09.06.2026 20:40
Diyarbakır Kayapınar Municipality made a radical decision due to the statements made by Koç Holding Honorary Chairman Rahmi Koç targeting Kurdish women, which drew huge public backlash. The municipality announced that it has completely canceled the procurement process for 11 light commercial vehicles produced by a Koç Holding company, the tender for which was nearing completion for use in municipal services.
Diyarbakır Kayapınar Municipality announced the cancellation of the procurement process for Ford Otosan vehicles due to the controversial remarks made by Koç Holding Honorary Chairman Rahmi Koç regarding Kurdish women, which sparked public backlash.
CONTRACT AT THE SIGNING STAGE CANCELLED
In an official statement from Kayapınar Municipality, it was stated that the procurement process for 11 Tourneo Courier vehicles produced by Ford Otosan, intended for municipal services, had reached its final stage. However, following the public outrage caused by Rahmi Koç's statements about Kurdish women, the entire procurement process was cancelled.
"WE DO NOT ACCEPT THESE DISCOURSES"
The statement, signed by Co-Mayors Berivan Gülşen Sincar and Cengiz Dündar, included the following expressions:
"As Kayapınar Municipality, we do not accept the discriminatory and degrading discourse targeting Kurdish women. With an understanding based on women's freedom and equality of peoples, we clearly state that we oppose such approaches."
"WE WILL NOT REMAIN SILENT"
The statement, indicating that the decision is a requirement of the DEM Party's local governance policies, emphasized the pioneering role of Kurdish women in the struggle for democracy. The statement concluded with the words: "We will not remain silent against any approach that targets the honor of Kurdish women. Respectfully announced to the public."