The Gezi process continues. The struggle has lasted longed enough to become a “process,” leaving behind two weeks and entering the third with a spirit of resolution. To resist a dictator for so long is a question of mettle, no doubt. The resistance has proven, to friend and foe alike, the extent of its skilfulness. But will the movement last?
It will not ––  not if we allow ourselves to be trapped in Gezi park and a “last castle standing” mentality. That is because the resistance is facing an immense and well-equipped police organisation which resembles a civil war army. If we are to say that Gezi must not be abandoned, we have to take this fact into account. They are very strong in terms of “military” force, that is to be granted. For this reason it is detrimental to reduce this struggle (and the power dynamics inherent to it) to the physical occupation of Gezi park.
We are proud of having made our own decisions. To protect the Gezi territory, it is necessary (in addition to a militant resistance) to spread the fight to every aspect of life. The idea that the movement must transpire within the confines of Gezi is an obstacle to be overcome. The only way to overcome this obstacle is to advance the movement under political banners and identify it as a political cause. New opportunities for political development must be considered on a national level. For this reason, the Left has an obligation to protect and nurture this movement.
We must display this resolution not only in Gezi but in every field of life. Every match hereafter will have Carsi supporters. An army of lawyers, academicians and doctors will emerge after every violation of human rights.
In the current political climate, dictatorship has become a reality. We have a moral obligation to stop the dictatorship from justifying itself to the people. The Gezi resistance must become a step towards a socialist revivification which will transform social life into a field of struggle, as well as an opportunity for the creation of a new sense of communality.
The current fascistic environment does not allow any kind of opposition to exist. The purpose of the “June Movement” must be to step forward with a cry of fraternity and liberty, as opposed to claims of a “Greater Turkey” which would divide the nation via identity politics and make (civil) war inevitable. Community centres should rally their mass organisations in parks, using them as forums, and continue the resistance movement on a genuinely democratic basis. Then and then only will the sun that rises from Gezi warm and illuminate all Turkey.
Çeviri: Kürşat Pekgöz

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