The decades-long conflict between the Turkish government and the armed Kurdish group PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party) may finally be coming to an end.

On Thursday PKK founder and imprisoned leader Abdullah Öcalan called for disarmament, marking a potential turning point in a conflict that has claimed over 40,000 lives since 1984.

This move is being seen as a major success for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Although doubts remain about whether all PKK fighters will surrender their weapons.

News of Öcalan’s call for disarmament spread quickly, leading to celebrations among many Kurds, particularly in Diyarbakır where hundreds gathered in front of the HDP (Peoples’ Democratic Party) office.

The decision is not just significant for Turkey and the Kurds, but for the entire Middle East, as it sends a strong message about ending armed conflicts in the region.

Armed struggle between the PKK and Turkey began in 1984. While the group initially fought for an independent Kurdish state, it later shifted its demands to autonomy within Turkey.

Turkish government has been trying to reach a peace agreement with PKK for over a decade. But previous efforts had repeatedly collapsed. Now with Öcalan’s latest declaration there renewed hope for an end to the bloodshed.

If peace achieved it could also pave the way for Öcalan’s release from prison. Where he has been serving a life sentence since 1999. This has fueled optimism among Kurds, not only in Turkey but also in Iraq and Syria. Where Kurdish communities have held rallies in support of the announcement.

While many Kurds have welcomed Öcalan’s decision, Turkish society remains deeply divided over the issue. Many families who lost loved ones in PKK attacks do not support a peace deal.

A father who lost his son in 1993 expressed his anger: “My son ambushed and killed by PKK terrorists. I don’t believe they will simply lay down their arms because Öcalan said so. He is a murderer. Releasing him would be an injustice.”

PKK listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union. However, Öcalan has remained a key figure behind the scenes, influencing the group’s actions even from prison.

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While Öcalan’s announcement is a historic moment, it remains unclear whether all PKK fighters will follow his orders. If disarmament does take place it could reshape Turkey’s political landscape. And bring a new era of negotiations regarding Kurdish rights. However, many remain skeptical, fearing that the cycle of violence may not end so easily.