Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) founder Abdullah Ocalan called for the revival of what he described as the democratic and liberatory essence of Islam, emphasizing pluralism, social justice, women's rights, and democratic governance in a message addressed to participants at a conference on democratic Islam.

In the message, Ocalan argued that Islam originally emerged as a movement founded on freedom, justice, and equality, but later became increasingly associated with state authority and political power.

Islam's Original Values

Ocalan said the first Islamic community established under the Prophet Muhammad represented a significant step toward a just and democratic society, developed in opposition to tribalism, exploitation, and social oppression.

However, he argued that the religion gradually lost its social and emancipatory character as state authorities increasingly used it to legitimize political power.

According to the statement, this process began during the Umayyad period, when religion became more closely tied to the state, weakening what he described as Islam's democratic and liberatory foundations.

Call for 'Democratic Islam'

Ocalan described "democratic Islam" as a return to the moral, ethical, and emancipatory values that he said are inherent within the religion.

He cited the Constitution of Medina as an important historical example, describing it as a social contract that protected diverse beliefs, identities, and communities while promoting coexistence.

The document, he said, represented an early model of pluralistic and democratic governance that allowed different groups to live together under shared principles.

Emphasis on Self-Criticism and Consultation

The message also focused on the concept of jihad, which Ocalan described as an individual's struggle against personal desires for power, domination, and oppression.

He argued that self-criticism is essential for both individual and social freedom, stating that meaningful transformation begins with internal change.

Ocalan further highlighted the Islamic principle of shura, or consultation, describing it as a foundation for collective decision-making, social accountability, and democratic participation.

He said religious institutions should serve society rather than political authorities, adding that religion should function as a moral conscience rather than an instrument of power.

Women's Rights and Social Coexistence

The statement emphasized women's liberation, environmental protection, and coexistence among different communities as essential components of democratic Islam.

Ocalan argued that interpretations of religion that oppose women's rights, encourage hostility between peoples, or justify domination over nature are incompatible with Islam's original values.

He described democratic Islam as a framework based on social solidarity, ecological awareness, gender equality, and peaceful coexistence among different peoples and beliefs.

Call for Democratic Solutions in the Middle East

Addressing the broader regional situation, Ocalan said the Middle East's ongoing crises, including sectarian conflicts, nationalism, and struggles for power, cannot be resolved through stronger state authority alone.

Instead, he argued that democratic societies and greater coexistence among diverse communities offer a path toward stability.

According to the message, the concept of democratic Islam could help different peoples and religious communities live together while preserving their identities, beliefs, and freedoms.

Ocalan concluded by expressing hope that discussions at the conference would contribute to democratic coexistence and support ongoing efforts aimed at building peace and democratic society.