Turning point in Turkish-Kurdish relations after PKK disarmament

Following the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK)’s historic decision to lay down arms, its imprisoned founder Abdullah Ocalan has called for a significant transformation in Kurdish-Turkish relations. In a statement delivered through a delegation from the pro-Kurdish DEM party, Ocalan emphasized the need for a “major paradigm shift” to rebuild trust and heal longstanding divisions between the Turkish state and its Kurdish population.

The message was shared after the delegation’s visit to Imrali Island, where Ocalan has been held in solitary confinement since 1999. This marked the group’s first visit since the PKK’s disarmament announcement on May 12, a decision that aims to bring an end to the conflict that began in 1984 and has claimed over 40,000 lives.

Ocalan, now 76, likened the Turkish-Kurdish connection to that of estranged siblings, stressing the necessity of mutual cooperation. “Even brothers and sisters may fight, but they cannot live without each other,” he noted, urging for a renewed foundation of unity and brotherhood. He called for efforts to dismantle the obstacles that have harmed this relationship and to rebuild metaphorical roads and bridges.

The visit to Ocalan was conducted solely by DEM lawmaker Pervin Buldan and lawyer Ozgur Erol, following the recent death of Sirri Sureyya Onder, a prominent figure in Turkish peace efforts. Onder, who passed away from cardiac arrest on May 3, just before the PKK’s announcement, was remembered by Ocalan as a wise and respected figure whose legacy should be preserved.

Onder had been instrumental in efforts to resolve the Kurdish conflict and was part of a team that facilitated communication between Ocalan and Turkish officials in the lead-up to the disarmament. His work helped create a political environment conducive to peace.

The Turkish government has stated it will closely monitor the disarmament process. In response, political observers expect the administration to adopt a more inclusive approach toward the Kurdish minority, which constitutes roughly 20 percent of Turkey’s 85 million citizens. While Ocalan’s release remains unlikely due to potential security risks, officials suggest his prison conditions may be eased as part of the broader reconciliation process.