated:
“The terrorist organization has declared that it will dissolve itself. Once that happens, we will create an environment in which terrorism can never again take root in this country, and we will collectively consign terrorism to the dustbin of history… Inshallah, we will launch the commission’s work in early August. This commission will also serve as an important platform for advancing Türkiye’s democratization. In an environment where differing views can be debated and exchanged, decisions will be made for the good of the people and the country.”
The commission is expected to consist of 51 members: 21 from the AKP, 10 from the CHP, 4 each from the DEM Party, MHP, and the Yeni Yol (New Path) group, 3 from the İYİ Party, and 1 representative from each of the remaining parties in Parliament.
While the AKP, MHP, and the DEM Party have begun selecting their representatives for the commission, opposition parties, particularly the CHP, remain hesitant about participating.
CHP Parliamentary Group Deputy Chair Gökhan Günaydın stated that his party has certain conditions for joining the commission. He said:
“You arrest our metropolitan mayors, provincial and district mayors in early morning raids, using the judiciary as a political tool; you line them up like it’s a Nazi camp to send a message, while simultaneously censoring images of mafia arrests, and then you expect us to just join this commission as if nothing has happened.
CHP wants to contribute to the commission. We want to contribute to Türkiye’s democratization, but not unconditionally. We will assess the scope of the commission’s work. Only then will we decide whether to join. If the commission operates with integrity, we will contribute. But if it doesn’t, we will walk away and expose it. I’m being very clear about that.”
DEM Party Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan implied that if the CHP supports the commission, currently imprisoned Istanbul Mayor and CHP presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu might be released. He said:
“If the CHP takes a seat at the commission table, maybe İmamoğlu will be out. Maybe all political prisoners will be out. Because that would mean the rule of law, democracy, and justice would be in effect.”
CHP leader Özgür Özel responded to Tuncer Bakırhan’s remarks, stating: “The principle is that everyone should be tried without detention. No one can claim that we’ve made participation in the commission conditional on that, especially not solely over Mr. İmamoğlu. Let me make this clear: the idea of this commission actually originated from us. This commission should address the Kurdish issue as a whole and seek a solution within the framework of democratization.”
Victory Party leader Ümit Özdağ firmly rejected joining the commission and issued a call to the CHP. He stated:
“A commission is being formed in Parliament as part of a negotiation process launched with Öcalan and the PKK. The Victory Party believes that no opposition party including the CHP should take part in this commission. This body would serve to legitimize the ongoing negotiation process between the AKP, MHP, DEM, and Öcalan-PKK. It would mean the Turkish Grand National Assembly, which fought a war of independence and founded the state, is treating Öcalan and the PKK as legitimate counterparts.
This commission, beyond simply addressing PKK demands or legitimizing them, would ultimately carry out the legal groundwork for granting the PKK amnesty, political freedom, and dismantling the unitary nation-state through a new constitution. In other words, the Parliament that founded the Turkish Republic on April 23, 1920, would now be presiding over its own dissolution.”
Good Party leader Müsavat Dervişoğlu also announced that his party would not be participating in the commission. He stated:
“In the process of establishing parliamentary commissions, the purpose, scope, goals, legal basis, and timeframe are typically set out clearly. However, the letter sent by the Speaker of Parliament includes no details regarding the objective of the proposed commission, how its agenda will be determined, or the methods it will use to operate. Will this commission have decision-making power? If so, what thresholds will be applied? Will decisions be made by a simple majority or by qualified majority? Even these basic procedural rules are absent.
We have already made it clear that we will not be part of any initiative that could serve to legitimize the demands and expectations of the bloodstained terrorist organization. Therefore, I once again respectfully inform the public that the Good Party will not take part in the commission.”
Meanwhile, participation from other parties represented in Parliament is expected.
Critical remarks on Syria by Foreign Minister
Another key issue on the agenda last week was Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s comments on Syria and broader international developments during a televised interview.
Addressing recent clashes between Druze communities and Arab tribes in Syria, Fidan warned of the growing risk of the country’s fragmentation. He stated:
“Some other groups have seen this as an opportunity. We have observed signs of mobilization in the north, south, east, and west of the country, some statements, declarations. As Türkiye, we felt compelled to issue a warning because we want to see Syria remain united and whole.”
Fidan emphasized that Türkiye’s objective in the region is to promote calm, stability, and security. He also said that a new phase had begun in Syria, supported by Türkiye, regional actors, the European Union, and the US. He added:
“We’ve long seen how certain actors benefit from Syria’s division, instability, and weakness, and how they want to see the country stuck in a state of despair and hopelessness. When this expected scenario failed to materialize thanks to the diplomatic initiatives we launched and the broader international efforts, these actors began to pursue alternative plans.”
Recalling that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed little optimism about Syria’s future stability, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan directed pointed remarks at Israel:
“We say this clearly: no one should interfere with Syria’s territorial integrity. Syria should not pose a threat to any of its neighbors, and no country should pose a threat to Syria. Let us work together with a shared understanding and coordinated action to make that possible. That is our concern.”
Fidan also addressed the issue of Kurdish groups in Syria. Speaking specifically about the YPG, he said:
“It depends on the nature of the threat. The YPG’s armed elements have not disbanded themselves. We expect these groups to implement the agreement signed on March 10. We want this issue to move forward in a constructive atmosphere, without bloodshed or turmoil. The rights and identity of Kurds, including their property, citizenship, and culture, must be protected. Our goal is for them to join in building a new Syria where everyone feels equal. If they are seeking assurances for their fundamental rights, freedoms, and safety of life and property, then it is important for countries like Türkiye to be involved as witnesses. Otherwise, the continued presence of various armed groups in the country under the pretext of certain excuses is unacceptable.”
Fidan praised the US’s current policy on Syria, stating that U.S. Ambassador to Ankara and Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack demonstrates a sound understanding of regional dynamics and strives for impartiality. “Türkiye appreciates this approach,” said Fidan, “and it reflects a long-awaited, genuine vision.”
As for US-Israel relations, Fidan offered the following assessment: “Israel, Israeli lobbies, and Zionist ideology have a deeply structural influence on the shaping of American domestic politics.”
Wildfires shake the country
As in previous summers, the rise in temperatures has once again led to wildfires across various parts of the country.
Most recently, extensive forest fires broke out in the western and northern cities of Bursa and Karabük.
At the beginning of the week, firefighting teams struggled to contain fires that erupted in multiple parts of Bursa. Strong winds caused the flames to spread rapidly, damaging large forested areas, farmlands, and residential properties.
So far, 480 homes have been evacuated and 1,765 people safely relocated in Bursa.
A total of 1,800 personnel and 700 vehicles from 41 different institutions have been deployed for firefighting efforts. Additional support has been provided by fire brigades from Denizli Metropolitan Municipality, who were already assisting in nearby provinces including Istanbul, Yalova, Balıkesir, and Bilecik.
Government officials also visited the affected areas to conduct inspections.
In Karabük’s Safranbolu district, wildfires that started several days ago have spread toward Ovacık and forested zones near the city center. Efforts to extinguish the fires are still ongoing.
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı gave the following update from the scene:
“The area is largely under control. In certain spots, we’re seeing minor smoldering due to heat, and our teams are focused on those areas. They’re responding rapidly without missing any points, while also continuing cooling operations. Once the risk has been fully eliminated, this will be communicated to the public. Currently, one airplane and 16 helicopters are assisting in cooling operations and accessing hard-to-reach spots. Hopefully, we’ll be able to share good news in the coming hours.”
Meanwhile, in Bursa, a water-carrying tanker overturned during firefighting efforts, resulting in the deaths of three civilians.
In another tragic incident, firefighter Ramazan Şaşkın lost his life after suffering a heart attack while battling the blaze.
Allegations of arson have surfaced in relation to the recent wildfires. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that seven individuals had been detained in connection with the fires in Bursa. Three of them were formally arrested, while the remaining four were released under judicial supervision.
Meanwhile, Turkish media reported that one individual caught while attempting to set fire to a forest in Bursa was found to have links to the Fethullah Gülen Terrorist Organization (FETÖ). The suspect had previously been dismissed from the Air Force due to his ties to the group and reportedly admitted to the arson during his testimony.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also spoke about the wildfires:
“Türkiye is carrying out a major operation both in the air and on the ground to fight forest fires. To protect our Green Homeland, we are on full alert day and night, with 27 aircraft, 105 helicopters, nearly 6,000 land vehicles, 25,000 heroic forest workers, and 132,000 volunteers. Our Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, along with all relevant institutions, continues its efforts under AFAD’s coordination, working tirelessly, with great care, devotion, and sacrifice. (…) Since the beginning of summer, we have completely extinguished 3,062 wildfires across the country. As we continue battling fires in various regions of our Green Homeland and hope to share good news soon, I extend my heartfelt thanks to every one of our heroes putting their hearts into this fight. May Allah grant them success in their mission.”
The government’s performance response drew criticism from opposition leaders, who pointed to various shortcomings. CHP leader Özgür Özel lashed out at the government, stating:
“The $160 billion squandered on the March 19 Coup could have bought 3,000 of the world’s most advanced firefighting planes. The state under this government cannot protect our people or our forests, because this administration feels no responsibility toward its citizens. In every crisis, every disaster, it feels as though the seat of government is empty, and the people are left to fend for themselves.”
Özel argued that the government has failed to take adequate preventative measures:
“Unfortunately, the number of personnel at the General Directorate of Forestry has dropped by about 2,300 since 2022, leaving 29,000 positions vacant. The agency’s budget and equipment including firefighting aircraft are insufficient. Forestry workers are battling flames in short-sleeved t-shirts, with inadequate gear. Although the 2025 budget allocates 32.5 billion lira for forest protection, only 12.5 billion, just 38 percent, was allowed to be spent in the first half of the year. This is the direct result of the government’s economic priorities.”
As of the time of publishing, firefighting efforts were still ongoing.