10 Most Influential Kurdish Lawyers and Scholars

Published in

Heritage Digest

14 min readMar 17, 2024

The Kurdish people have a rich history of legal minds who have contributed significantly to their communities and beyond. This article highlights ten of the most influential Kurdish lawyers throughout history, each leaving a lasting impact in their respective fields and eras. Here’s a look at these remarkable individuals:

Tahir Elçi (1966–2015)
Mahmut Alınak (1952-Present)
Eren Keskin (1959-Present)
Sezgin Tanrıkulu (1963-Present)
Meral Danış Beştaş (1967-Present)
Osman Baydemir (1971-Present)
Pervin Buldan (1967-Present)
Hatip Dicle (1955-Present)
Leyla Zana (1961-Present)
Selahattin Demirtaş (1973-Present)

1. Tahir Elçi (1966–2015)

Tahir Elçi, born in 1966 in Cizre, a predominantly Kurdish town in southeastern Turkey, embarked on a challenging journey from his early years. His parents’ backgrounds and professions are not widely documented, but it is clear that the complex socio-political environment of the region marked Elçi’s upbringing. He completed his primary and secondary education in Cizre and graduated from Dicle University in 1991, laying the foundation for his future career as a distinguished lawyer.

After graduation, Elçi quickly immersed himself in the legal profession. By 1993, he was practicing law in Cizre and had joined the Cizre Bar Association. His work primarily involved defending individuals against the Turkish state at the European Commission of Human Rights (ECHR). Elçi’s commitment to justice was evident from his early career, as he faced detention from December 1993 to February 1994, accused of having links with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party’s armed wing. Despite these challenges, he continued to advocate for human rights and legal justice.

Significant achievements and challenges marked Elçi’s professional career. He played an active role at the Diyarbakir Bar Association from 1996 to 2006, eventually being elected its chairman in 2012. His prominent case was the Kuşkonar massacre at the ECHR in 2014, which resulted in Turkey being condemned for massacring Kurdish civilians. Elçi’s bold stance on the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which he refused to label as a terrorist organization, led to multiple detentions and death threats. Tragically, his life was cut short on November 28, 2015, when he was killed in Diyarbakir during a shootout between police and the PKK’s youth wing. His death sparked widespread condemnation and calls for a thorough investigation, highlighting his significant role as a defender of human rights and a voice for the Kurdish community.

2. Mahmut Alınak (1952-Present)

Mahmut Alınak, born in 1952 in Digor, Kars Province, Turkey, is a notable Turkish lawyer, author, and politician of Kurdish origin. His early life and family background are not extensively documented. Still, his journey from the small town of Digor to becoming a prominent figure in Turkish politics and law is significant. His educational pursuits led him to Ankara University’s law faculty, where he honed his legal expertise, laying the groundwork for his diverse career.

Alınak’s career is marked by his active involvement in politics and law, focusing on issues affecting the Kurdish community in Turkey. In the 1987 Turkish general election, he was elected as a parliamentary deputy for the Social Democratic Populist Party (SHP), representing Kars province. However, his political journey faced challenges; in November 1989, he was expelled from the SHP alongside other Kurdish MPs for attending a Kurdish conference in Paris. Despite this setback, he was re-elected in the 1991 Turkish general election, representing Şırnak province, and joined the Democracy Party (DEP). His political stance led to his prosecution for the alleged promotion of Kurdish separatism, resulting in a prison sentence in 1994.

Alınak’s contributions extend beyond politics into literature and human rights advocacy. His novel, “Şiro’nun Ateşi,” based on real events in Ormaniçi village, highlighted the plight of villagers mistreated by state security. The novel’s seizure and ban were later ruled a breach of human rights by the European Court of Human Rights. Throughout his career, Alınak faced numerous legal challenges, including imprisonment and arrests, for his outspoken views and writings on controversial issues, such as the Şemdinli incident and criticisms of Turkish political figures. His repeated arrests and imprisonments underscore the contentious nature of his work and his unwavering commitment to advocating for justice and human rights. As of 2020, following his release from prison with an electronic tracking device, Alınak continues to face legal challenges, including accusations of insulting the President, demonstrating his ongoing involvement in Turkey’s complex political and legal landscape.

3. Eren Keskin (1959-Present)

Eren Keskin, born on April 24, 1959, in Bursa, Turkey, is a Kurdish lawyer renowned for her unwavering commitment to human rights activism in Turkey. Raised in an environment that likely exposed her to the complex ethnic and political dynamics of Turkey, Keskin pursued a career in law, which became the foundation of her lifelong dedication to human rights. Although not extensively detailed, her background and upbringing significantly shaped her perspectives and advocacy efforts.

Keskin’s legal career is distinguished by her relentless advocacy for human rights, particularly focusing on the plight of women and Kurdish people in Turkey. As the Turkish Human Rights Association (İHD) vice president and former president of its Istanbul branch, she significantly raised awareness of human rights violations in Turkish prisons. Notably, she co-founded a project to provide legal aid to women subjected to sexual abuse by national security forces, highlighting the systemic abuses in Turkey’s detention facilities. Her bold stance on sensitive issues, such as advocating for Kurdish language rights, often put her at odds with Turkish authorities.

Keskin’s activism has led to numerous legal challenges, including arrests, imprisonment, and lawsuits. In 1995, her imprisonment due to her human rights activities led Amnesty International to adopt her as a prisoner of conscience. Her outspoken criticism of Turkey’s military and government resulted in various sentences and fines, including a notable sentence in 2018 for insulting the president and “degrading Turkishness.” Despite these challenges, Keskin has been internationally recognized for her courage and resilience, receiving awards like the Aachen Peace Award in 2004 and the Helsinki Civil Society Award in 2018. Even under the threat of legal reprisals, including a 2019 police raid related to a speech, Keskin remains an influential figure in Turkey’s struggle for human rights and freedom of expression.

4. Sezgin Tanrıkulu (1963-Present)

Sezgin Tanrıkulu, born on May 27, 1963, in Diyarbakır, Turkey, is a renowned human rights lawyer and political figure. His upbringing in Diyarbakır, a region often at the center of Turkey’s Kurdish issues, significantly influenced his career path. After graduating from law school in Istanbul in 1984, Tanrıkulu returned to his hometown, which was then under emergency rule. This challenging environment steered him towards human rights law, particularly defending the rights of Kurdish citizens, including notable cases like that of Mehdi Zana, the husband of politician Leyla Zana.

His deep commitment to human rights marks Tanrıkulu’s professional career. He co-founded the Diyarbakır Human Rights Association and represented the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey. His work primarily focused on guiding individuals in filing cases at the European Court of Human Rights. Despite facing several indictments for his legal activities, including charges of “insulting the judiciary” in 1994, Tanrıkulu remained steadfast in his advocacy. His tenure as the President of the Diyarbakır Bar Association from 2002 to 2008 further highlights his dedication to legal and human rights issues.

Transitioning into politics, Tanrıkulu joined the Republican People’s Party (CHP) in 2010, rising to become the CHP director of Human Rights. He was first elected as a member of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey in 2011 and has been successfully re-elected. His legislative work predominantly focuses on defending minority and prisoner rights, press freedom, and advocating for a peaceful resolution to the Kurdish-Turkish conflict. Despite facing legal challenges, including investigations for “degrading the Turkish Republic” and “insulting Turkishness,” Tanrıkulu continues to be an influential voice in Turkish politics and human rights advocacy. His significant contributions to human rights were internationally recognized when he received the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award in 1997, an honor reflecting his courageous activism in the spirit of Robert F. Kennedy’s legacy.

5. Meral Danış Beştaş (1967-Present)

Meral Danış Beştaş, born on April 5, 1967, in Mardin, Turkey, embarked on her journey in law and politics from an early age. She graduated from the Dicle University Faculty of Law in 1990, stepping into a professional world fraught with challenges, particularly for those involved in politically sensitive cases. Her career as a lawyer was marked by controversy in 1993 when she, alongside her husband, was detained and accused of being a courier for the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party). The detention, involving 16 lawyers defending clients with alleged PKK affiliations, became a notable human rights issue. Beştaş and her colleagues filed a complaint with the European Commission of Human Rights, leading to her being awarded an indemnification of 14,000 Euros in 2003 for unlawful detention.

Beştaş’s foray into politics has been as dynamic as her legal career. As a prominent member of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), she has been a Member of Parliament since the June 2015 general elections, having been re-elected in subsequent elections in November 2015 and June 2018. Her position as a co-deputy president of the HDP underscores her influence in Turkish politics. Beştaş is a vocal advocate for abolishing laws prohibiting insults against the Turkish president, arguing for greater freedom of expression for politicians. She perceives the closure case against the HDP as politically motivated and driven by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), which faced a similar situation in 2008.

Beştaş’s political journey has not been without its challenges. In January 2017, she was arrested and accused of participating in an HDP board meeting that allegedly called for protests in support of the YPG against the Islamic State in Kobanî. Though released pending trial in April 2017, she faced the possibility of a 25-year prison term as per the Turkish prosecutors’ announcement in 2018. Additionally, in March 2021, a lawsuit filed by the State Prosecutor demanded a political ban for her and numerous other HDP politicians, citing alleged organizational links with the PKK. Despite these challenges, Beştaş remains a significant figure in Turkish politics, representing her party in the parliament while balancing her personal life as a married mother of two.

6. Osman Baydemir (1971-Present)

Osman Baydemir, born in 1971 in Diyarbakır, Turkey, is a Kurdish politician and human rights advocate renowned for his legal expertise. After graduating from the Law Faculty of Dicle University, Baydemir started his career in human rights as the chair of the Diyarbakır branch of the Human Rights Association in 1995. His early legal involvements included defending clients accused of PKK affiliations and volunteering in 1999 to defend Abdullah Öcalan, the PKK leader. His dedication to human rights made him a founding member of the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (TİHV) in 2001.

Baydemir’s political career began with his candidacy for the Democratic People’s Party (DEHAP) in the 2002 general elections, though the party didn’t cross the electoral threshold. After a stint in the United States to improve his English, he returned to politics and was elected as the mayor of Diyarbakır in 2004. His tenure as mayor was marked by his active role in the World Federation of United Cities and his advocacy for Kurdish rights at the European Parliament. Re-elected in 2009, he faced legal challenges, including imprisonment for referring to the PKK as “guerrillas.” Baydemir’s political journey continued as he was elected to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey in 2014, representing the BDP for Şanlıurfa. He became known for defending the Kurdish language and minority rights in Turkey.

Baydemir’s commitment to human rights and advocacy for Kurdish issues has often led to legal challenges and persecution. He has faced numerous court cases and investigations for his activism, including charges of propaganda and insulting government officials. His political career was further strained by legal actions seeking to ban him and other HDP politicians from politics due to alleged links with the PKK. Despite these challenges, Baydemir has remained prominent in Kurdish politics and human rights advocacy. He married Reyhan Yalçındağ, a fellow human rights activist, and after being expelled from the Turkish parliament, he went into exile in London, United Kingdom.

7. Pervin Buldan (1967-Present)

Pervin Buldan, born November 6, 1967, in Hakkâri Province, Turkey, is a prominent Kurdish politician and human rights advocate. Her early life in Hakkâri was marked by a move to Istanbul in 1990 after marrying Savaş Buldan. Tragically, in 1994, following a government warning against businessmen supporting the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), her husband was abducted and murdered. This event drastically changed Buldan’s life, propelling her into activism and politics.

In 2001, Buldan founded Yakay-Der, an organization assisting families of missing persons in Turkey, inspired by her tragedy and the broader issue of ‘disappearances in custody’ in the country. Under her leadership, Yakay-Der became a voice for these families, bringing international attention to their plight. Buldan’s activism also involved working with Mag-Der, another organization with similar aims, which faced challenges from Turkish authorities.

Buldan’s political career began as a response to her husband’s death, though her initial attempts to enter the Turkish Parliament in 1999 and 2002 were unsuccessful. However, her persistence paid off in 2007 when she was elected as an MP for Iğdır. She has since been a vocal advocate for human rights and minority issues, including the rights of the Kurdish community. In 2018, Buldan was elected as the co-chair of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), a significant milestone in her career. Despite facing legal challenges and accusations of links with the PKK, she continues to be a strong voice against the one-man rule in Turkey. She advocates for education in the Kurdish language. She was re-elected in the 2023 parliamentary elections, representing Van for the Green Left Party (YSP).

8. Hatip Dicle (1955-Present)

Mehmet Hatip Dicle, born in 1955 in Diyarbakir, Turkey, is a Kurdish politician renowned for his active role in Turkish politics. Raised in a family with Islamic values, Dicle completed his education in civil engineering from Istanbul Technical University in 1979. His political involvement began in the 1970s with the Revolutionary Cultural Eastern Hearths (DDKO) and later with the People’s Labor Party (HEP). His early political engagement was marked by a visit to Palestine for military training with Fatah, reflecting his deep commitment to political activism.

Dicle’s political career escalated in 1991 when he was elected to the Turkish parliament with the Social Democratic Populist Party (SHP) and HEP alliance. Following the ban of HEP in 1993, he became a pivotal figure in the Democracy Party (DEP), being elected as its chairman. His tenure as chairman was tumultuous, marked by crackdowns on DEP politicians and members by Turkish authorities. In a stand against the oppressive political climate, he announced the party’s withdrawal from the 1994 municipal elections, highlighting the anti-democratic environment.

Dicle’s political journey encountered significant challenges. In 1994, after the lifting of his parliamentary immunity, he was arrested and sentenced to 15 years in prison on charges of being a member of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). His release in 2004 came after significant pressure from the European Union, but he remained banned from political activity. Dicle’s consistent advocacy for peaceful solutions to the Kurdish question often led to accusations and legal troubles, reflecting the restrictions on freedom of expression in Turkey. Despite these challenges, he was a key figure in the Democratic Society Congress and continued influencing Kurdish politics. In 2011, he was re-elected to parliament but was barred from serving due to his past conviction. His subsequent exile to Germany in 2017 marks the ongoing struggle for Kurdish rights and representation in Turkey.

9. Leyla Zana (1961-Present)

Leyla Zana, born on 3 May 1961 in Silvan, Diyarbakır Province, Turkey, is a prominent Kurdish politician known for her significant contributions to human rights, particularly regarding the Kurdish people in Turkey. Raised in a Kurdish family, she married Mehdi Zana, the mayor of Diyarbakır, at 14. Her life dramatically changed following her husband’s arrest after the 1980 military coup, leading her towards political activism.

Zana’s political career began in earnest following her husband’s imprisonment. She became a vocal advocate for the rights of prisoners, particularly focusing on the plight of those accused of having affiliations with the PKK. Her political journey took a significant turn in 1991 when she was elected to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey as a member of the Social Democratic People’s Party (SHP). Zana made history and sparked controversy by speaking Kurdish in the parliament, a bold move considering the strict prohibitions against the language at the time.

Zana’s political activism led to numerous legal challenges and imprisonments. She was stripped of her parliamentary immunity and arrested in 1994, leading to a 15-year prison sentence for alleged PKK affiliation and charges of treason. This sentence was internationally criticized and led to her being awarded the Sakharov Prize by the European Parliament in 1995 and the Rafto Prize in 1994. Despite her imprisonment, Zana remained a symbol of the Kurdish struggle in Turkey, advocating for human rights and the recognition of Kurdish identity. Her release in 2004 marked a significant moment in Turkish politics, although she continued to face legal and political challenges in her fight for Kurdish rights.

10. Selahattin Demirtaş (1973-Present)

Selahattin Demirtaş, born on April 10, 1973, in Palu, is a significant Kurdish political figure in Turkey. He grew up in an environment shaped by political challenges, which profoundly impacted his upbringing. Demirtaş’s education journey was tumultuous; he initially studied maritime commerce and management at Dokuz Eylül University but faced political hurdles that led him to abandon his studies. Subsequently, he returned to Diyarbakır, retook the university entrance exam in 1993, and enrolled at Ankara University Law Faculty, ultimately pursuing a career in law.

Demirtaş’s professional career commenced as a freelance lawyer after his graduation. In 2000, he joined the executive committee of the Diyarbakır branch of the Human Rights Association (IHD). He eventually became the chair of the Diyarbakır IHD in 2004, succeeding Osman Baydemir. During his term, Demirtaş and the association primarily focused on addressing the surge in unsolved political murders in Turkey, demonstrating his commitment to human rights and legal advocacy.

Significant achievements and challenges marked his early political career. Demirtaş began his political journey with the Democratic Society Party (DTP) in 2007 and was elected to the 23rd Parliament, becoming the Parliamentary Chief Officer for the party. He was a strong advocate for the rights of Kurds and Turks, pushing for the abolition of restrictions against Kurdish language education and demanding equal rights in the Turkish constitution. His political career, however, was not without legal battles, as he faced numerous charges and court cases, reflecting the contentious nature of his advocacy and political involvement. Despite these challenges, Demirtaş remains a prominent figure in Turkish politics, known for his dedication to human rights and equality.