Challak Ahmad – Activist
As corruption spread and state institutions deteriorated, the Othman Empire sought to reform its government in an attempt to recover from its deepening crisis. This effort earned the empire the infamous title of the “sick man of Europe.” Supporters of reform were divided into two camps: one group advocated for a return to Islamic governance, believing that the empire’s former strength stemmed from its adherence to Sharia. The other group, influenced by Western thought—particularly secular nationalism emerging after the French and Industrial Revolutions—sought a different path. Ultimately, the secularists gained more influence, largely supported by European powers.
During this transition, the empire moved towards secularism and Turkification. As part of these reforms, the Othman state dismantled Kurdish emirates, bringing Kurdistan under direct central rule.
The Rise of Secular Nationalism and Betrayal
By the late 19th century, the secularist camp formed the Ittihad wa Taraqi (Committee of Union and Progress). Interestingly, its founding members included five individuals—none of whom were ethnic Turks, and two of whom were Kurds. Their primary goal was to overthrow Sultan Abdul Hamid II and secularize the state.
In 1908, they succeeded in weakening the Sultan’s power through a parliamentary coup, ultimately deposing him. Kurdish secularists played a significant role in this effort, actively working against the Sultan both domestically and abroad. Their dream was to establish a secular democratic state. However, reality soon betrayed their ideals.
Once in power, the Union and Progress regime revealed its true face. Kurdish organizations, clubs, and newspapers were outlawed, and the limited freedoms Kurds had under Abdul Hamid were stripped away. The new rulers began persecuting Kurdish leaders, executing Sheikh Abdul Salam Barzani and assassinating Sheikh Mahmoud’s father. Kurdish secularists who had once fought for change now found themselves victims of the very system they had helped create.
The Kurdish Left Repeating the Same Mistake
Fast forward 120 years, and the Kurdish left—driven by its blind allegiance to communist ideology—continues to make the same mistakes. In their hatred of religion, they are willing to sacrifice their people to the policies of Atatürk’s party, the CHP. This party is responsible for the greatest tragedies in Kurdish history: genocide, deportations, massacres, executions of Kurdish leaders, bans on the Kurdish language, and even the outright denial of Kurdish existence. Despite this, leftist Kurdish factions, influenced by external forces, continue to support the very establishment that has oppressed them.
Today, official Kurdish media outlets and their affiliates shamelessly back the Kemalist CHP, whether in elections or during political unrest. Yet, when someone questions their stance—asking how supporting the CHP aligns with Kurdish nationalism while advocating for the peace process is labeled treason—they lash out with baseless accusations and moral hypocrisy.
These same forces once demonized Öcalan as a caliphate sympathizer, only to later accuse the Imrali delegation of treason. Like the PUK and KDP, they speak in contradictions: promoting Kurdish nationalism in Kurdish, yet advocating for Turkish unity and democracy in Turkish.
“The donkey loves his own downfall and the loss of ownership.”