The “Kurdish question” in Turkey: between governance, human rights and denied culture

This article investigates the complex dimensions of the Kurdish issue, with particular emphasis on its ramifications for national governance, regional stability, and the intricacies of global multilateralism (Natali, 2005; Yildiz, 2005; Romano, 2006). By employing critical theoretical frameworks established by esteemed scholars such as Giorgio Agamben, Michel Foucault, Mesut Yeğen, and others, this study delineates how multilateralism—conceptualized as inclusive and norms-based international cooperation—may effectively mediate the structural tensions that exist between state sovereignty and the legitimate aspirations for cultural and political autonomy. Drawing on concepts such as “bare life” and biopolitics, the article analyzes the historical and contemporary mechanisms of Kurdish repression within Turkey, linking domestic policies of cultural assimilation and securitization to broader regional and global dynamics. It critically assesses the role and effectiveness of international institutions in addressing minority rights violations in the context of a global order increasingly challenged by nationalist agendas and declining trust in multilateral governance. The Kurdish question is thus framed as a critical case study for evaluating the possibilities and limitations of international governance in responding to ethnic conflicts and human rights concerns. The article concludes by highlighting the implications for global governance and the potential for multilateralism to foster more inclusive and equitable frameworks for minority recognition and conflict resolution.