News Center —The first regular conference of the Union of Islamic Research in Mesopotamia was held in the city of Diyarbakir (Amed), with the participation of a select group of researchers and individuals interested in Islamic and intellectual affairs. The conference witnessed extensive discussions on the role of democratic Islam in building a free and democratic society.

The conference was held under the slogan “From Democratic Islam Toward Peace and a Democratic Society” in the city of Diyarbakir (Amed). On Thursday, December 25, leader Abdullah Öcalan sent a message to the participants, stating:

“To the Conference of the Union of Islamic Research in Mesopotamia: Islam, in its essence, is a religion of freedom, justice, and equality. However, the official state Islam or societal structures that modern capitalist modernity uses as tools of power and plunder have lost this essence. Democratic Islam, on the other hand, means a return to the spirit of the Charter of Medina, which represents a covenant for free coexistence without coercion among different religions, peoples, and cultures.”

Leader Öcalan emphasized in his message that it must be understood that true jihad is the struggle against egoism and oppression through continuous self-criticism. He noted that the concept of shura (consultation) in Islam signifies collective reason and democratic decision-making, adding:

“Let us use Islam to serve a free life for a society that has organized itself on this basis, without turning it into a political tool of the state or any group. Democratic Islam represents an alternative civilization centered on women’s freedom, ecological balance, and the brotherhood of peoples. This democratic interpretation alone is capable of healing the wounds of the Middle East. In this context, I hope your discussions will contribute to serving the path of the democratic society we have embarked upon.”