ÎDIR – Mehmet Abay, who lost his daughter Dilan in the fight against ISIS in Kobanê, emphasized that despite the deep suffering endured by Kurds, they still want peace. He called on the state to take sincere steps toward achieving it.
Abdullah Öcalan’s “Call for a Democratic Society and Peace” on February 27 sparked significant hope among the public. Families who have lost children in the decades-long conflict are among the strongest supporters of the peace call. One such person is Mehmet Abay, from the village of Tecirli in the Îdir (Iğdır) province. Having lost his daughter Dilan Abay in the conflict, he stated: “All Turkish and Kurdish families who have lost children in this war must unite and raise their voices for peace.”
Dilan Abay joined the PKK in 2010. After some time with the group, she went to Kobanê when ISIS began attacking areas controlled by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria. She was killed in a landmine explosion during the fight against ISIS on October 15, 2014, and buried in Tecirli on March 14, 2015.
Mehmet Abay described his daughter as highly sociable and intelligent: “She was a top student, among the best in a school of 300. She got into an Anatolian High School while also being involved in political work. One day I heard on the news that she had died. I traveled to Suruç and officially crossed into Kobanê. The scene there was so devastating, I forgot my own grief. Later, I brought her body back to Îdir, where we buried her with thousands in attendance.”
‘WE DREAM OF A POSITIVE OUTCOME’
Reminding that the Kurdish people have suffered deeply, Abay called Öcalan’s declaration “a historic statement.” Abay added: “As a martyr’s father, this is what we longed for. We don’t want any more Turkish or Kurdish families to suffer. We hope this process ends positively.”
He underlined the need for unity: “People are dying, and there are reasons behind it. No one goes to their death for no reason. The causes of this conflict must be addressed. Disarmament is being discussed, we want it too, but it requires mutual understanding and real steps toward resolving the root issues.”
‘A KURD CAN BE ANYTHING EXCEPT A KURD’
Responding to those who claim “Kurds are represented everywhere,” Abay said: “Yes, some Kurds hold positions, but those who say ‘I am a Kurd’ are not allowed to exist. A Kurd can be everything, but not a Kurd. I was dismissed from my job for being Kurdish. My two children have degrees but can’t find employment. This is not just about me; it applies to thousands of Kurds.”
‘PEACE REQUIRES SINCERITY’
Abay stressed that peace demands sincerity: “Many ill prisoners remain in jail. Dozens have been there for over 30 years. Their releases are constantly delayed with baseless excuses. The state has taken no concrete steps so far. If the state is sincere, it must start by releasing the ill prisoners. Progress must be mutual.”
MA / Ömer Akın