Ankara, Turkey – In a move described as “strengthening the foundations of the peace process,” imprisoned Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan issued a new and poignant message from his prison on İmralı Island.
In it, he called for a complete end to the armed conflict and a full transition to a “phase of positive reconstruction.”
He also emphasized that democratic politics is the only legitimate alternative to armed struggle.
Declaration of “mental cleansing” from violence
The message, read by a delegation from the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM) during a ceremony at the Yılmaz Güney Hall in Ankara, Turkey,
marked the one-year anniversary of Abdullah Öcalan’s “Call for Peace and a Democratic Society” on February 27, 2015.
According to Rudaw News Network, Öcalan emphasized in his message
that weapons “completely lose their meaning” in spaces where democratic politics are realized.
He considered the Kurdistan Workers’ Party’s (PKK) decisions to dissolve itself and end
its armed struggle strategy not merely organizational measures, but rather a “mental purification from violence.”
He also viewed it as an explicit declaration of intellectual and political reconciliation with the Republic of Turkey.
Rare praise for political consensus
In a striking point reflecting the extent of the change in the Turkish political landscape, Öcalan expressed his appreciation
for the “political will” demonstrated by both government and opposition figures over the past year.
He specifically mentioned: President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan: for showing a willingness to continue the path of de-escalation.
Devle Bahçeli: leader of the Nationalist Movement Party, whose previous calls
for peace had constituted a major political surprise in the country.
Özgür Özel: leader of the main opposition Republican People’s Party, for his support of peace efforts and social and civic institutions.
Öcalan considered this “unity” between historically opposing political forces to be the true guarantee
for the transition from “a policy of fragmentation to a policy of integration and democracy.”
Reading in context: From “Imrali” to Parliament
Öcalan concluded his message with a philosophical and historical perspective on the relationship between the two fundamental components of Turkey, stating:
“Turks cannot be conceived of apart from Kurds, nor Kurds apart from Turks.”
Observers interpreted this as an affirmation of Turkish territorial integrity and a rejection of separatist projects,
in exchange for cultural and political rights within the framework of democratic citizenship.
This message comes at a time when Turkey is undergoing a significant political transformation
aimed at reframing the “Kurdish question” away from the violence of war.
Since the February 2025 appeal, the Turkish government, along with some opposition groups, has begun adopting a more open tone.
This comes amidst discussions of anticipated constitutional reforms that would guarantee minority rights
and end decades of conflict that have drained the country’s human and economic resources.
Initial reactions
Analysts believe that Öcalan’s message today serves as a final “green light” for his supporters to fully engage in political and civic activities, and to refrain from any actions that could plunge the country back into violence, especially given the rapidly evolving regional landscape surrounding Turkey.
The hall where the message was read erupted in enthusiastic applause, amidst an atmosphere of cautious optimism. The Imrali delegation described the message as a “roadmap for the future.” They also called on all political forces to capitalize on this “historic opportunity,” which could potentially bring an end to one of the longest-running armed conflicts in the region.
