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A potential shift in Turkey's long-standing approach to the Kurdish issue may be underway, sparked by a high-level meeting between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and a key intermediary group, coinciding with new research showing overwhelming public support for a democratic solution. While official channels remain cautious, the convergence of a renewed political dialogue and strong public sentiment has reignited cautious optimism for resolving one of the nation's most complex and protracted conflicts. The developments suggest a possible pivot from a security-centric policy to one that acknowledges the widespread desire for a peaceful, parliamentary-led process.
The most significant political signal came from the İmralı Delegation, a group of politicians historically involved in mediating peace talks with the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), Abdullah Öcalan. According to a report by Turkish news outlet Artı Gerçek, the delegation released a statement following a recent meeting with President Erdoğan. The statement declared, "a mutual will to advance the process continues," signaling a clear, shared intent between the government and key figures in the peace process to explore a path forward. This brief but powerful affirmation marks the most notable public acknowledgement of renewed talks in years, following the collapse of the "Solution Process" in 2015.
This political overture aligns remarkably with the findings of a comprehensive new study on public perception. The research, titled "Perception of a Solution to the Kurdish Issue," was jointly conducted by Turkey's Human Rights Association (İHD) and the respected polling firm KONDA. As detailed by Artı Gerçek, the study reveals a deep-seated belief among the Turkish populace that resolving the Kurdish issue is intrinsically linked to the nation's democratic health. A significant majority of respondents asserted that a peaceful resolution would strengthen democracy in Turkey, viewing the conflict not merely as a security threat but as a fundamental political problem that demands democratic engagement and reform.
The poll underscores a public appetite for a solution managed within the political arena, primarily through the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. This finding provides a crucial backdrop to the İmralı Delegation's meeting, suggesting that any government-led initiative for dialogue would likely find broad public acceptance. For years, the official narrative has prioritized military and security operations; however, research by KONDA and İHD indicates that citizens are increasingly looking to political leaders for a sustainable and inclusive resolution.