Abdullah Öcalan, the 75-year-old leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), publicly called for the disbandment of the PKK and the end of the armed struggle against Turkey during a significant message delivered from his prison cell on Imralı Island. His statement marks the first time he has explicitly asked for the dissolution of the PKK since his arrest 26 years ago.
Öcalan's message, titled "An Appeal for Peace and for a Democratic Society," was read aloud by politicians from the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) during a press conference held on February 27, 2025, in Istanbul. "All groups must lay down their arms, and the PKK must dissolve. I ask you to abandon your weapons; I take responsibility for this appeal," he asserted, highlighting his commitment to peace and democracy as the only viable path forward for the Kurdish population.
The historical weight of Öcalan’s pronouncement cannot be understated. His call for the PKK's dissolution winds back to its establishment as part of the Kurdish independence movement, which has seen decades of conflict, resulting in around 40,000 deaths across Turkey. Öcalan has long been the face of this struggle, and his message is seen as pivotal amid changing political currents.
This appeal follows months of preparations, as indicated by previous statements from Tuncer Bakırhan, co-president of the HDP, who hinted at Öcalan's readiness to launch this peace initiative. These sentiments echo broader demands from Turkish civil society, indicating a desire for resolution. Bakırhan emphasized, "The opposition and the Turkish public want this process to evolve toward peace. We should not lose this historic opportunity."
Öcalan's message was timely, particularly coming after the nationalist MHP party's leader, Devlet Bahçeli, called for Öcalan to dissolve the PKK. This request was possibly tied to negotiations concerning Öcalan's imprisonment terms, creating new political leverage.
Öcalan characterized the current political climate as dramatically different from when the PKK was founded, urging both Kurds and Turks to rediscover their shared humanity. He noted, "There is no alternative to democracy for achieving and realizing political systems. Democratic consensus is the fundamental path forward." This statement highlights Öcalan’s shift toward advocating for political solutions rather than armed conflict, presenting the idea of reconciliation as preferable over continued violence.
The atmosphere surrounding Öcalan's call for the PKK's disbandment has evoked varied reactions. Reports indicate millions of Kurds have applauded his message, taking to the streets of cities such as Diyarbakir and Qamishlo to express support. Yet, the political response from Ankara remains uncertain. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has not yet commented on Öcalan’s appeal. Still, there are signs of a possible shift, with Erdoğan allowing more frequent visits from HDP representatives to Öcalan's prison.
Some members of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) have responded positively to Öcalan’s statements. Efkan Ala, vice president of the AKP, remarked, "If the terrorist organization accepts this appeal to lay down its arms and dissolve, Turkey will be freed from its chains." Such comments suggest readiness for potential negotiations, albeit cautiously framed within the government's broader anti-terrorism narrative.
Despite this potential openness, there remains significant skepticism within Turkey's political opposition. Critics argue any collaboration with Öcalan and the PKK would represent betrayal against the families of victims of PKK violence, creating deep divisions over how to approach Öcalan's appeal for peace.
Öcalan's historical significance has not diminished since his incarceration. Prior to his capture by Turkish forces on the Kenyan coast, Öcalan had established the PKK as the primary Kurdish political movement advocating for autonomy and recognition. His contributions to Kurdish politics remain acknowledged, even as the PKK is classified as a terrorist organization by Turkey and other major powers like the USA and the EU.
Looking to the future, the demand for the PKK's dissolution is sure to reinvigorate debates on Kurdish rights and the path toward systemic changes within Turkey. Nevertheless, the response of PKK leadership and armed groups to Öcalan's exhortations remains to be seen, raising questions about whether this iconic call can effectively bridge decades-long divisions.
Öcalan's appeal could signal the beginning of significant political transformation, not only within Kurdish politics but also more broadly within Turkish society as it wrestles with issues of identity, representation, and resistance. His prison platform lends him unparalleled influence, and how Turkey responds to this duality could define the next chapter of Kurdish-Turkish relations.