The PKK emerged in the 20th century—the most violent century in history—amid two world wars, the influence of real socialism, the global Cold War environment, and the denial of Kurdish identity, particularly in the realm of freedom of expression, which was severely restricted.
In terms of theory, program, strategy, and tactics, the PKK was heavily influenced by the realities of the real-socialist system of the century. The collapse of real socialism in the 1990s due to internal reasons, along with the erosion of identity denial in the country and advancements in freedom of expression, led the PKK into a state of meaninglessness and excessive repetition. As a result, like similar movements, it has reached the end of its lifespan, making its dissolution necessary.
Kurdish-Turkish Relations
For over a thousand years, Turks and Kurds have viewed alliance as a necessity to maintain their existence and resist hegemonic powers, with a strong emphasis on voluntarism in their relationship.
However, the last 200 years of capitalist modernity have primarily aimed to dismantle this alliance. The forces influenced by this objective have committed themselves to serving this goal, incorporating class-based motivations. This process accelerated with the homogenizing interpretations of the Republic. Today, as historical relations have become highly fragile, the primary duty is to reorganize them in a spirit of brotherhood while also considering religious beliefs.
The Inevitable Need for a Democratic Society
The PKK, as the longest and most extensive insurgency and violent movement in the history of the Republic, gained power and a support base mainly because democratic political channels were closed.
The inevitable result of its extreme nationalist trajectory—separate nation-states, federalism, administrative autonomy, and culturalist solutions—fails to address the sociology of historical societies.
Respect for identities, the ability to express themselves freely, and democratic organization, along with the socio-economic and political structures that different groups consider fundamental, can only be realized in the presence of a democratic society and political sphere.
The second century of the Republic can only achieve lasting and fraternal continuity if it is crowned with democracy. There is no path outside of democracy for system searches and implementations. There cannot be. Democratic consensus is the fundamental method.
The language of the period of peace and democratic society must also be developed in accordance with reality. In this climate, created by the call made by Mr. Devlet Bahçeli, the determination demonstrated by Mr. President, and the positive approaches of other political parties to this well-known call, I am making a call for disarmament and assuming the historical responsibility of this call.
As any modern society and political organization that has not been forcibly eradicated would voluntarily do, convene your congress and make a decision to integrate with the state and society: all groups must lay down their arms, and the PKK must dissolve itself.
I extend my greetings to all those who believe in coexistence and heed my call.
By: Abdullah Öcalan
February 25, 2025.
