In what is being described as a historic turning point for the Kurdish movement and Turkish politics, members of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) have begun surrendering their weapons in the city of Sulaymaniyah, located in northern Iraq. The disarmament, currently underway, follows a decision made by the organization in response to a public appeal from its imprisoned leader, Abdullah Öcalan.

The first group of PKK members laid down their arms at around 11 a.m., marking the beginning of a process that could bring an end to nearly five decades of armed conflict. The event was attended by a delegation from the pro-Kurdish People’s Equality and Democracy Party (DEM), signaling political support for this pivotal moment.

Weapons to Be Symbolically Destroyed

According to CNN Türk journalist Ümit Uzun, some of the surrendered weapons will be symbolically destroyed—reportedly by being burned in a large cauldron—as a gesture to reinforce trust in the disarmament process. This symbolic act is expected to underline the PKK’s commitment to non-violence and political engagement.

The disarmament comes in the wake of a rare video message from Abdullah Öcalan, his first public statement in 26 years. In his message, he declared that the PKK has “abandoned the goal of a nation-state” and emphasized a shift from armed struggle to democratic political participation.

Abdullah Ocalan, the jailed leader of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), is seen with the other jailed PKK members Hamili Yildirim, Veysi Aktas, Ergin Atabey, Mahmut Yamalak, Zeki Bayhan and Omer Hayri Konar in the prison island of Imrali, Turkey, in this undated picture released July 9, 2025. Mezopotamya News Agency/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. TURKEY OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN TURKEY. QUALITY FROM SOURCE

“We believe in the power of politics and social peace, not weapons,” Öcalan said, urging all PKK members to put this belief into action. He also stated that recent developments in the region highlight the urgency and significance of this historic step.

A New Chapter in Turkish-Kurdish Relations

Speaking in Ankara, DEM spokesperson Ayşegül Doğan described the moment as “historic,” potentially shaping the “second century” of modern Turkey. Referring to Öcalan’s message, she said: “The call is clear: the guns must fall silent completely. In 1993, the process was left unfinished. Today, we are opening a new chapter focused on expanding political space and ending the violence once and for all. This must not remain incomplete.”

Öcalan also acknowledged the importance of the ongoing peace talks held on İmralı Island, where he has been imprisoned since 1999. According to him, these discussions have been conducted with full respect for the principle of free will.

Political Reform and Legal Mechanisms to Follow

Öcalan further called for the establishment of a parliamentary committee that would facilitate legislative reforms needed to support a peaceful resolution to the Kurdish issue. “What has been done is a voluntary transition from armed struggle to democratic politics and rule of law. This is not a loss—it is a historic achievement,” he said.

He concluded by highlighting the interconnectedness of individual and societal freedom. “Personal liberty cannot be seen in isolation. A society is only as free as its individuals, and individuals can only be free when society is free.”