In a groundbreaking development, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has announced the cessation of its armed struggle against the Turkish state, marking a potential turning point in a conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives over four decades. This announcement, made in May 2025, comes after a call from the PKK’s imprisoned leader, Abdullah Öcalan, urging a shift from violence to political engagement. The first PKK fighters have begun laying down their arms, igniting cautious optimism among Kurds and Turks alike.

The long-standing conflict began in 1984, rooted in the political repression of Turkey’s Kurdish population. What started as a quest for independence evolved into a demand for greater rights and autonomy, resulting in brutal military confrontations and countless tragedies. Families on both sides have suffered immeasurable losses, with Aisha Tuttas mourning her brother and nephew, both lost to the violence.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has dominated Turkish politics for over 22 years, sees this peace process as a potential political triumph, one that could solidify his legacy as the leader who ended one of the Middle East’s longest-running conflicts. However, skepticism looms large. Many Kurds express deep distrust towards the government, recalling past failed peace initiatives and demanding clarity on what concessions will be made in exchange for disarmament.

The atmosphere is charged with hope yet fraught with uncertainty. Kurdish communities are calling for essential rights, including education in their mother tongue and the release of political prisoners. As the world watches, the question remains: can a genuine reconciliation emerge from decades of pain, or will this latest attempt at peace crumble under the weight of mistrust and historical grievances? The stakes are high, and the need for lasting peace has never been more urgent.