ZENGİL–The statement made by Abdullah Öcalan and read by the DEM Party delegation in Istanbul on February 27, 2025, following their visit to İmralı, can be considered a significant development in Turkey’s recent political history. This analysis aims to explore the different dimensions of Öcalan’s message, particularly its regional implications and possible motivations.
The Historical Context of the PKK’s Formation and Transformation
Öcalan’s message outlines a historical framework for the PKK’s emergence. He describes the movement as a product of the violent climate of the 20th century, influenced by real socialism and the denial of identity. However, according to Öcalan, the PKK has now reached a state of “meaninglessness.”
His statement that “the PKK has completed its lifespan like similar movements and its dissolution has become necessary” can be seen as an assessment of changing circumstances. With the collapse of real socialism and progress toward overcoming identity denial, the legitimacy of armed struggle is increasingly being questioned.
Shifting Dynamics in the Middle East and Kurdish Gains
The timing and content of Öcalan’s call can also be interpreted as a reflection of shifting power balances in the Middle East. In recent years, the international recognition of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Iraq and the de facto autonomy achieved by Kurds in northern Syria demonstrate that Kurdish gains in the region have been secured and maintained more through political processes than through armed struggle.
In this context, Öcalan’s call may stem from concerns that the PKK’s continued armed presence could jeopardize Kurdish achievements in Iraq and Syria. Additionally, in the event of potential turmoil in Iran, it is possible that the Kurdish movement seeks to distance itself from the image of armed struggle to enhance the legitimacy of Iranian Kurds’ democratic demands.
Thus, the call for the PKK’s dissolution should not be viewed solely as a response to Turkish pressure or demands but as part of a broader strategy to safeguard existing Kurdish gains and create new opportunities.
The Historical Dimension of Turkish-Kurdish Relations
Öcalan’s statement that “for over a thousand years, Turks and Kurds have voluntarily remained in an alliance to sustain their existence and resist hegemonic powers” points to a historical reality.
This remark suggests that the call for the PKK’s dissolution is not merely based on contemporary political calculations but also on a perspective of restoring a historical alliance. Considering the presence of hegemonic forces in the region, the idea that Turkish-Kurdish cooperation holds strategic importance for both communities gains prominence.
Possibilities and Limitations of a Democratic Solution
Öcalan’s assertion that “separate nation-states, federations, administrative autonomy, and culturalist solutions do not respond to the sociology of historical societies” represents a departure from the PKK’s traditional demands. This statement suggests a shift away from rigid structural formulas in favor of a more flexible model based on democratic society.
Sırrı Süreyya Önder’s remarks on the “recognition of democratic politics and the legal dimension” indicate an expectation that in exchange for laying down arms and dissolving the PKK, democratic rights will be expanded.
Regional Strategic Calculations and Possible Scenarios
From the perspective of Kurdish strategic interests in the region, Öcalan’s call brings several possible scenarios to the forefront:
- Strengthening the Position of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG):
The PKK’s armed presence has occasionally strained the KRG’s relations with Turkey. Its dissolution could lead to a normalization of these relations, thereby strengthening the KRG politically and economically. - Legitimacy of Kurdish Presence in Northern Syria:
The de facto Kurdish autonomous regions in northern Syria have faced international scrutiny due to ideological and structural ties with the PKK. The dissolution of the PKK could enhance the international recognition of these Kurdish-administered areas. - Potential Changes in Iran and Kurdish Aspirations:
In the event of a political transformation in Iran, Kurdish democratic demands could gain greater legitimacy if they are not associated with the image of armed struggle. - Deepening the Democratic Process in Turkey:
The PKK’s disarmament and dissolution could pave the way for addressing the Kurdish issue within the framework of democratic politics in Turkey, potentially expanding democratic gains for Kurds and influencing Turkey’s broader policies toward Kurdish populations in the region.
Conclusion: The Meaning and Future Implications of the Call
Abdullah Öcalan’s call, alongside statements from Devlet Bahçeli and President Erdoğan, signals the possibility of a transformation toward the PKK laying down arms and dissolving itself.
This call appears to be shaped by multiple factors: Turkey’s internal political dynamics, the need to protect Kurdish gains in the region, shifting international conditions, and the restructuring of power balances in the Middle East. In any case, the practical implementation of this call and the subsequent steps taken will be crucial for both Turkey’s democratization and regional peace.
Ultimately, Öcalan’s call should not be seen merely as a step toward resolving the Kurdish issue in Turkey but also as part of a broader strategy to safeguard and advance the collective interests of the Kurdish people across the region. In this context, its impact is likely to extend beyond Turkey, influencing the entire region.
