Is reconciliation between Turkey's Kurds and Erdogan's government possible? | Focus on Europe

Key Concepts

• PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party): A designated terrorist group that has been engaged in armed conflict with the Turkish state since 1984.
• Kurdish Rights: Demands for greater political, cultural, and linguistic rights for the Kurdish population in Turkey.
• Peace Process: A series of initiatives aimed at ending the conflict between the Turkish state and the PKK.
• Disarmament: The laying down of arms by the PKK as a condition for peace.
• Political Concessions: Potential government actions to address Kurdish grievances, such as increased language and cultural rights.
• Authoritarian Peace Process: A peace process driven by the government without broad public input or democratic participation.

Historical Context of the Conflict

• The PKK initiated armed conflict in 1984 due to political repression of the Kurdish population in Turkey.
• The conflict evolved from seeking an independent state to demanding greater Kurdish rights and regional autonomy.
• The conflict has resulted in over 40,000 deaths.
• The PKK is classified as a terrorist organization by Turkey and many Western countries.

The 2025 Peace Initiative

• In May 2025, the PKK announced it would end its armed struggle and disband, following a call from imprisoned leader Abdullah Öcalan.
• Öcalan emphasized the importance of political and social peace over weapons. Quote: "I believe in the power of politics and social peace, not weapons. And I urge you to put this principle into practice."
• PKK fighters symbolically handed over and burned their weapons as a first step.

President Erdogan's Perspective and Potential Motives

• President Erdogan has promised a new era for Turkey, stating that the wall of terror will be torn down. Quote: "With God's will, everything will be very different after the wall of terror is torn down. We will prevent further pain and tears."
• Ending the conflict could be a major political victory for Erdogan, potentially prolonging his grip on power.
• Improved reputation: If the disarmament is successful and the state grants certain rights to the Kurds without harming the Turks, Erdogan's reputation will likely improve.

Kurdish Perspectives and Concerns

• Kurds constitute an estimated 20% of Turkey's population and have a distinct language and culture.
• Many Kurds desire peace but distrust the government due to past failed peace initiatives.
• There is a desire for political concessions, including greater language and cultural rights, Kurdish lessons in schools, and an end to mass arrests of Kurdish politicians and activists.

Concerns and Obstacles to Peace

• Lack of transparency: Many Turks and Kurds are concerned about the speed of the peace process and what will be offered in return.
• Authoritarian approach: The peace process is perceived as authoritarian, lacking democratic participation and broad public input.
• Dismissal of Kurdish politicians: The dismissal and replacement of elected pro-Kurdish mayors with government-appointed trustees raises concerns about the government's commitment to Kurdish rights. Example: Gulistan Sernuk, the mayor of Batman, was dismissed and replaced with a trustee.
• Skepticism from victims: Relatives of those killed in the conflict, both Turkish and Kurdish, harbor doubts and concerns about the PKK's commitment to peace and the government's intentions.

Conditions for Lasting Peace

• Addressing Kurdish grievances: Real peace requires education in the Kurdish language, the release of Kurdish prisoners, and an end to policies that target Kurdish politicians and activists.
• Social reconciliation: Peace must be a social reality, not just an agreement between political parties.
• Memorialization: The need for graves and places to mourn those lost in the conflict is highlighted as a crucial step towards reconciliation.

Conclusion

The potential peace process between the Turkish state and the PKK represents a significant opportunity to end decades of conflict. However, success hinges on addressing Kurdish grievances, ensuring transparency and democratic participation, and fostering social reconciliation. The deep-seated distrust and skepticism from both Turks and Kurds, particularly victims of the conflict, pose significant challenges. Lasting peace requires more than just silencing the guns; it demands concrete actions to address the root causes of the conflict and build a more inclusive and equitable society.