Ahmet Türk is a Turkish politician of Kurdish origin who served as the co-mayor of the metropolitan city of Mardin from 2014 to 2019. He is a member of the Democratic Regions Party (DBP), a pro-Kurdish political party in Turkey.
Türk’s Background and Political Career
Ahmet Türk was born in 1942 in Mardin, Turkey. He graduated from Istanbul University Faculty of Law and worked as a lawyer in Mardin. His political career began in the 1970s when he joined the Democratic Party of Kurdistan (PDK), a pro-Kurdish political party.
In 1994, Türk was elected mayor of Mardin, becoming the first Kurdish mayor of a major city in Turkey. He served as mayor for three consecutive terms until 2002. During his tenure, Türk implemented various policies aimed at promoting Kurdish culture and rights.
After the DPK was banned in 1994, Türk joined the People’s Democracy Party (HADEP), another pro-Kurdish political party. HADEP was later banned in 2003, and Türk joined the Democratic Society Party (DTP).
In 2007, Türk and other Kurdish politicians were arrested on charges of terrorism. He spent several years in prison before being released in 2010.
Co-Mayorship of Mardin
In 2014, Türk was elected co-mayor of Mardin alongside Gülistan Koçyiğit, a member of the pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP). Their election marked a significant milestone in Kurdish politics.
As co-mayor, Türk continued to advocate for Kurdish rights and promote Kurdish culture. He also worked on various projects aimed at improving the living conditions of the people of Mardin.
Dismissal and Imprisonment
In August 2019, Türk and Koçyiğit were dismissed from their positions as co-mayors by the Turkish government. They were accused of supporting terrorism and having links to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
In September 2019, Türk was arrested and charged with “membership in a terrorist organization.” He is currently in prison awaiting trial.
International Reaction
Türk’s arrest and imprisonment have been condemned by various international organizations, including the European Union, the United Nations, and Amnesty International. These organizations have called for his release and have expressed concern over the suppression of Kurdish political rights in Turkey.
Current Situation
Ahmet Türk remains in prison, and his trial is ongoing. His case has become a symbol of the ongoing crackdown on Kurdish political expression in Turkey. The situation is being closely monitored by international human rights organizations.
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