The Kurdish political movement is a powerful women's movement as well. Within the movement, the female force is often described as “women’s revolution.” That’s why the “two Ks” in the title stand for Kurdish and Kadın (Woman). Pervin Buldan is one of the most prominent figures representing this female presence within the Kurdish political movement. The kind of women’s representation and identity we see within today’s DEM Party simply doesn’t exist in any other party — not even in the CHP.
NO MALE ENDORSEMENT
Women in the Kurdish political movement are there with their own identities. They may be married, single, or divorced — but above all, they are Kurdish and they are women. They do not gain positions through the endorsement of men. The prominent role of women in the movement was once again evident during the “weapon-burning” ceremony held in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, on July 11, 2025. Fifteen women and fifteen men burnt their weapons, and they were led by a woman: Bese Hozat, the co-leader of the Executive Committee of the KCK, representing the PKK’s armed wing. It was also Hozat who read the statement at the ceremony.
Within the movement, they take a zero-tolerance stance toward harassment or other offenses against women. In the past, male members who engaged in such behavior have been expelled without hesitation.
HUSBAND VICTIM TO “UNSOLVED MURDER”
Pervin Buldan’s husband, Savaş Buldan, was kidnapped and killed in the 1990s — a time when Kurdish businessmen were frequently abducted and murdered. Like many others who shared the same fate, Savaş Buldan was a Kurdish businessman. Though trials were held against figures such as former Interior Minister Mehmet Ağar and members of the police force in connection with what became known as the “unsolved murders,” no verdicts were ever reached. After her husband’s death, Pervin Buldan entered politics, eventually becoming a member of parliament and Co-Chair of the HDP. She also holds the distinction of being Iğdır’s first female MP. She is currently an Istanbul deputy and a member of the ‘İmralı Delegation’ which has been visiting PKK founder Abdullah Öcalan in prison. But today, no one defines her as “Savaş Buldan’s wife.” She continues her political journey in her own way.
THE ONE WHO BEST UNDERSTANDS ÖCALAN
Following the untimely death of Sırrı Süreyya Önder, Pervin Buldan has become the most senior member of the İmralı Delegation. Having participated in numerous visits to İmralı as a party official during the first peace process a decade ago, she knows Abdullah Öcalan well.
With the formation of a parliamentary commission made up of the various parties to resolve the Kurdish issue, Pervin Buldan’s role has taken on even greater significance. Within the delegation, she is the one who best understands what Abdullah Öcalan means and can best comprehend his messages. She understands his language. Moreover, it is she who will convey Öcalan’s messages to parliament and to the wider Turkish public in the pursuit of a resolution.
