The Kurdish Issue: A Common Cause for the Nation

Turkey is experiencing one of the most critical turning points in its history. The Kurdish issue, which some historians trace back to the early 19th century and which has, for over two centuries—albeit with interruptions—drained the country’s energy and inflicted deep social wounds, now appears to be on the verge of a permanent departure from the cycle of violence. This issue, which affects not only Turkey but the entire region in social, cultural, political, and economic dimensions, will undoubtedly continue to be discussed. However, the most decisive step toward its disarmament was taken in October 2024, when MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli made a historic call, reaching a critical milestone in February 2025 with PKK’s founding leader Abdullah Öcalan’s appeal to the organization to lay down arms and dissolve itself. Statements from the PKK side indicate that, barring major setbacks, this call will be heeded. It is evident that the process has been meticulously prepared behind the scenes. The reactions following Bahçeli’s public call suggest that the initiative has been widely accepted, demonstrating that the timing was appropriate and that the process has so far been managed with constructive rhetoric.

However, much of the debate in mainstream media and social media platforms has yet to fully grasp the long-term vision of this process. Narratives that fail to move beyond the language shaped since the PKK first began its actions make it difficult for the public to assess the meaning and objectives of this process within a healthy framework. This, in turn, creates an atmosphere of fear and distrust.

It must be stated clearly: Bahçeli’s historic call and his supporting statements, combined with Öcalan’s call for disarmament and dissolution, have been the clearest steps in revealing the vision of this process. The fundamental distinction between these two calls and other discussions lies in their transcendence of existing discourse patterns. In understanding this process correctly, the concept of “transcendence” is of vital importance. No conventional rhetoric could have had the power to secure broad social consensus and usher in a new era.

On one hand, a leading figure of Turkish nationalism takes the initiative by moving beyond past political discourses; on the other, the leader of an organization that has waged an armed struggle against the state for over 40 years nullifies the very reasons for the organization’s existence by calling for its disarmament and dissolution. This demonstrates that both sides have transcended the paradigms that defined them and are now exhibiting a new founding will. Yet, most discussions interpreting the process remain trapped within the narrow confines of old rhetorical frameworks. As a result, many groups attempting to make sense of the process either remain silent or observe developments with cautious optimism.

A problem that has persisted for more than two centuries—one that has cost tens of thousands of lives in the past 40 years alone and has exacted heavy political, social, economic, and cultural tolls—could only be resolved by transcending existing paradigms. The process we are witnessing today is precisely such a process.

The modern world is undergoing a profound transformation. On one side, a new techno-capitalist order shaped by artificial intelligence and digital technologies is emerging; on the other, the international system established after World War II is largely losing its functionality and collapsing. Although remnants of the old order persist, they have lost much of their former power. Within this weakened structure, the paradigm language built on the foundations of nation-states, ethnic-cultural identities, and ideological stances, as well as the methods employed to implement these paradigms, are proving insufficient in addressing new realities. To envision the future, it is now inevitable to move beyond these old narratives and methods and develop a broader, more inclusive perspective. The process unfolding in Turkey today bears the marks of this new understanding.

The main slogan of this process, “A Terror-Free Turkey,” which has been consistently emphasized by the political leadership, is becoming possible despite all our reservations and hesitations. The timing and conditions are ripe, and there is no viable alternative. However, what will make the most of this opportunity is the ability to transcend the entrenched narratives of a conflict-ridden history.

We must hold fast to the deep bonds and networks of solidarity that define us as a nation, that shape our essence, and that have never allowed us to be divided, even in the most intense periods of conflict and divisive movements. To move beyond the technical language of realpolitik, diplomacy, and military discourse—though such language remains necessary—we must fully open both our intellectual and emotional vision. Only such a perspective can free us from the captivity of technical rhetoric and gradually transform it into the language of the heart.

Think of the lives we have lost. The partisan language of hatred that emerges naturally in conflict has confined us to technical terms and statistics, preventing most of us from realizing that the lost lives—whether fallen as martyrs, neutralized as adversaries, or caught in the crossfire as victims of terrorism—were, in reality, our own children, whom we would have shielded from the slightest harm in any other circumstances.

Of course, everything will not turn into a paradise overnight. But with a liberated perspective, deep reflection, and painstaking effort, we will build a new climate. No one will deliver this climate to us on a silver platter; we must create it ourselves. First, we will renew our language. Then, we will unite fragmented emotions to create a shared national consciousness. This way, we will neutralize the seeds of discord that may be sown among us in the future. With patience, effort, foresight, and wisdom, we will rebuild our future. We will not allow our hopes to be crushed by our fears. By harmonizing individual and group interests with the greater good of the nation, we will shift our focus from temporary victories to lasting peace. Only then will the vision of the “Century of Turkey”—a vision even greater than itself—truly begin.