Inter­na­tio­nal Support of Conscien­tious Objec­tors and Deserters

Turkey: My experiences in the barracks

(15.05.2021) The history of conscription is a history of militarisation. It is a breathtaking story. And conscription is still effective today in countries like Turkey.

I was to be forced to comply with military orders. When I refused, I was beaten and insulted. I was arrested four times and released each time. Each time after release I was transferred to the barracks again. In total, I spent 18 months in the military prison.

Turkey: I refuse!

(15.05.2021) I will start with the first day when I was 19 years old. I was sitting in the garden and got a visit from a talkative friend. He told me that we had to show up for the physical examination. I told him, “I won’t go to the military, you can go.” I can’t explain why I wanted to refuse even then, but there was always a voice inside me telling me that something couldn’t be right with the military service.

My friend was stunned and said, “Rebel against the state! They will make you disappear! Where will you go?” He said many foolish things when I talked back at him. At last he turned to my mother and said, “Aunty, you would also be in trouble, they will pressure you to deny help and support to a criminal.”

History of Conscientious Objection in Turkey

(15.05.2021) The struggle for conscientious objection in Turkey started with Tayfun Gönül’s declaration on 6^th of December 1989 and Vedat Zencir’s declaration on 6^th of February 1990, both publıshed in Sokak (a magazine called ‘Street’).¹ These actions – of two Turkish individuals coming out and declaring “I will not join the military”, and standing against all policies of violence, conflict and war – were extremely important. During this period massacres, deployment of unknown assailants, and torture were common means of a state policy carried out within a “homeland-nation” discourse.

Histoire de l‘objection de conscience en Turquie

(15.05.2021) La lutte des objecteurs de conscience en Turquie commence avec la déclaration de Tayfun Gönül, le 6 décembre 1989, et la déclaration de Vedat Zencir, le 6 février 1990, toutes deux publiées dans un magazine intitulé Sokak [La rue].¹ C’était une objection extrêmement importante que ces deux citoyens turcs ont manifestée. Ils disaient : « Je ne veux pas aller à l’armée » marquant ainsi, en 1989-90, leur opposition à toutes les politiques de violence, de conflit et de guerre. À une période où les massacres, les assassinats non résolus et la torture deviennent monnaie courante dans la politique de l’État. Tout cela au son de discours psalmo­diant la « patrie-nation ».