In August, Erdoğan referred to Perwer while announcing details of the democratic initiative and calling for unity in the country. Addressing his deputies in Parliament, Erdoğan referenced Kurdish singers and poets, underlining their importance to Turkish culture. “Are we not affected in the same manner when we read the verses of Ahmedi Hani as we are when we read those of Fuzuli? Our hair stands on its end when we listen to songs of Neşat Ertaş. Similarly, we jump to the depths of our emotional world when Şivan Perwer sings ‘Halpeçe' and ‘Hazal',” the prime minister said. Perwer previously expressed hope that the government's plan on the Kurdish question would help restore peace in the country. Perwer concert organizer Ali Gedik later announced that Perwer is likely to perform in Diyarbakır to contribute to peace.
The self-exiled Perwer, who left Turkey in the mid '70s to evade a court case pending against him, spoke in detail about the government's recent efforts to settle the Kurdish issue in an interview aired on Thursday. Perwer, speaking to Kanal 24 at the Paris Kurdish Institute, said he sees for the first time in his life that a statesman has been influenced by Kurdish art and his music, referring to Erdoğan. “Kurdish art, which has for many years been humiliated, is being understood by a top Turkish statesman today. I would like to thank Erdoğan. I hope he can improve this initiative with more courage and determination,” he said.
When reminded that Erdoğan had invited him to Turkey, Perwer said he is thankful to the prime minister, who, he said, has a special place in his heart. “These [democratic initiative] steps have started with good will. The initiative process should not be managed by those who are pro-status quo,” he said.
Stressing that he is ready to do his part in the resolution process, he said he can immediately return to Turkey if it would contribute to the initiative. “When you look at history, you see that artists and intellectuals have even changed the law at times. But even Kurdish artists in Turkey are afraid of the Kurdish issue. Artists in Turkey should be engaged in serious issues,” he added. Stating that he is in exile for singing songs in his native language, he said everyone should discuss why this is considered such a contentious issue.
