Support continues from various groups for the Peace and Democratic Society Call made by Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan on February 27. To support the growing demand for peace, Dersim Odjak’s Women gathered in Dersim and issued a call for support. Emphasizing that peace is a vital need for everyone, the women urged everyone to step up and take responsibility.

 

Speaking on the importance of peace for all living beings, Sakine Cevahir from Baba Mansur Odjak noted that all creatures live in harmony. She said: “We destroy each other for no reason. We believe blood can wash away blood. Many mothers have had to bury children they couldn’t even bear to part with. Which mother wants war? Sadly, these things happen. Every mother is aware, so why are those governing this country not? We are mothers, and we defend peace. We are in a process where peace is being discussed, yet we cannot see the steps taken for it.”

 

‘EVERYONE MUST STEP UP’

 

Pointing out that peace has so far remained only a promise, Sakine Cevahir added: “To end the suffering, everyone must step up. There is no distinction between young or old. This war has affected the entire society. From now on, we must struggle to bring peace. As a child, I witnessed and heard the oppression and pain. Now at 60, it still continues. Why? I hope such things do not happen again. I have never lost hope for peace, and I never will.”

 

‘LET THE PRISONERS BE FREE’

 

Fidan Genç from Baba Mansur Odjak said that the people have endured every kind of suffering, adding that the economy has also been destroyed by the war. “Our people must now see peace in these lands. We want peace. Let our children and youth no longer die. We are here with white headscarves, praying to Düzgün Baba and Baba Mansur for these pains to end. Let there be peace, let the prisoners be free,” she said. 

 

‘EVERYONE MUST REACH OUT’

 

Hanım Şimşek (82) from Kureyşan Odjak said: “We want peace. We have aged and seen everything. We have experienced poverty and torture. Our homes were burned, and our families scattered. I am 82; I had to sell my house and send my children abroad. Why shouldn’t we live freely in our own lands, in our villages?”

 

‘WE WILL SURELY SUCCEED’

 

Kibar Köse, chair of the Democratic Alevi Association (DAD), stated that their people have paid a high price in these lands and that their next dream is to see peace. She said, “Peace is important for both Turkey and the world. Necessary steps must be taken for this. We want peace and we will surely achieve it. We want action to bring peace. With all our faith, we strive to take responsibility to end the tears of mothers. As Alevi associations, we support the entire process.”

 

Hanım Şimşek added: “Just as our parents lived here, we wanted to live the same way, but it was not possible. For peace to happen, everyone must step up. Everyone must reach out.”

 

MA / Silan Sirvan Cil