On Thursday, Demir submitted a parliamentary question to the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM), directed to Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, seeking answers regarding the concealed burial sites of Sheikh Said and his associates, executed 99 years ago by the Eastern Independence Court.
In his parliamentary inquiry, Demir highlighted the secrecy surrounding the burial locations of Sheikh Said and his followers, who were sentenced to death by a court formed by individuals not qualified as lawyers. Despite the passage of nearly a century, these burial sites remain classified as state secrets, hidden from the public and the families of the deceased.
Demir emphasized that such secrecy is incompatible with humanitarian and Islamic values, as well as the principles of the rule of law. He pointed out that the decisions of the Independence Courts were annulled in 1938 with all their criminal and financial consequences through Law No. 3527. Yet, the continued concealment of these graves is unjustifiable in the modern era.
“Sheikh Said, a distinguished Islamic scholar, is a figure of immense importance for Kurds and Muslims living in Türkiye,” Demir stated. He rejected accusations of treason against Sheikh Said, framing his resistance as a political objection to the oppressive policies of the Union and Progress mindset, which he said sought to undermine the Islamic faith and the cultural rights of Muslim communities.
“To accuse Sheikh Said and his companions of treason is an injustice to our history and values,” Demir added, describing their struggle as a defense of Islamic principles and the rights of the people.
Demir argued that revealing the burial sites of Sheikh Said and his companions would mark an important step toward healing historical wounds and fostering social reconciliation. He urged the government to confront past injustices, noting that transparency and accountability could help restore the “broken brotherhood” among Türkiye’s diverse communities.
“The disclosure of these graves and the cessation of baseless accusations of treason provide an opportunity for the state to confront its historical mistakes and promote social peace,” he said.
Demir emphasized that acknowledging past wrongs and addressing grievances would not only honor the memory of Sheikh Said and his companions but also serve as a foundation for a more united society.
Parliamentary Questions
In his parliamentary submission, Demir posed five key questions to Vice President Yılmaz:
1-Efforts to Locate Gravesites: Is there ongoing work to identify and disclose the burial sites of Sheikh Said and his companions? If so, what is the status of these efforts?
2-Public Access to Archives: When will documents in state archives and other institutions related to this issue be shared with the public?
3-Reasons for Secrecy: What are the reasons behind keeping the burial locations a state secret?
4-Public Awareness: Is there an initiative to provide accurate information about Sheikh Said and the events surrounding his legacy? What transparency measures are being taken?
5-Preservation of Dignity: Will the government take steps to honor Sheikh Said and his followers by naming institutions after them and officially rejecting accusations of treason?
Demir concluded by stressing the importance of these actions in addressing historical injustices and fostering unity. “These steps will serve as crucial milestones for confronting our history, correcting mistakes, and creating a fresh start for our nation,” he said.
The parliamentary inquiry underscores the enduring significance of Sheikh Said’s legacy and the broader implications of justice and reconciliation in Türkiye’s historical narrative. The government’s response to Demir’s questions may set a precedent for addressing other unresolved historical grievances, paving the way for a more inclusive and transparent future. (ILKHA)