In a landmark move that signals a dramatic turning point in Kurdish political history, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has officially dissolved after nearly half a century of armed struggle against the Turkish state. The decision, announced following the group’s 12th Congress held on May 5–7, marks the end of an era—and the beginning of a politically uncertain chapter for the Kurdish national movement.

The decision follows a surprising chain of political developments in Turkey. In autumn 2024, the pro-Kurdish People's Democratic Party (DEM) launched a peace initiative in parliament—ironically, at the urging of Devlet Bahçeli, leader of the ultra-nationalist MHP. On February 27, 2025, imprisoned PKK founder Abdullah Öcalan issued a public call for a ceasefire and the dissolution of the PKK, framing the moment as an opportunity for historic peace.

In response, the PKK’s congress voted to disband the organization and end its armed resistance. The group, formed in 1978, has been at the center of Kurdish national self-defense and political consciousness, especially in North Kurdistan (southeastern Turkey), and its legacy extends far beyond its militant actions—having also mobilized broad sectors of civil society, including women, youth, and Kurdish diaspora communities.

While the move has been hailed by some as a step toward peace, it also raises serious questions. The Turkish state has historically responded to Kurdish disarmament efforts with increased repression rather than reconciliation. Activists and observers warn that unless the state undertakes fundamental reforms—such as recognizing Kurdish constitutional rights, legalizing Kurdish-language education, releasing political prisoners, and initiating transparent peace talks—the PKK’s disbanding could be perceived as a one-sided concession, risking public disillusionment.

“The PKK’s dissolution does not mark the end of the Kurdish struggle,” stated the East Kurdistan National Centre (NNRK). “It is a transition, not a surrender. The movement now faces critical questions about future strategies, representation, and the role of self-defence in a region still dominated by state violence.”

The Kurdish movement now stands at a historic crossroads, facing both the opportunity for peaceful democratic transformation and the danger of renewed suppression. Whether this moment will be remembered as the beginning of peace or another missed opportunity will depend not just on Kurdish initiatives, but on how the Turkish state responds in the coming months.