The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) declared a ceasefire with Turkey on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
This step follows a call from jailed PKK leader Abdullah calan to end armed struggle and dissolve the group.calan, imprisoned since 1999, urged the PKK to lay down arms and pursue peaceful means for Kurdish rights.
The PKK immediately agreed, announcing a halt to all armed actions unless their forces face attacks.Since 1984, the PKK has fought Turkeys government, initially seeking an independent Kurdish state.
Later demands shifted toward greater autonomy and cultural freedoms for Kurds, who represent about 20% of Turkeys population.The conflict has claimed over 40,000 lives and severely impacted Turkeys economy and stability.
According to the International Crisis Group, violence since July 2015 alone killed 7,152 people, including 646 civilians.This ceasefire emerges amid significant regional changes affecting PKK support.
The group lost backing from Syria after President Bashar al-Assads ouster and faces uncertainty regarding United States support in northeastern Syria.PKK Declares Historic Ceasefire with Turkey After Four Decades of Conflict.
(Photo Internet reproduction)Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed calans call as a historic chance to end terrorism after decades of violence.
Erdogan pledged vigilance but expressed cautious optimism about potential peace developments.Yet, Turkish authorities remain firm about not granting amnesty or negotiating directly with the PKK, labeled terrorist by Turkey, the EU, and the United States This stance complicates prospects for lasting peace despite recent progress.PKK leaders emphasized that disarmament alone cannot secure peace.
They demand calans release and improved prison conditions, enabling him to lead negotiations effectively toward complete disbandment of the group.PKK Declares Historic Ceasefire with Turkey After Four Decades of ConflictKurds in Sulaymaniyah, northern Iraqnear PKK bases in Qandil mountainsexpressed cautious hope about this ceasefire announcement.
Locals described it as fundamentally different from previous failed attempts at peace agreements.Analysts highlight that successful peace hinges on concrete political actions from Ankara addressing Kurdish demands beyond mere ceasefires.
Without tangible Turkish commitments, skepticism remains high among Kurdish communities and observers alike.This development represents a critical juncture for Turkeys future stability and regional economic opportunities after decades of conflict-driven uncertainty.