DEM Party in Turkey condemns Parliamentary Speaker Kurtulmuş’s remarks about 1514 Battle of Chaldiran as sectarian

ANKARA — The Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (Halkların Eşitlik ve Demokrasi Partisi, DEM Party) publicly criticized Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş on Tuesday, accusing him of inciting sectarian tensions and insulting Turkey’s Alevi community.

The condemnation follows remarks made by Kurtulmuş during a speech at Şırnak University, where he referenced the 1514 Battle of Chaldiran as a symbol of Muslim unity and triumph. Kurtulmuş’s framing of the Safavid Empire, historically linked to the Alevi faith, as a divisive force defeated by Ottoman strength drew sharp criticism from the DEM Party, which called the comments “dangerously inflammatory.”

In a public statement, the DEM Party accused Kurtulmuş of undermining social harmony and fueling hatred. The party urged government officials to avoid exclusionary rhetoric that could polarize communities and disrupt ongoing efforts for national reconciliation.

“This type of rhetoric erodes the fabric of our multicultural society and threatens the fragile peace Turkey seeks to maintain,” the DEM Party stated. It also highlighted the importance of implementing the peace process proposed by jailed Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan, a plan aimed at creating a democratic republic that restores the rights of marginalized groups, including Kurds, Syriacs (Arameans–Assyrians–Chaldeans), and Alevis.

The statement concluded by reaffirming the Kurdish movement’s commitment to justice and equality for all peoples of Turkey, rejecting divisive narratives that threaten unity.

The controversy adds to growing concerns about sectarian and ethnic tensions in Turkey, as minority communities continue to advocate for recognition and equal rights amidst rising nationalist discourse.