In a surprising and potentially historic shift in Turkish politics, Devlet Bahceli — the ultra-nationalist leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) — has proposed that senior government positions be offered to members of Turkey’s Kurdish and Alevi minorities. The announcement came during a closed-door MHP party meeting on July 18, as confirmed in a party statement released the following Monday.
This move is unexpected considering the MHP’s traditionally hardline nationalist stance and its longstanding skepticism of Kurdish political movements. Bahceli’s call for inclusion could signal a major pivot in Turkish governance, particularly in light of the country’s complex ethnic and sectarian landscape.
Why This Proposal is Groundbreaking
The suggestion to include Kurds and Alevis in senior roles directly challenges the historic marginalization these communities have faced in the Turkish political arena.
- Kurds, who make up around 15-20% of the population, have long been associated with the outlawed PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party), a group considered a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and the EU.
- Alevis, a religious minority representing 10-15% of the population, follow a distinct sect of Islam. Their rituals and theology differ significantly from the Sunni majority, often leading to sectarian discrimination.
Until recently, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had weaponized these identities in political campaigns. For instance, during the 2023 presidential election, he criticized opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu for his Alevi background and accused the CHP of ties with Kurdish separatists. Now, the potential shift toward minority inclusion marks a surprising deviation from that strategy.
What Sparked Bahceli’s Softening Tone?
Devlet Bahceli, aged 77, is a seasoned nationalist figure whose political career has been defined by an anti-Kurdish and anti-separatist narrative. However, over the past few months, he has softened his tone, calling for what he describes as a “terror-free state”.
His recent actions include:
- Encouraging peace talks with both the PKK and the pro-Kurdish DEM Party, which holds 56 seats in the Turkish parliament.
- Issuing a surprise peace call that was reportedly welcomed by jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan.
- Supporting PKK’s disarmament process, which took a major step forward when the group began laying down arms in July 2025.
These moves could be part of a larger strategy to broaden political support and reduce ethnic tensions — possibly to garner enough parliamentary backing for constitutional amendments.
Erdogan’s Constitutional Ambitions: The Real Motivation?
Many political analysts view Bahceli’s outreach not purely as a humanitarian shift but as part of a strategic political calculation. Turkey’s constitution currently limits presidential terms. Under existing rules, President Erdogan cannot legally run for another term.
However, constitutional amendments could reset term limits, allowing Erdogan to extend his presidency beyond 2028. This would require a parliamentary supermajority, which is currently out of reach unless the ruling AK Party–MHP alliance secures support from the DEM Party and other opposition groups.
By softening their stance toward the Kurds and Alevis, the ruling coalition may be attempting to win over critical votes that could help alter the constitution — a long-standing goal for Erdogan.
Possible Risks and Rewards of Kurdish-Alevi Inclusion
If implemented, the Kurdish and Alevi inclusion proposal could reshape Turkish politics in numerous ways:
Benefits:
- Reduces political polarization based on ethnic and religious identity.
- Potentially ends decades-long armed conflict with the PKK.
- Improves Turkey’s human rights image internationally.
- Creates a more representative and pluralistic political system.
Risks:
- Nationalist backlash from MHP’s traditional voter base.
- Possible resistance within Erdogan’s AK Party ranks.
- Complications if peace talks with the PKK break down.
- Heightened scrutiny from international observers questioning the sincerity of the move.
PKK’s Disarmament: A Step Toward Peace?
Perhaps the most tangible outcome of Bahceli’s proposal has been the PKK’s recent decision to begin laying down arms. This marks the first such development since the group announced plans to dissolve in May 2025. While the disarmament process remains fragile and tentative, it’s the most significant peace gesture in over a decade.
Ocalan, the group’s jailed leader, welcomed Bahceli’s call, giving rare legitimacy to the peace process from both sides of the conflict. The situation remains volatile, but the signs are promising — especially if the government follows through with concrete political inclusion.
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