[OPINION] Turkey’s attempts at reconciliation with the Kurds: a path forward

*Professor İbrahim Özdemir 

Resolution of the Kurdish issue, a term prevalent in Turkey’s public discourse referring to the demand for equal rights by the country’s Kurdish population and their struggle for recognition, has once again surfaced on the Turkish government’s agenda. Over the years, several attempts have been made to reconcile with the Kurdish population, often described as “opening up,” a “solution,” or a “process of normalization.” These initiatives aimed to address Kurdish demands and foster stronger ties between communities.

While these efforts held significant promise, they have consistently failed to deliver lasting peace and understanding. Moving beyond mere political and logistical measures is crucial for future attempts to succeed.

A meaningful resolution must deeply engage with the psychological and moral dimensions of the issue, acknowledging historical grievances, fostering trust and embracing an inclusive vision of national identity. Only by addressing these underlying layers can sustainable reconciliation be achieved.

The unresolved Kurdish issue in Turkey is emblematic of what Swiss psychologist Carl Jung identifies as a failure to confront “the collective shadow.” Jung’s observation that psychological and moral health depends on recognizing and integrating the shadow provides profound insights into how Turkey can address this long-standing problem (Jung, Man and His Symbols, 1968). The refusal to accept Kurdish identity and the persistent projection of blame onto foreign powers illustrates how “unexamined fears, biases and insecurities” can perpetuate cycles of hostility and undermine moral and societal progress.

The Kurdish issue as a shadow projection

Turkey’s reluctance to recognize the Kurds by granting them legitimate fundamental human rights and cultural and political rights can be understood as a form of “shadow denial.” The establishment’s self-image is deeply tied to the idea of a unified, homogeneous national identity. The acknowledgment of Kurdish identity disrupts this narrative, creating discomfort and fear of fragmentation. Instead of confronting this internal challenge, the state often projects the issue outward, attributing Kurdish demands for fundamental human rights to the influence of foreign powers or subversive agendas.

As Jung warns, this projection fosters hypocrisy and prevents genuine moral growth. By failing to examine its own role in the problem — such as policies of assimilation, denial of language rights and suppression of cultural expression — Turkey perpetuates the very divisions it seeks to avoid. Focusing on external blame rather than internal accountability creates an atmosphere of mistrust and alienation, fueling the cycle of conflict.

The cost of denying the shadow

The denial of the shadow has significant moral and practical consequences. It leads to:

Entrenched conflict: Suppressing Kurdish identity and grievances exacerbates resentment and fosters resistance.

Prejudice and division: The projection of blame onto foreign powers or the Kurdish population itself deepens societal polarization.

Missed opportunities for growth: By refusing to address the shadow, Turkey forgoes the opportunity to become a more inclusive and democratic society. (Experts estimate Turkey’s economic loss from the unresolved Kurdish issue at $4.2 trillion.)   

Jung’s insight that “moral and psychological immunity” arises from self-awareness is crucial here. Without confronting its shadow, Turkey remains vulnerable to “moral and mental infections,” such as nationalist propaganda and collective hysteria, which hinder efforts toward reconciliation and coexistence.

Lessons from Jung: Shadow work for resolution

The Turkish establishment must recognize its own role in perpetuating the Kurdish issue. This includes admitting past and present injustices, such as denying cultural rights and enforcing policies of assimilation, such as a ban on their language that was lifted in 1991.

A healthy and inclusive national identity of Kurds and other ethnicities can accommodate diversity without perceiving it as a threat. Jung’s vision encourages moving beyond rigid self-images to embrace complexity and authenticity.

Genuine engagement with Kurdish voices and experiences is essential. This process requires political reforms and cultural and societal efforts to build understanding and trust.

Jung’s emphasis on self-reflection discourages projecting blame onto foreign powers or external forces. Instead, Turkey must focus on internal reforms and accountability.

Towards moral and societal maturity

Jung’s vision highlights that resolving deep-rooted conflicts like the Kurdish issue requires “moral maturity.” This means moving away from a defensive, reactive stance and embracing a transformative process of shadow integration. By confronting its biases and fears, Turkey has the opportunity to build a society rooted in authenticity, compassion and inclusivity.

The Kurdish issue is not merely a political problem but a moral and psychological challenge for Turkey.

Jung’s framework of shadow work provides a powerful lens for understanding and addressing this conflict. By acknowledging and integrating its shadow, Turkey can transcend cycles of blame and hostility, paving the way for reconciliation, justice and long-term stability.

*İbrahim Özdemir, a distinguished professor of philosophy and ethics, is widely recognized for his groundbreaking contributions as a Kurdish Muslim environmentalist and academic. With a career spanning decades, he has held esteemed positions at prominent institutions worldwide, including as a visiting professor at Harvard University (1998), Hartford Seminary (2001–2003), Åbo Akademi University in Turku, Finland (2018–2020), Uskudar University and Clark University in Worcester, MA, USA. His work continues to inspire and bridge the fields of environmental ethics, environmental justice and interfaith dialogue.