Türkiye's 'Terror-Free' process to unite nation, region: Parliament speaker

'Terror-Free Türkiye' initiative

Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş announced on Saturday that Ankara's "Terror-Free Türkiye" initiative would pave the way for greater national unity and regional stability, marking what he described as the first step in a broader reconciliation process. Speaking at the closing program of the Bosphorus Diplomacy Forum in Istanbul, Kurtulmuş stated: "We are now leaving behind this process that has lasted for more than 40 years, in which thousands of our people were martyred, tens of thousands were killed, and villages and cities were destroyed," emphasizing the historical weight of the moment.

He said the initiative seeks to replace the language of division and marginalization with what he called "the language of brotherhood and unity." "Turks, Kurds and people from other ethnic communities in this country will continue their path together in unity," Kurtulmuş said, adding that this approach would extend beyond Türkiye's borders to bring Turks, Kurds, Arabs and other communities closer together.

Regional vision

Kurtulmuş indicated that the reconciliation process would ultimately help construct a secure and stable neighborhood, rejecting separatist rhetoric in favor of collective progress. He noted that a "strong region, a terror-free region will be built again" as communities across the area move toward closer cooperation, according to state-run Anadolu Agency.

Bosphorus Diplomacy Forum

The parliament speaker delivered his remarks at the conclusion of the Bosphorus Diplomacy Forum, which gathered officials and experts in Istanbul to discuss regional security and diplomatic challenges. The initiative comes as Türkiye continues efforts to address the legacy of the decades-long conflict that has shaped domestic politics since the early 1980s.