Akbar Novruz

After nearly five decades of armed insurgency, the PKK has
officially ended its armed struggle—a turning point not only for
Türkiye, but for the entire region. The symbolic arms-laying
ceremony held in Sulaymaniyah under the Kurdistan Regional
Government of Iraq, where 30 PKK members—15 women and 15 men—burned
their weapons, including Kalashnikovs, RPGs, and other military
hardware, signals the beginning of a long-awaited and potentially
transformative era. Among them was Besê Hozat, a senior figure and
co-chair of the KCK Executive Council.

The move came after a direct call from the PKK’s founding
leader, Abdullah Öcalan, and represents the first concrete step
toward closing one of the most violent chapters in Türkiye’s modern
history. With the guns silenced, attention is now turning to what
comes next—politically, economically, and socially.

A window for peace and development

This disarmament opens the door to a new Türkiye, one less
burdened by domestic terrorism and more capable of focusing on
economic development, reconciliation, and regional diplomacy. As it
is often stated, “A Türkiye free from terror.” The shift from
security-dominated politics to a broader agenda focused on social
peace and constructive dialogue marks a significant evolution in
national policy.

Türkiye, now free from the internal destabilization that plagued
it for decades, stands to gain enormously. Delayed infrastructure,
energy, and trade projects are expected to accelerate. As
terrorism-related risks decline, foreign investment could increase
and credit rating agencies may begin to reassess Türkiye’s economic
stability and growth potential more favorably. In effect, the
country’s long-tarnished image—colored by years of attacks and
political volatility—could transform into that of a secure and
promising market.

There’s also the potential for a reversal of the brain drain
that has long plagued Türkiye. Skilled professionals who once saw
no future at home may now reconsider returning, especially if
incentives and support are provided. The perception of Türkiye as a
place people leave behind could finally be replaced with a vision
of a country where young minds can thrive.

But peace on paper is not peace in practice. The success of this
transition hinges squarely on the political process—and on the
government’s willingness to engage with legitimate Kurdish
political demands. The disarmament is not the end of the story; it
is the beginning of a fragile and complex transition from violence
to dialogue.

At the heart of the matter lies the Turkish constitution, which
still defines every citizen as “Turk” regardless of ethnic or
cultural identity. This clause has long been a source of
contention, particularly for the Kurdish population, who see it as
a denial of their identity. Any discussion of autonomy, quotas, or
constitutional amendments will inevitably face stiff opposition
from nationalist segments of the political spectrum.

Nevertheless, a real political settlement is not optional; it is
essential. Without it, the risk of backsliding into violence
remains. The transformation of the PKK from a banned armed
organization into a political entity depends on whether legitimate
grievances can be addressed within the framework of law and
democratic norms. In this context, the role of the DEM (Democracy
and Peoples’ Equality Party) becomes critical. Their political
maneuvering, outreach, and ability to channel Kurdish aspirations
into peaceful reform could define the outcome of this transitional
phase.

Regional dynamics

Regional developments, especially in Syria, will also play a
pivotal role. If Syrian Kurds are able to reach a stable agreement
with the emerging authorities in Damascus, that could ease concerns
in Ankara and reduce cross-border tensions. Conversely, instability
in northern Syria could once again provide fertile ground for armed
groups to resurface, undermining progress made domestically.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has consistently emphasized the
need for a new constitution—one that could, theoretically, lay the
groundwork for addressing not only the Kurdish issue but also
broader governance challenges. If the promise of such reform
materializes, Türkiye could emerge as a stronger, more unified
republic. But if it stalls, or worse, is derailed by populist
nationalism, the consequences could be severe.

The PKK’s disarmament is both a victory for peace and a
cautionary milestone. It offers a unique opportunity to build a
better, more inclusive Türkiye. But it also demands political
maturity, legal reform, and an honest reckoning with the past. The
fight may be over, but the work is only just beginning.

The burden of proof now lies with politics. The possibilities
are limitless. While the main focus was to enter a transitional
phase, it has now occurred. We should praise this progression.
However, caution is necessary in all forms.