July 12, 2025 — Istanbul / Sulaymaniyah — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hailed the recent symbolic disarmament of PKK militants in northern Iraq as a historic turning point, marking the end of a decades-long conflict and the start of a “new chapter” for Turkey.
At a ceremony on July 11, some 30 PKK fighters—men and women—gathered at a cave near Sulaymaniyah and cast AK-47s and other firearms into a cauldron, which was set ablaze in front of Turkish, Iraqi, and Kurdish officials
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. The move came after the PKK, outlawed since 1984, formally agreed in May to disband its armed struggle following instructions from imprisoned leader Abdullah Öcalan
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Erdoğan addressed the unfolding ceremony, calling it a symbolic end to the “scourge of terrorism” and an opening of the doors to a “great, powerful Turkey”
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. He urged Parliament to establish a legal framework and a supervisory commission to oversee full disarmament and the reintegration of former militants
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“This day marks a new page in our country’s history,” Erdoğan declared, emphasizing national unity—Turks, Kurds, Arabs—all benefiting from this shift. He stressed that the move was not born of negotiation or quid pro quo but was instead a significant milestone for a terror-free nation
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Key pro-Kurdish figures from Turkey’s DEM Party attended the handover, signaling political support. Bese Hozat, a top PKK commander, read a statement affirming their voluntary disarmament as a “step of goodwill and determination,” committing to democratic channels over conflict
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This ceremony caps off a months-long peace process that began in February when Öcalan ordered a ceasefire and urged dismantling PKK structure. A formal disbandment declaration occurred in May during the PKK’s 12th Party Congress
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Analysts believe the move could foster lasting peace in Turkey’s southeast—regions long marred by violence that has claimed over 40,000 lives since the insurgency’s inception . However, they caution that successful follow-through requires robust parliamentary legislation, societal reconciliation, and the inclusion of Kurdish rights in broader national reforms
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Internationally, the disarmament could impact regional dynamics, notably in Syria, where Kurdish groups linked to the PKK have held territories. Turkey’s outreach signals possible cooperative efforts to integrate armed groups into state security structures
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Domestically, Erdoğan faces significant political pressure. While public opinion polls suggest cautious optimism, skepticism endures over the authenticity of the peace process . Moreover, ongoing political repression—evident in protests following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu—raises concerns about democratic space during this delicate transition
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Looking ahead, Erdoğan’s government must shepherd a multifaceted agenda: securing PKK compliance, embedding disarmament in law, initiating veteran reintegration, and implementing constitutional reforms. In parallel, public sentiment and Kurdish civic organizations will test Turkey’s promise of unity with sustained civic engagement and oversight.
If managed effectively, this could usher in the long-awaited peace process. Erdoğan’s rhetoric suggests confidence—but consensus-building across political lines and communities will ultimately determine whether Turkey truly turns the page.