Mr. Önder is going through a life-threatening heart issue at the moment, and as one of the key persons in ongoing peace negotiations with the PKK, this might even be endangering the process. What I like about him is his resourcefulness, positivity, and leadership in many critical situations. Sadly, his lifelong hardships have taken a heavy toll on his body…
Sırrı Süreyya Önder: Biography, Lifelong Activism, and Role in the Peace Process
General Biography
Sırrı Süreyya Önder, born in 1962 in Adıyaman to a Türkmen family, is a multifaceted figure in Turkey as a politician, writer, filmmaker, musician, and activist. His father, Ziya Önder, was a founding member and provincial chair of the Turkish Workers’ Party (TİP) in Adıyaman during the 1960s, instilling in him a strong tradition of leftist politics from an early age14. After losing his father at a young age, Önder supported his family through various jobs, including working as a photographer’s apprentice and a seasonal laborer14.
Önder’s political consciousness was shaped early: at 16, he was imprisoned for protesting the 1978 Maraş Massacre. He later attended Ankara University’s Faculty of Political Sciences, but his studies were interrupted by the 1980 military coup. He was arrested, tortured, and spent seven years in prison, participating in hunger strikes and other acts of resistance124. After his release, he worked in a variety of manual and creative jobs, eventually gaining national recognition as a filmmaker, columnist, and public intellectual24.
Lifelong Activism
Önder’s activism is rooted deeply in his personal history and political convictions. He has consistently advocated for socialism, democracy, and the rights of marginalized communities. His life has been marked by direct involvement in labor, solidarity with the oppressed, and a refusal to compromise on issues of justice and equality135. As a public figure, he is known for his wit, powerful oratory, and ability to bridge the worlds of art, politics, and grassroots activism5.
He entered parliament in 2011 as an Istanbul MP with the Labor, Democracy and Freedom Bloc, later serving under the pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) and its successor, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP)34. He became a prominent advocate for peace, democracy, and free expression, earning respect across the political spectrum25.
Önder was also a visible figure during the 2013 Gezi Park protests, where he physically intervened to protect demonstrators and was injured by police. His presence at Gezi symbolized his commitment to nonviolent resistance and his solidarity with youth and civil society123.
Role in the Peace Process
Sırrı Süreyya Önder is most widely recognized for his pivotal role in the Kurdish peace process. He was a member of the İmralı Delegation, a group of politicians authorized to hold talks with Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), during the 2013–2015 peace negotiations23567. Önder personally read Öcalan’s historic message calling for a ceasefire and a political solution to millions during the 2013 Newroz celebrations in Diyarbakır36. This act, however, led to his prosecution and a prison sentence for allegedly spreading terrorist propaganda—a conviction later overturned by Turkey’s Constitutional Court on the grounds of free expression23.
Despite the collapse of the peace process in 2015, Önder has remained a steadfast advocate for dialogue and reconciliation. He has continued to participate in renewed efforts to restart negotiations and has been a key mediator in recent initiatives, including a new round of talks in 2025, where he again served as a member of the İmralı Delegation57. His efforts have been widely acknowledged by political actors across the spectrum, and he is seen as a symbol of the hope for peaceful coexistence and democratic transformation in Turkey58.
Legacy and Current Status
Önder’s influence extends beyond politics into culture, cinema, and public discourse. He is celebrated for his authenticity, humor, and unwavering commitment to peace and social justice. As of April 2025, he serves as Deputy Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly for the DEM Party and remains a central figure in ongoing peace efforts, even as he recovers from a serious heart surgery235.
“Sırrı Süreyya Önder is a symbol of democracy, peace and socialism… He has carried out valuable work and contributed significantly to the development of the peace and democratic society process.”
—Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK)5
Önder’s lifelong activism, marked by personal sacrifice and a vision for a more inclusive and democratic Turkey, continues to inspire both the Kurdish movement and broader segments of Turkish society56.
Most Important Moments in Sırrı Süreyya Önder’s Political Career
1. Entry into National Politics (2011)
Önder’s formal entry into national politics came in 2011 when he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Istanbul, running as an independent with the support of the pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) through the Labor, Democracy and Freedom Bloc. This marked the beginning of his prominent role in the pro-Kurdish political movement, despite not being of Kurdish descent135.
2. Gezi Park Protests (2013)
During the 2013 Gezi Park protests, Önder became a national symbol of resistance by physically intervening to protect the park’s trees from being uprooted. He was injured by police during these protests, and footage of his actions resonated widely, highlighting his commitment to nonviolent activism and environmental protection3.
3. Key Role in the Kurdish Peace Process (2013–2015)
Önder was a leading member of the İmralı Delegation, which held direct talks with PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan during the peace process aimed at resolving the Kurdish issue. He played a historic role by reading Öcalan’s peace message to millions during the Newroz celebrations in Diyarbakır in 2013, advocating for a ceasefire and political solution23.
He was also instrumental in the 2015 Dolmabahçe Consensus, a significant step in the peace negotiations between the Turkish government and Kurdish representatives1.
4. Mayoral Candidacy and Parliamentary Service (2014–2018)
In 2014, Önder ran as the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) candidate for Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality mayor, securing third place with over 400,000 votes15.
He continued his parliamentary career, being elected as an MP for Ankara in both the June and November 2015 general elections, serving until 201815.
5. Imprisonment and Legal Struggles (2018–2019)
Önder was sentenced to 43 months in prison in December 2018 for a speech he gave during the 2013 Newroz festivities, accused of “terrorist organization propaganda.” He was released in October 2019 after the Constitutional Court ruled his freedom of expression had been violated13.
6. Return to Parliament and Deputy Speakership (2023–present)
In 2023, Önder was re-elected as an Istanbul MP for the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) and was appointed Deputy Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, underlining his continued influence in Turkish politics134.
7. Ongoing Peace Mediation and Recent Health Crisis (2024–2025)
Önder has continued his peace advocacy, participating in renewed peace initiatives and serving again as a member of the İmralı Delegation in 2025. He was directly involved in high-level meetings, including with President Erdoğan, to advance efforts for a peaceful solution to the Kurdish issue4678.
In April 2025, he suffered a life-threatening heart condition and underwent emergency surgery, with his health closely followed by political leaders and the public, reflecting his stature as a peace mediator and respected statesman47810.
Summary Table: Key Moments
| Year(s) | Event/Role | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Elected MP (Istanbul, BDP-backed) | Entered national politics, became a pro-Kurdish movement leader135 |
| 2013 | Gezi Park Protests | Symbol of resistance, injured while protecting protesters3 |
| 2013–2015 | İmralı Delegation, Peace Process | Led talks with Öcalan, read historic peace message, Dolmabahçe Consensus123 |
| 2014 | Istanbul Mayoral Candidate (HDP) | Raised HDP’s profile in national politics, third place finish15 |
| 2015–2018 | MP for Ankara (HDP) | Continued legislative work and advocacy15 |
| 2018–2019 | Imprisonment | Jailed for speech, released after Constitutional Court ruling13 |
| 2023 | Elected MP (Istanbul, DEM Party), Deputy Speaker | Returned to high office, continued peace advocacy134 |
| 2024–2025 | Ongoing Peace Mediation, Health Crisis | Key figure in renewed peace talks, widespread support during illness47810 |
Sırrı Süreyya Önder’s political career is defined by his unwavering activism, leadership in the peace process, and ability to bridge political, cultural, and social divides in Turkey.
How did Sırrı Süreyya Önder’s involvement in the İmralı Delegation influence the Kurdish peace talks?
Sırrı Süreyya Önder’s Influence on the Kurdish Peace Talks as Part of the İmralı Delegation
Sırrı Süreyya Önder’s involvement in the İmralı Delegation has been pivotal in shaping and advancing the Kurdish peace talks in Turkey. His influence can be summarized across several key dimensions:
1. Direct Mediation and Communication
Önder, as a senior member of the pro-Kurdish DEM Party and a trusted figure across political divides, played a central role in facilitating dialogue between the Turkish state, the imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan, and other Kurdish political actors. He was part of the select group authorized to visit Öcalan at İmralı prison, ensuring that Öcalan’s perspectives and proposals were accurately conveyed to both the Turkish government and Kurdish stakeholders45. This direct channel of communication was critical for building trust and maintaining the momentum of negotiations.
2. Bridging Regional and Political Actors
Önder’s diplomatic efforts extended beyond Turkey’s borders. In 2025, he led a DEM Party delegation to meet with Masoud Barzani, the influential Kurdish leader in Iraq, to discuss avenues for reviving the stalled peace process12. These meetings served to align regional Kurdish leadership with the peace initiative and to incorporate Barzani’s perspectives into the negotiation strategy. The delegation’s ability to relay messages between Öcalan, Barzani, and Turkish authorities underscored Önder’s role as a bridge-builder in the process2.
3. Shaping the Political Narrative
Önder’s public statements and media engagements consistently emphasized the necessity of a peaceful, negotiated solution to the Kurdish issue. He advocated for the inclusion of all relevant parties, the end of Öcalan’s isolation, and the establishment of observation committees to ensure transparency in the process5. His advocacy helped frame the peace process as a matter of national policy rather than partisan negotiation, pressing for broader societal and political buy-in.
4. Maintaining Momentum and Hope
By participating in high-level meetings with President Erdoğan and other state officials, Önder ensured that the peace process remained on the political agenda, even during periods of heightened tension or setbacks6. After a recent meeting with Erdoğan, Önder expressed renewed optimism, stating, “It was a very positive meeting, it went well. We are much more hopeful,” signaling to the public and stakeholders that progress was possible6.
5. Influence on Content and Direction of Talks
Önder’s engagement with Öcalan and other Kurdish leaders helped shape the content and direction of the peace talks. For example, the delegation’s discussions with Barzani were conducted at Öcalan’s request, and Barzani’s proposals were relayed directly back to Öcalan, influencing the framework of ongoing negotiations2. Önder’s nuanced understanding of both state and Kurdish movement perspectives allowed him to mediate differences and keep lines of communication open3.
In summary:
Sırrı Süreyya Önder’s involvement in the İmralı Delegation brought credibility, continuity, and a spirit of constructive engagement to the Kurdish peace talks. His mediation between Öcalan, Turkish authorities, and regional Kurdish leaders helped sustain dialogue, align strategies, and maintain hope for a peaceful resolution to a decades-long conflict126.
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