The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) declared its dissolution and the cessation of over 40 years of armed struggle against the Turkish state on May 12, 2025, in a significant development that has drawn attention both domestically and internationally.

This announcement followed the 12th Congress of the party held in northern Iraq, where a resolution was passed to dismantle the PKK's organizational structure and end hostilities.

The organization indicated that it believes the Kurdish issue has reached a stage that can now be addressed through democratic means.

PKK leaders, in a statement reported by pro-Kurdish media, reflected that they have fulfilled their 'historic mission' and emphasized the importance of a durable peace.

The party's spokesperson called on the Turkish Parliament to undertake its responsibilities in this new political context, urging it to act 'with responsibility towards history.'

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) welcomed the PKK's decision, describing it as 'an important step towards a Turkey free from terrorism.' Ömer Çelik, a spokesperson for the AKP, stressed the need for practical measures to ensure the process continues smoothly, while Fahrettin Altun from the Turkish presidency’s communication office assured that necessary steps would be taken to facilitate the transition.

The announcement was met with celebrations in Diyarbakir, a major city in southeastern Turkey with a significant Kurdish population, where residents expressed joy through traditional dance and music, reflecting a community relieved by the potential for peace.

Duran Kalkan, a member of the PKK’s executive committee, stated during the extraordinary congress that this moment represents not an end but a 'new beginning.' The PKK's dissolution is viewed as a culmination of previous efforts initiated by nationalist leader Devlet Bahçeli, who had extended an olive branch to the PKK's imprisoned founder Abdullah Öcalan, initiating mediation through the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP).

Öcalan, who has been imprisoned for 26 years, is regarded as a pivotal figure within the Kurdish political sphere.

Recent reports indicate that while his imprisonment conditions may be eased—allowing more frequent visits from family and representatives—the 76-year-old leader is unlikely to leave the island prison of Imrali, near Istanbul.

Following Öcalan's earlier call for a ceasefire, which the PKK accepted on March 1, the party faced challenges in convening its congress amid continued military action from Turkish forces targeting Kurdish positions.

The context has raised questions about the motives surrounding the recent developments, as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed to continue military operations against the PKK if commitments to peace are not upheld, reflecting a complex interplay of politics and security.

Gönül Tol, a director at a Middle East research institute, commented on how the consolidation of Erdogan's political power could play a significant role in the evolving relationship between the Turkish state and Kurdish communities, especially as Turkey approaches the 2028 presidential elections.

The Kurdish population, estimated to represent around 20% of Turkey's 85 million residents, has demonstrated political disengagement, evidenced by the lack of participation in recent opposition-led protests, indicating a potential divide in the opposition landscape.

As discussions of reconciliation proceed, the implications for domestic politics and the future of Kurdish rights in Turkey remain significant, drawing the attention of various stakeholders both within and beyond the country.