Rawest Research: Demirtaş continues as a unifying force among Kurds

Selahattin Demirtaş, the imprisoned former co-chair of the People’s Democratic Party (HDP) and a prominent Kurdish political figure, continues to command significant respect among Kurds, according to the latest findings from Rawest Research.

The study titled “Kurdish Issue, Kurdish Politics, and Demirtaş,” sheds light on the prevailing sentiments among Kurds following the March 31 local elections.

Conducted face-to-face with 1,406 individuals in the aftermath of the local elections, Rawest Research’s study, released on May 10, shows that Kurds predominantly identify themselves as “Muslims” and exhibit a preference for socially democratic and religiously inclined parties, with Selahattin Demirtaş being widely regarded as their leader.

Demirtaş’s political career has been marred by his imprisonment in 2016 on charges of terrorism-related offenses, widely criticized as politically motivated.

Demirtaş “Icon of Turkiyefication”

The research also underscores the symbolic importance of Demirtaş in addressing the Kurdish issue. His “ability to advocate for Kurdish rights while engaging with non-Kurdish segments of society” is seen as a defining characteristic of his leadership. Additionally, Demirtaş’s inclusive approach, characterized by a commitment to equality and justice, resonates strongly with Kurds, positioning him as a unifying force.

Demirtaş’s stature as a unifying figure among Kurds is underscored by the research’s conclusion that his influence is acknowledged with almost “complete consensus.”

This portrays him as an icon of “Türkiyefication politics,” (Türkiyelileşme) a term that underscores his role in advocating for Kurdish rights within the framework of Turkish society.

The study also reveals that Demirtaş enjoys considerable support even among AKP supporters, who view him as “a reasonable and conciliatory figure” compared to other Kurdish politicians.

This perception underscores his broader appeal as a representative of a more inclusive form of politics, transcending traditional partisan divides.

Kurdish issue

When asked to define themselves, a majority of Kurds eschew traditional labels such as “secular” or “Islamist,” instead identifying as “liberal” or “religious.” This preference for nuanced identities suggests a softening of the secular-conservative divide within Kurdish society, the research report argues.

Furthermore, the study delves into the perception of the Kurdish issue among Kurds themselves. Over half of the participants believe that there is a Kurdish issue in Türkiye, with the majority attributing it to state policies that neglect Kurdish identity and perpetuate discrimination against Kurds.

Key demands emerging from the research include calls for equality, justice, freedom, native language rights, and development. Notably, nearly half of the respondents advocate for bilingual education, reflecting a desire to preserve Kurdish language and culture within the education system.

HDP/DEM Party followed by CHP

Despite “cautious satisfaction” with the election results, a significant finding of the study is the declining interest in politics among Kurds, with only a third of participants expressing active engagement in political affairs. This disillusionment with mainstream politics is accompanied by a lack of faith in the need for a new political party, indicating a broader sense of disenchantment with the political landscape.

In terms of party preference, Kurds rank the HDP/DEM Party highest, followed by the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the Justice and Development Party (AKP).

However, satisfaction with the local election results varies, with Kurds in the western regions displaying less enthusiasm compared to their counterparts in other areas.