Imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan remains an inspirational figure for many Kurds

Twelve-year-old Birhat Ciya and his 10-year-old brother Emrah spend the morning lying on the floor, watching cartoons on television.

They jump up, looking a little guilty, when visitors enter the room.

This is a school day, but the boys’ family has decided to keep them at home.

Their school’s oath – which children across Turkey are meant to recite every morning – includes the words “I am a Turk”.

The Ciya family, who are Kurdish, refuse to say these words. The boys also insist that they be taught in Kurdish, not Turkish.

“We want our own mother language,” says Birhat. “They should make our classes in Kurdish – our mother language.”

His younger brother nods. The political statements done, the two jostle on the sofa and start to play computer games.

Their younger brother, who appears to disapprove of all visitors, sits outside in the yard and solemnly watches the chickens.

Their mother changes from the cartoon channel to a Kurdish TV station, which broadcasts from Europe.