What’s this argument about?

Some claim that Turkish citizens of Kurdish origin are a minority, and some even claim that they are the essential founders of the Turkish Republic.

Some people claiming to speak in the name of our Alawite citizens say that the Religious Affairs Directorate should be abolished, the Haci Bektas Veli dervish orders connected to the Culture Ministry should be turned over to Alawite associations, and that a constitutional guarantee should be given to this sect. They invite the government to speak with Alawite groups.

The EU report made requests towards democratization and our people living in an environment where there is respect for the rule of law and human rights. This made some people very excited, as if they had uncovered a treasure. One could think that Turkey had collapsed and the fight to share its heritage had begun.

I must tell them that they shouldn’t get so excited. If the requests are respect for human rights and a democratic state with the rule of law, nobody would deny these. For example, our Alawite citizens complain about not being represented in the Religious Affairs Directorate, which is true and a proper request. The directorate should also consider our Alawite citizens’ religious needs. So what would abolishing the directorate mean? It’s surprising to hear that those who supposedly speak in the name of our Alawite citizens, who also believe in the secular state, couldn’t understand the directorate’s function for the secular system.

Maybe this isn’t the real question. Those who raise their voices want to be recognized by the state as a unity. This is the real question. I think this is the crux of the discussion about being seen as a fundamental component or a minority. If there was such a representation right, then there would be impositions and requests for special privileges. They don’t realize that this could threaten Turkey’s unity. Of course every citizen of Turkey can benefit from every right and freedom equally. This is their basic right, but further requests would have an evil intent.”