Türkiye is currently at a critical juncture, marked by the reconfiguration of long-standing conflict dynamics alongside renewed debates on democratisation. Such transitional periods bring with them both opportunities and risks. The success of peace processes in these contexts depends not only on political will or technical negotiation mechanisms, but also on the extent to which processes are inclusive, the degree to which diverse segments of society are meaningfully engaged, and how the idea of peace is articulated and debated in the public sphere. This report places these considerations at its core, with a particular focus on the role of civil society and its complementary relationship with political actors in peacebuilding efforts.
The analysis presented in this report is grounded in a meeting organised by the Democratic Progress Institute (DPI) in Ankara on 11 October 2025, entitled “The Role of Civil Society in Peacebuilding.” The meeting brought together representatives from civil society, academia, political parties, and conflict-resolution practitioners from across the political spectrum in Türkiye. By convening actors with diverse perspectives around a shared table, the event demonstrated the potential of dialogue platforms to reduce polarisation, foster mutual understanding, and strengthen the social foundations of peace.
Discussions throughout the meeting focused on the constructive role that civil society can play in preventing polarisation, strengthening dialogue, and promoting sustainable peace in Türkiye. Participants reflected on how inclusive participation and representation can enhance public trust and contribute to long-term social reconciliation. A shared understanding emerged that peace processes framed narrowly as technical or elite-driven political initiatives risk lacking social legitimacy, and that civil society is a vital actor in broadening societal ownership of peace.
At the Democratic Progress Institute, we believe that comparative approaches provide an indispensable space for learning in peace processes. While no experience can be directly replicated, international examples offer valuable insights into principles such as inclusivity, confidence-building, and the transformation of polarising language. The Ankara meeting provided a meaningful platform for reflecting on how Türkiye’s ongoing process can benefit from such comparative perspectives.