Zekeriya Yapıcıoğlu, the chairman of HÜDA PAR, which entered the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) as an ally of AKP, demanded in his speech at the TBMM that “autonomy and federation should be freely discussed.”

The AKP-MHP front, which couldn't tolerate even the irony about Öcalan by journalist Merdan Yanardağ and arrested him for "making terrorist propaganda," remains silent towards Yapıcıoğlu; the AKP-MHP administration, which accused CHP of "supporting terrorism" for not signing the "terrorism condemnation" declaration, is mute towards Yapıcıoğlu.

Why? Because Yapıcıoğlu is one of their own! But another reason, as Barış Terkoğlu says, “HÜDA PAR has stolen Erdoğan’s project.” (Cumhuriyet, 28.12.2023)

Yes, Terkoğlu reminds us of the “Kurdish Issue” report prepared by Erdoğan dated 18 December 1991 in his article. To summarize the report, it refers to the region as Kurdistan, argues that the people of the region are exposed to “state terrorism,” says “it can't be done with weapons,” advocates not appearing on the statist side, and opposes the use of labels such as separatist and terrorist...

In short, Terkoğlu reminds us that Yapıcıoğlu's views are Erdoğan's views.

ERDOĞAN WANTS A STATE SYSTEM

Let me continue from where I left off...

In 1993, Erdoğan advocated for "transitioning to a state system." (Metin Sever, Cem Dizdar, Discussions of the Second Republic, Başak Publications, 1993)

In 1994, Erdoğan, stating that Istanbul could not be managed from Ankara, proposed an Ottoman model for Istanbul, seeking autonomy. (Milliyet, May 23, 1994)

During his prime ministership in 2004, Erdoğan said, "A presidential system without a state system would be incomplete." (Kanal D, Teke Tek, February 16, 2004)

Let's open a parenthesis. Depending on the situation, Kenan Evren, whom Erdoğan said he would "hold accountable," but also said, "If I were a mayor in your time, I would have made Istanbul soar," supported Erdoğanism in 2007 with these words: “Turkey might transition to a state system in the future. No matter how much we say no, there is a Kurdish state there.” (Sabah, February 28, 2007)

ERDOĞAN WANTS A FEDERAL ASSEMBLY

Let me not prolong, the years 2004-2007 were also when AKP was preparing for the opening. They wanted to "expand Turkey with the Kurds," and "integrate Northern Iraq with Turkey." So much so that Barzani's minister Sefin Dizai openly said "A confederation could be established" (Turkey-Iraq-Regional Kurdish Administration Relations and Reasons, Middle East Studies, January 2010, vol.2, no.2, pp.53-74).

This process brought the Kurdish Opening and negotiations with the PKK internally, and an alliance with Barzani, recognition of "Kurdistan" externally. Nechirvan Barzani, speaking to NTV on March 26, 2009, declared that "the President of the Republic of Turkey recognized Kurdistan." Then, "Kurdistan" began to enter the Foreign Affairs documents.

And Erdoğan, in his speech at the AKP Istanbul Provincial Directorate on the evening of the referendum held on September 12, 2010, said exactly: “What do we want? Results. That’s why we say look at the Western countries, you will see these there, the federal assembly, the federal council.” (akparti.org.tr, September 13, 2010)

BUFFER ZONE-AUTONOMOUS REGION

In conclusion, since 1991, Erdoğan has been advocating for a state system and federalism. He argues that "presidential" would be incomplete without federalism.

They could not continue the federalism-targeted "opening" for various reasons at that time, but today, as in Syrian territories, it is important to note that they want "autonomous areas" under the name of "buffer zones" in Iraqi territories.

Federation, states, autonomous regions, and all governed by a "presidential system." That is the real Erdoğanism, but of course, it is ultimately a fantasy in the final analysis.