A Historic Crossroads: PKK's Disbandment Brings Mixed Reactions from Kurdish Community

Tue Jul 01 2025 20:31:08 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
A Historic Crossroads: PKK's Disbandment Brings Mixed Reactions from Kurdish Community

As the PKK announces its decision to disband after four decades of conflict, local voices reveal skepticism and a desire for genuine peace.


The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) has made a pivotal announcement to disband, stirring cautious optimism mixed with skepticism among the Kurdish population. Many citizens, while welcoming the possibility of peace, demand assurances and the release of imprisoned Kurdish leaders, reflecting the complex emotions surrounding this historic moment.


The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), known for its decades-long conflict with the Turkish state, has declared its intention to disband, a move that marks a turning point in Turkey’s complex relationship with its Kurdish minority. This decision comes after a 40-year struggle, characterized by 40,000 deaths and an unresolved quest for a Kurdish homeland. Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned PKK leader, has called on the group to disarm, presenting a rare opportunity for peace.

In Diyarbakir, the unofficial Kurdish capital, responses to the announcement exhibit a mix of skepticism and cautious hope. Necmettin Bilmez, a local driver, expressed reservations about the government's intentions, lamenting a history of being "tricked" by officials. In contrast, 80-year-old Mehmet Ek reflected on the importance of ending bloodshed and advocated for the release of jailed Kurdish politicians, suggesting that amnesty for PKK fighters could pave the way for meaningful reconciliation.

The scars of war remain visible in the city, where previous conflicts have left behind rubble and sorrow. Many residents, like Ibrahim Nazlican, highlight that no one has emerged victorious from the decades-long fighting. With memories of bloodshed still fresh, there is a widespread yearning for a more peaceful coexistence between Turks and Kurds.

Calls for the release of Abdullah Ocalan are also prevalent among community members. Advocates argue that his freedom could catalyze a transformative moment for Kurdish rights and self-determination within Turkey. Menice, who lost family members in the conflict, articulated the hope that Ocalan’s release could lead to a brighter future for the Kurdish people.

Despite the challenges, there are signs that both the Turkish government and the PKK may find beneficial grounds to engage in a dialogue for peace. Erdogan's requirement for support from pro-Kurdish political entities in the upcoming elections could create a conducive atmosphere for negotiations. The volatile regional landscape further underscores the urgency for both sides to seek a resolution in this critical juncture of their history.

The people of Diyarbakir, as well as Kurdish communities throughout Turkey, remain poised with a blend of skepticism and guarded optimism. With hopes for a peaceful resolution, many are prepared to engage in dialogue, hoping to end an era characterized by conflict and suffering.

MORE ON THEME

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 12:30:31 GMT

Israel's Netanyahu Plans U.S. Visit Amid Cease-Fire Developments

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 12:30:31 GMT
Tue, 01 Jul 2025 11:23:39 GMT

**Turkey Detains Journalists for Publishing Controversial Cartoon Amid Protests**

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 11:23:39 GMT
Tue, 01 Jul 2025 04:22:24 GMT

Turkey Detains Journalists Over Controversial Cartoon Allegedly Depicting Prophet Muhammad

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 04:22:24 GMT
Mon, 30 Jun 2025 11:54:22 GMT

Global Air Travel Disrupted by Rising Geopolitical Conflicts

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 11:54:22 GMT
Mon, 30 Jun 2025 01:17:13 GMT

**Disbandment of Hong Kong's Last Major Pro-Democracy Party Signals Diminishing Dissent**

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 01:17:13 GMT
Sun, 29 Jun 2025 09:16:09 GMT

Iran on the Brink: The Aftermath of Conflict with Israel

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 09:16:09 GMT
Sat, 28 Jun 2025 19:46:22 GMT

**Escalating Violence in Gaza: 81 Dead and Over 400 Injured Amid Ongoing Israeli Strikes**

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 19:46:22 GMT
Sat, 28 Jun 2025 17:38:21 GMT

Skepticism Looms Over DR Congo-Rwanda Peace Agreement Amidst Ongoing Conflict**

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 17:38:21 GMT
Sat, 28 Jun 2025 07:19:01 GMT

Historic Peace Agreement Signed Between DR Congo and Rwanda

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 07:19:01 GMT
Fri, 27 Jun 2025 20:34:54 GMT

Trump Open to Military Action Against Iran Amid Rising Tensions

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 20:34:54 GMT
Fri, 27 Jun 2025 17:54:18 GMT

Historic Peace Agreement Signed Between DR Congo and Rwanda in Washington

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 17:54:18 GMT
Fri, 27 Jun 2025 13:04:27 GMT

Teenager Charged with Plotting Taylor Swift Concert Attack in Austria

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 13:04:27 GMT
Fri, 27 Jun 2025 07:13:20 GMT

Trump’s Controversial Comparison Sparks Outrage in Japan

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 07:13:20 GMT
Fri, 27 Jun 2025 06:34:45 GMT

India Skips Signing Joint Statement at SCO Summit Over Terrorism Concerns

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 06:34:45 GMT
Thu, 26 Jun 2025 23:59:47 GMT

Families Await Peace as PKK Signals End of 40-Year Conflict

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 23:59:47 GMT
Thu, 26 Jun 2025 19:14:13 GMT

Armenia's Political Crisis Deepens Amid Controversial Allegations Against Church Leader

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 19:14:13 GMT
Wed, 25 Jun 2025 12:00:32 GMT

Tensions Ebb as US Mediates Iran-Israel Ceasefire Following Military Escalation

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 12:00:32 GMT
Wed, 25 Jun 2025 08:23:02 GMT

Seven Israeli Soldiers Killed in Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 08:23:02 GMT
Wed, 25 Jun 2025 04:29:24 GMT

Ceasefire Enters Day 2 Amidst Claims of Victory from Iran and Israel

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 04:29:24 GMT
Tue, 24 Jun 2025 18:54:18 GMT

Fractured Peace: The Iranian Perspective on Ceasefire After Strikes

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 18:54:18 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.