Nine deputies will represent the Turkmen community in the People's Assembly formed after the overthrow of the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria. This figure marks the highest level of representation achieved for Turkmen in Syrian political history. Among the deputies is Abdürrahman Mustafa, President of the Syrian Turkmen Assembly and former Prime Minister of the Interim Government.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Mustafa expressed his satisfaction with President Ahmed al-Sharaa's appointment of him to the People's Assembly. Mustafa stated that the ultimate goal of the political struggle they have waged for 14 years is to build a new Syria.
"We are not guests in this country"
Abdürrahman Mustafa said, "We are Turkmen and at the same time Syrians. We are not guests in this country. We have been living on this land for a thousand years. We have a historic presence and are one of the essential components of this country." Highlighting the struggle and losses sustained by Syrian Turkmen for the country's territorial integrity, Mustafa stressed that preserving Turkmen identity does not mean separatism.
Mustafa stated, "There is no contradiction between Turkmen identity and national identity. We want our language, culture and identity to be recognized within Syria's national unity and territorial integrity. This is not a privilege; it is a citizenship right."
Equal rights for all components
Stating that the principle of equal citizenship must apply not only to Turkmen but also to Kurds, Circassians, Armenians and all other social groups in the new Syria, Mustafa noted that everyone's right to freely live their own language and culture must be constitutionally guaranteed.
Mustafa said, "Since 2011, whatever we wanted for Turkmen, we also wanted for Kurds, Circassians and Armenians. Cultural rights are not political privileges. Equal citizenship, cultural rights, language rights, rule of law and separation of powers must apply to everyone."
Emphasis on local governance and justice
Pointing to the importance of strengthening local administrations in the new era, Mustafa said he advocates administrative, not political, decentralization. "Granting more authority to local administrations serves not to divide Syria but, on the contrary, to preserve its territorial integrity. Excessive centralization can bring about authoritarianism over time," he said.
Stating that transitional justice is one of the most important issues of the new era, Mustafa said that holding those who committed crimes during the war accountable before the law is vital for social peace. Mustafa assessed, "If transitional justice is not implemented, people may try to seek their rights through their own methods. This would increase social conflicts. Securing justice is a prerequisite for preserving social peace."
"A Syria where no one is excluded"
Stating that he will carry out his role in the People's Assembly as a representative of both Turkmen and all Syrians, Mustafa announced that they aim to strengthen the understanding of equal citizenship in legislative work.
Mustafa said, "While preserving our Turkmen identity, we also need to strengthen a national identity that encompasses all Syrians. We want to build a Syria where no one is excluded and where everyone sees themselves as a partner in this country."
