Türkiye’s parliament has inaugurated a landmark commission dedicated to the vision of a “Terror-Free Türkiye,” a move hailed as a turning point in the nation’s decades-long struggle against terrorism.
Opening the inaugural session on Tuesday, Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş called the step “historic,” stressing that it would shape not only the present but also the country’s future.
“There are moments in the history of nations that define more than just a single day. Today is one of those defining moments,” he told lawmakers and the press.
Kurtulmuş underlined that the commission’s mission is to eradicate terrorism and foster lasting peace, noting that the effort reflects the will of the Turkish people rather than any individual or political party.
He also highlighted the heavy toll of terrorism—not only in lives lost but in lost opportunities for development. “Had our resources been spent on education and healthcare instead of combating terrorism, many schools, universities, and hospitals could have been built much earlier,” he said.
Emphasis on unity and shared heritage
Central to his address was the call for national unity, especially between Turks and Kurds. Citing historical figures like Salahaddin Ayyubi and Alparslan, as well as poets Ahmadi Hani and Nazım Hikmet, Kurtulmuş emphasized the deep cultural and historical bonds that underpin coexistence.
“Our ancestors stood shoulder to shoulder at Çanakkale. Our ties are rooted not only in victories but in shared pain and hope,” he said.
Guiding principles: transparency, openness, pluralism
The Speaker announced that the commission will operate on the principles of transparency, openness, and pluralism. Civil society, academics, and opinion leaders will all be engaged in the process.
“A language that fails to respect the honour of Kurds or the pride of Turks cannot build peace—it only deepens division,” he cautioned.
Beyond borders
While primarily national in scope, Kurtulmuş framed the initiative as part of a broader regional vision. “A Terror-Free Türkiye means a Terror-Free region,” he said, noting that the people divided after World War I deserve to “hear each other once again.”
The commission will not only provide a platform for dialogue but also monitor disarmament efforts, propose legislation, and report directly to parliament.
Concluding his remarks, Kurtulmuş called for collective responsibility:
“Together, we will build a democratic, pluralistic Türkiye where every citizen feels a sense of belonging. May Allah help and guide us.”
