Born: 1961 (Silvan, Diyarbakır Province, Turkey)
Biography:
Leyla Zana (born 3 May 1961) is a Turkish politician known for her unwavering dedication to human rights and her advocacy for the Kurdish people in Turkey. Her relentless pursuit of justice and equality has made her a symbol of resistance and resilience.
Zana was born in Silvan, a town in the Diyarbakır Province of southeastern Turkey, into a Kurdish family. At a young age, she experienced the complexities and challenges faced by the Kurdish population in the region. This upbringing would shape her life’s mission and steer her towards a path of political activism.
At the age of 14, Zana married her cousin, Mehdi Zana, who would later become the mayor of Diyarbakır. However, their marriage was cut short by the political turmoil that swept through Turkey. Mehdi Zana was arrested and imprisoned following a military coup in 1980, leaving Zana to fight for justice and raise awareness about the plight of political prisoners in the country.
Zana’s journey as a political activist gained momentum in 1987 when she was arrested for participating in a rally against torture. Her dedication to the cause caught the attention of the public and her peers, earning her a reputation as a fearless advocate for human rights. In 1991, she was elected to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, representing the Social Democratic People’s Party (SHP).
Zana’s tenure in the parliament was marked by an act of great significance and defiance. During her swearing-in ceremony, she spoke Kurdish, a language that had been outlawed in Turkey for decades. By doing so, Zana shattered the silence imposed on Kurdish culture and identity. While her actions were met with outrage and calls for her arrest, they also ignited hope and inspired countless individuals who had been silenced for far too long.
As a result of her unyielding commitment to the Kurdish cause and her refusal to conform to the oppressive regime, Zana faced numerous challenges and threats. She was accused of being a Separatist and Terrorist by her opponents in the Turkish parliament. Despite these attacks, Zana persisted, using her position to shed light on the injustices endured by the Kurdish people and advocate for equality, justice, and peace.
Throughout her political career, Zana has been a beacon of hope for the Kurdish community and a symbol of resistance against oppression. She has shown the world the power of unwavering dedication despite facing immense adversity. Zana’s struggle has not gone unnoticed, and she has received international recognition for her courageous efforts.
In 1994, Zana was awarded the Rafto Prize by the Rafto Foundation for her peaceful struggle for the human rights of the Kurdish people in Turkey and neighboring countries. This prestigious award acknowledged her unwavering commitment to justice and served as a testament to her remarkable resilience in the face of persecution.
In 1995, despite being imprisoned at the time, Zana was awarded the Sakharov Prize by the European Parliament. This esteemed accolade recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the fight for human rights and freedom. Zana’s selection for the Sakharov Prize highlighted the international recognition of her courage and determination.
After ten years of imprisonment, Leyla Zana was finally released in 2004, enabling her to collect the Sakharov Prize that had been awarded to her nearly a decade earlier. Her release marked a significant victory for not only Zana but also for the Kurdish community and all those who believe in the power of human rights and justice.
Zana’s life and struggle continue to inspire countless individuals around the world. Her unwavering dedication to promoting human rights, preserving Kurdish culture, and advocating for peace has left an indelible mark on history. She stands as a symbol of resilience, courage, and the enduring fight for equality and justice.
Awards:
– 1994: Rafto Prize for being incarcerated for her peaceful struggle for the human rights of the Kurdish people in Turkey and neighboring countries.
– 1995: Sakharov Prize by the European Parliament for her commitment to human rights and her unwavering advocacy for the Kurdish people.