Selahattin Demirtaş, the prominent Turkish-Kurdish politician, lawyer, and author, has navigated a public life marked by significant political challenges, including prolonged imprisonment. Throughout his journey, his romantic life, as publicly known, has been defined by a singular and enduring partnership with his wife, Başak Demirtaş. Their relationship has been a constant presence in his public narrative, often highlighted by the extraordinary circumstances imposed by his political activism and subsequent incarceration.
Selahattin Demirtaş and Başak Demirtaş embarked on their life together when they married in 2002. Başak, a teacher by profession, has maintained a significant public presence, particularly since her husband's rise to political prominence and his subsequent arrest. Their union has been a private anchor amidst a highly public and often turbulent political career, forming the foundation of his personal life away from the political arena.
As Selahattin Demirtaş became a leading figure in Turkish politics, co-chairing the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) and running for president, his relationship with Başak Demirtaş remained a visible aspect of his public persona. They are parents to two daughters, and their family life, though largely private, has occasionally intersected with the public sphere, especially as political pressures mounted on Demirtaş.
Following Selahattin Demirtaş's arrest and imprisonment in November 2016 on terrorism-related charges, Başak Demirtaş stepped into a more prominent public role, becoming a vocal advocate for his release and a symbol of resilience. Her unwavering support has been widely reported, with her actions often reflecting the profound personal impact of his detention. She has frequently communicated on his behalf, sharing messages and updates from prison, effectively becoming his voice outside the prison walls.
The challenges of their relationship under these circumstances have been starkly illustrated by various public incidents. In March 2020, Selahattin Demirtaş was granted a rare prison leave for the first time since his incarceration to visit Başak Demirtaş in the hospital after she underwent surgery, underscoring the severe restrictions on their personal contact. This moment offered a poignant glimpse into the personal sacrifices made by the couple due to his political imprisonment.
Further demonstrating the pressures faced by the family, Başak Demirtaş herself faced legal troubles. In November 2021, she was sentenced to two years and six months in prison over allegations of obtaining a "false health report" from 2015, a charge that her lawyers stated stemmed from a minor administrative error regarding a health certificate. This incident drew widespread condemnation and highlighted the extent to which the political climate impacted even the personal lives of Demirtaş's family members.
Despite the immense difficulties, Başak Demirtaş has continued to be an active participant in the political discourse surrounding her husband's case. She has engaged with media, attended events, and even considered a run for the Istanbul mayoralty in early 2024, though she later withdrew her candidacy. Her public actions consistently reinforce the image of a strong, unified front with her imprisoned husband, maintaining his connection to the outside world and advocating for justice.
Their relationship has become a public narrative of steadfastness in the face of adversity, reflecting not only their personal bond but also the broader human rights issues at play in Turkey. The enduring nature of their marriage, publicly demonstrated through Başak Demirtaş's advocacy and their shared struggles, stands as a testament to their commitment to each other amidst the extraordinary circumstances of Selahattin Demirtaş's political imprisonment. Their story continues to unfold, marked by resilience and a shared hope for his eventual freedom.