The Hidden War
Kurdish Youth Uprising: Declaring Autonomy Amid Government Crackdown in Turkey
In the face of increasing government violence, Kurdish areas throughout Turkey are declaring autonomy. The town of Silopi exemplifies the growing strength of the Kurdish youth movement.
Silopi is largely deserted except for the young militants that roam the streets. "Before everyone lived here happily... now the streets are empty". In last year's election, the governing AK party missed an absolute majority in the Turkish general election. Coalition talks failed and a new round of violence broke out between Turkish forces and Kurdish militants. "We do not want independence, we want to implement our own system within Turkey", explains one Kurd.
FULL SYNOPSIS