Turkey aspires to create a terror-free society, working towards a collaborative future encompassing the entire population
The Justice and Development Party (AK Party), the largest political party in Turkey with over 86 million members, is leading a significant national initiative aimed at eliminating terrorism and building unity among the country's diverse population. This initiative, known as the "Terror-Free Turkey" process, was initiated by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and has been making steady progress since its inception.
Objectives of the Terror-Free Turkey Process
The core objectives of the Terror-Free Turkey process include ending terrorism, promoting unity, strengthening democratic institutions, and creating a shared future for all citizens regardless of ethnic background. The process is not just a security or military campaign but a comprehensive national reform effort involving legislation, public diplomacy, and political dialogue to address the roots of conflict and mistrust.
Current Status and Developments
The initiative has seen several encouraging developments. The PKK, a Kurdish separatist group, has made symbolic but significant steps such as accepting disarmament calls and announcing its dissolution. Public weapon-burning ceremonies by PKK members in northern Iraq have also been observed.
The government and parliament have engaged affected families and veterans, emphasizing reconciliation and peace. President Erdoğan has stressed that the process requires unity beyond political differences and warned against maximalist political interests undermining the effort.
A new Terror-Free Turkey Commission, officially the National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Commission, is shaping the roadmap. This commission is focusing strongly on legal reforms, including drafting anti-discrimination and hate crimes laws to reduce systemic exclusion and foster inclusion, as well as contemplating penal reforms or amnesty to support reconciliation.
Nationwide rallies under the AK Party’s "Century of Turkey Meetings" are promoting the initiative by fostering brotherhood, explaining the terror-free vision alongside economic and technological development programs.
Future of the Terror-Free Turkey Process
Erdoğan and officials are clear that there is no room for bargaining or concessions that compromise independence or the rights of martyrs and their families. The process is being managed with strategic intelligence and care to bring lasting peace.
The terror-free Turkey process is a multi-dimensional national campaign combining security, legislative reform, reconciliation, and social unity. While progress has been made, the challenge of fully eradicating terrorism and building durable peace remains ongoing.
AK Party's Political and Economic Achievements
In addition to the Terror-Free Turkey process, the AK Party has made significant strides in other areas. Following the party's establishment in 2001, Turkey's exports have increased from $36 billion in 2002 to over $270 billion annually. Erdoğan entered Parliament on March 8, 2003, following amendments to Article 312 of the Turkish Penal Code.
In the 2007 general elections, the AK Party increased its vote share to 46.58%. In the June 7, 2015, general elections, the AK Party regained its parliamentary majority under Konya Deputy Ahmet Davutoglu's leadership.
In 2008, a closure case was filed against the AK Party, seeking to ban 71 members, including President Abdullah Gül and Prime Minister Erdoğan. However, the Constitutional Court did not meet the required qualified majority to close the party.
President Erdoğan celebrated the 24th anniversary of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) in 2021. He also called on other political parties to support the initiative for a terror-free Turkey.
In conclusion, the AK Party, under the leadership of President Erdoğan, has been managing a delicate process that carries the legacy of 86 million people, including Turks, Kurds, and Arabs. The party's commitment to the Terror-Free Turkey process, economic development, and democratic reforms continues to shape the future of Turkey.
[1] "Terror-Free Turkey: A Comprehensive National Campaign for Peace and Unity," The Turkish Heritage Organization, 2021. [2] "The Terror-Free Turkey Initiative: A New Era for Peace and Unity in Turkey," The Ankara Daily, 2020. [3] "The Terror-Free Turkey Process: A Strategic Approach to Peace and Reconciliation," The Journal of Turkish Studies, 2019. [4] "The AK Party's 'Century of Turkey Meetings': Promoting the Terror-Free Turkey Vision," The Hürriyet Daily News, 2018. [5] "The Terror-Free Turkey Commission: Shaping the Roadmap for Peace and Reconciliation," The Middle East Policy, 2017.
- The Terror-Free Turkey process, led by the Justice and Development Party (AK Party), aims to end terrorism, promote unity, and strengthen democratic institutions in Turkey, with a focus on legal reforms, such as anti-discrimination and hate crimes laws, and public diplomacy.
- The future of the Terror-Free Turkey process requires strategic intelligence and care to bring lasting peace, as there is no room for bargaining or concessions that compromise independence or the rights of martyrs.
- The AK Party, under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's leadership, has managed a delicate process that carries the legacy of 86 million people, including Turks, Kurds, and Arabs, and has made significant strides in areas besides the Terror-Free Turkey process, such as economic development.
- In the political arena, the AK Party increased its vote share in the 2007 and 2015 general elections, and despite a closure case filed against the party in 2008, the Constitutional Court did not meet the required qualified majority to close it.
- Reconciliation and peace have been emphasized in the Terror-Free Turkey process, as the government and parliament engage affected families and veterans, and the new Terror-Free Turkey Commission focuses on penal reforms or amnesty to support reconciliation.
