we have 3 Turkmen representatives. There are also independent political formations such as Syrian Turkmen Mass and Halit Hoca who work in cooperation with us in the Coalition.
ORSAM: Currently it is suggested that there are 1,5 million Turkophone in Syria, but what is more important than their number is the fact that the Turkmen live in extremely strategic areas. For instance, Bayır-Bucak Turkmens are settled in Latakia Province where Nusayris live in majority; and Aleppo Turkmens, on the other hand, are settled along the Turkey-Syria borderline. Within this framework, what are the major risks ahead of the Syria Turkmens in the forthcoming period?
Tarık Sulo CEVİZCİ: Syria Turkmens relatively protect their own areas. However, there are certain problems in the areas where they live together with Nusayris. We have problems about the area in particular. On the one hand there is an effort to take part in the restructuring process, and on the other hand, there is a struggle for life; and on the other hand there is a risk of losing lands. For example, the priority of Bayır-Bucak Turkmens in Latakia province is to take their lands back. Their priority is to go back to their villages. However, Aleppo is considered as a partially liberated zone. The problem of the Turkmen people in that area is the fact that they cannot be represented within the institutions restructured such as security and municipalities. The priority in Aleppo is to receive right of representation. In Homs, on the other hand, there is a struggle to survive. The villages in the area are blockaded, humanitarian aid cannot be provided and people struggle for their lives. The aforesaid difference also goes for the Turkmen in Golan and Damascus. People in the area wait for bombs to be dropped on themselves. In other words, the problem in Aleppo-Raqqa and problems in Damascus-Hama-Homs are very different from each other.
ORSAM: What kind of solution do you come up with on Turkmen issue in Syria as the Democratic Movement? In addition, could you inform us about your Movement's activities both in the international arena and in Syria?
Tarık Sulo CEVİZCİ: As the Turkmen Democratic Movement, we will carry out result-oriented activities in the forthcoming process. In Aleppo, we will rather focus on civilian organization. Representation of Turkmens in the institutions in Syria is very important for us. We should obtain rights to do justice to those who were martyrized in the field. In Latakia, on the other hand, we aim to stop the migration. Besides, we want those who took shelter in Turkey to go back to their country. The only aid we can provide for Homs is to provide them with financial aid. There's nothing else we can do. We can sum up the new strategy of the Syria Turkmen Democratic Movement as follows; to carry on our struggle in the opposition, to win a seat as Minister in the government to be formed, to give weight to civilian organizations, to take part in local administrations in Aleppo and in liberated zones, and thus to let Turkmens in Syria have a say.
ORSAM: What kind of solution do you propose for the Turkmen in New Syria?
Tarık Sulo CEVİZCİ: Syria Turkmens live in different cities, and they do not have a geographical unity. Therefore, any faction to take place for that reason would harm Syria Turkmens to a great extent. Thus, our primary objective is to keep unity and integrity of Syria. Besides, we ask for a new system based on the citizenship in Syria. A new state that is not based on any party, any sect, any ethnic group; but totally based on citizenship. Besides, we ask for an election to be held under the supervision of the world public opinion, a constitution to be prepared in line with world conditions, and for groups constituting the Syrian community to be provided with both cultural, political and civil rights. I do not say minority, because we are not minority.
ORSAM: Syrian Turkmen Platform was held in İstanbul not long ago. The Platform was hosted by the Turkish Foreign Ministry. Foreign Minister Davutoğlu also attended the conference and made a speech. During his speech, he made a commitment regarding that Turkey would support Syria Turkmens. What do you think about Turkey's approach towards you Syrian Turkmens? What are your expectations from Turkey?
Tarık Sulo CEVİZCİ: Even before we came to Turkey, we already felt their support. This trust already existed. Arabs and Kurds always says to Turkmens that; “There is a state standing behind you. You are in a much better condition than us.” However, we haven't received as much support from Turkey as they say. Still, we have received a considerable amount of support and attention from Turkey. Even under current conditions, Turkey stands behind Syrian Turkmens. Turkey provides both political and humanitarian aid. Of course we expect much more support and aid. We are also aware of the fact that both the government and public opinion increasingly support us with each passing day. However, this is not enough. More effort and more aids should be provided. Syrian Turkmens have not gained a place in the world public opinion yet. Turkey should be a voice to us in the world public opinion.
ORSAM: Thank you very much.
* This interview was made by ORSAM Middle East Specialists Oytun Orhan and Bilgay Duman in Ankara on 24 December 2012.
