A Kurdish politician and activist who advocates for Kurdish rights and democracy, serving as the first Kurdish woman elected to the Turkish parliament, and later imprisoned for her activism.
Leyla Zana is a renowned Kurdish politician and human rights activist, best known for her courageous stance against the Turkish government's suppression of the Kurdish people and her advocacy for their rights. Her unyielding dedication to the Kurdish cause has led to her imprisonment, international recognition, and numerous awards.
Leyla Zana was born on May 3, 1961, in Silvan, Diyarbakır Province, in the southeast of Turkey, to a Kurdish family. At the age of 14, she was married to her cousin Mehdi Zana, who would later become the mayor of Diyarbakır.
Leyla Zana's political career began when her husband was arrested and charged with publishing poetry in Kurdish, which was then illegal in Turkey. She joined other relatives of prisoners to raise awareness about their situation, and in 1987, she was arrested for two months for participating in a rally against torture.
In 1991, Zana was elected to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey on behalf of the Social Democratic Peoples Party (SHP). During her swearing-in ceremony, she sparked controversy by speaking in Kurdish, despite it being illegal in public spaces at the time. Her bold move led to her subsequent arrests and imprisonment.
Zana's unwavering commitment to the Kurdish cause has earned her numerous international awards and recognition. In 1994, she was awarded the Rafto Prize by the Rafto Foundation for her peaceful struggle for human rights. In 1995, she was awarded the prestigious Sakharov Prize by the European Parliament, which she collected upon her release from prison in 2004.
Zana was imprisoned for ten years for her political activism, which was deemed by the Turkish courts to be against the unity of the country. Her imprisonment was marked by hunger strikes and protests, both nationally and internationally, calling for her release.
After her release in 2004, Zana continued to advocate for Kurdish rights and has remained a prominent figure in Turkish politics.
Leyla Zana's courageous stance has inspired countless individuals around the world to stand up for their rights and fight against oppression. Her unwavering dedication to the Kurdish cause has led to increased awareness and recognition of the Kurdish people's struggles in Turkey and beyond.
Through her work, Zana has demonstrated that even in the face of adversity, one person can make a difference and inspire positive change.
Zana's unwavering commitment to human rights and her unrelenting advocacy for the Kurdish people have cemented her place as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.
"I swear by my honor and my dignity before the great Turkish people to protect the integrity and independence of the State, the indivisible unity of people and homeland, and the unquestionable and unconditional sovereignty of the people."
Leyla Zana's legacy serves as a testament to the power of courage, determination, and unwavering commitment to fighting for what is right, even in the face of adversity.
78 Years Old
A founder of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, he led a militant separatist movement in Turkey, sparking a decades-long conflict. He's known for his controversial ideology and imprisonment.
74 Years Old
A Turkish-American novelist, screenwriter, and academic, known for blending historical and cultural elements in his literary works, which often explore the complexities of Turkish identity and history.
