Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), has called for a significant shift in the Kurdish-Turkish conflict. He urges the PKK to disarm and dissolve itself, advocating for a future based on democracy and peaceful coexistence. Öcalan places the PKK's struggle within a broader historical context shaped by world wars, socialism, and the suppression of Kurdish identity. While he acknowledges the PKK's role in resisting the denial of Kurdish rights, he argues that the organization's ideology is outdated and no longer necessary. This call for transformation is not new, as Öcalan has repeatedly promoted the idea of evolving the PKK. For his followers, this proposal is part of his ongoing efforts and not an attempt to offer concessions to the Turkish state.
Öcalan emphasizes the importance of rebuilding the long-standing Kurdish-Turkish alliance through democratic means as the key to achieving lasting peace. He believes that Turkey's future depends on democracy and asserts that the Kurdish issue can only be resolved through political and social reforms, rather than military force. He calls on the PKK to take responsibility by convening a congress to formally lay down arms and dissolve the organization. This move, he suggests, would allow the Kurdish movement to integrate into a democratic system where political rights can be achieved peacefully. And of course, PKK leaders and fighters would like to see him in that congress that will implement his proposal.
If both the PKK and the Turkish government take Öcalan's call seriously, it could represent a turning point in the conflict. However, the success of this initiative depends on the Turkish government implementing meaningful democratic reforms, as well as Kurdish political leaders embracing this new direction. PKK leaders have already expressed their willingness to follow Öcalan's lead, but they are waiting to see if Turkey will take concrete actions, such as releasing Öcalan from prison, showing openness to dialogue, involving Parliament in the process, and making goodwill gestures.
Despite this, many critics question the legitimacy of peace talks while military operations continue in Iraqi and Syrian Kurdistan, elected Kurdish mayors are removed from office, and Kurdish journalists are arrested. Nevertheless, peace remains widely supported among Kurds. For peace to be meaningful, they argue, it must come with real commitments: an end to repression, recognition of political rights, and a genuine effort to resolve the conflict through democratic means.
Öcalan's rejection of Kurdish statehood has drawn significant criticism. He argues that extreme nationalist movements – whether advocating for an independent state, a federation, or cultural autonomy – fail to address deeper societal issues. Instead, he suggests that true respect for identities and free expression can only be realized within a "truly democratic society." While many support Öcalan's calls for democracy and respect for identities, his rejection of Kurdish statehood undermines the aspirations of many Kurds who view political self-determination as essential. For many Kurds, the pursuit of an independent state or autonomy is necessary to preserve their culture, language, and political identity after centuries of oppression.
Critics of Öcalan's position argue that the Kurdish people, like all other nations, have the right to self-determination, a principle recognized in international law. They contend that the quest for an independent Kurdish state is not an expression of "extreme nationalism," but a legitimate desire for independence and justice in the face of historical injustices. Furthermore, they believe the Kurdish issue is a global matter that cannot be left solely to the Turkish government, which continues to deny Kurdish identity. The Turkish government has banned the Kurdish language, removed democratically elected Kurdish mayors, and imprisoned Kurdish politicians and journalists, including figures like Selahattin Demirtaş. These actions highlight the ongoing repression of the Kurdish people and underscore the need for a comprehensive solution that respects their rights, including the right to self-determination.
By advocating for a democratic framework without addressing statehood or autonomy, Öcalan risks alienating those who view independence as essential to the survival and flourishing of Kurdish communities. While his position may align with broader regional peace efforts, it overlooks the deeply held aspirations for statehood that many Kurds continue to prioritize.
Another criticism is that Öcalan may be serving Turkey's interests, particularly in Syria. Some argue that his calls for peace and disarmament align with Turkey's goal of limiting Kurdish political gains, especially in Syria. Turkey fears that Kurdish autonomy in northern Syria could inspire similar movements within Turkey and the broader region. By advocating for a peaceful resolution that aligns with Turkey's interests, Öcalan may intentionally or unintentionally support Ankara's agenda of suppressing Kurdish political aspirations.
Despite these concerns, Öcalan's call has received widespread international support. U.S. officials have welcomed the move as a positive step toward resolving the Kurdish issue. Leaders in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq have expressed strong support for the peace process, offering assistance in the transition. In Syria, Kurdish icon Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces, endorsed Öcalan's call, hoping it could play a positive role in achieving lasting peace, which may also positively impact Syria.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has also welcomed the development, viewing it as an opportunity for peace and stability, though he emphasized the need for further steps to ensure Kurdish rights. The United Nations Secretary-General has expressed hope, considering Öcalan's statement a promising development in the long-standing conflict.
Öcalan's supporters view him as demonstrating political wisdom and presenting a potential roadmap for peace. However, his critics argue that he has betrayed Kurdish national aspirations by dismissing the pursuit of statehood. All eyes are now on the Turkish government to see how it will respond. So far, Ankara appears to seek all benefits without offering meaningful concessions to the Kurds. The reality remains that the Kurdish issue did not originate with the PKK, nor will it disappear with the PKK's dissolution. Kurdish national aspirations will remain alive until a fair solution is reached. It is up to Turkish President Erdoğan and the Turkish state to decide whether to seize this opportunity.
*Azado Kurdian is a Kurdish scholar and expert on Kurdish, Turkish and Syrian affairs.
