Kurds in Diyarbakir express cautious optimism regarding the recent ceasefire between Turkey and the PKK, reflecting on decades of conflict. A former PKK fighter advocates for democratic reforms rather than armed struggle as the group shifts focus to cultural rights for Kurds. Despite ongoing military operations by Turkey, the potential for a lasting peace remains a key concern for local communities amidst historical wounds.
The recent call for a ceasefire between the Turkish government and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has instilled cautious optimism among Kurds, particularly in the historically significant city of Diyarbakir. Ramazan Tunç, a local, highlights the visible impact of decades of conflict, noting scars on buildings from bullets and the transformation of the city into a labyrinth due to the influx of families displaced by violence. The hope now is that this ceasefire may mark a new chapter for the region.
A former PKK fighter, who chose to remain anonymous, elucidates on his reasons for joining the insurgency as a teenager after witnessing the torture of his relatives by security forces. He advocates for a democratic society and a vibrant civil movement, acknowledging the evolving context wherein the PKK’s ambitions have shifted from territorial gains to the pursuit of cultural and political rights for Kurds in Turkey, such as the establishment of Kurdish-language schools.
Despite the PKK being designated a terrorist organization by the US and EU, there exists a belief, echoed by the former fighter, that the time has come for a new approach. This perspective aligns with a recent call for a ceasefire from PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan and signals a potential departure from armed struggle towards a focus on democratic reformation within Turkey.
The city of Sur, which has faced severe destruction during past conflicts, has undergone reconstruction. However, Tunç criticizes the new structures as being devoid of Kurdish cultural identity, resembling jails rather than homes. He expresses concern that this erasure of memory may hinder future generations from remembering their history.
As the PKK retreats to mountainous strongholds in northern Iraq, the Turkish government continues its military operations, including airstrikes targeting PKK positions. Researcher Aras Yussef reflects the sentiment in northeastern Syria, suggesting that a ceasefire would eliminate Turkey’s justification for attacks in Kurdish areas. Analysts, such as Soner Çağaptay, note that pressure from US military leaders may have influenced Kurdish militias to accept Turkish conditions for a ceasefire, foreseeing their vulnerability once US support diminishes.
The Kurdish coalition continues to navigate a complicated political landscape, recently agreeing to integrate into Syria’s rising central government. Amid these developments, Turkish officials, including National Defense Ministry spokesperson Zeki Akturk, reaffirm their commitment to military action against perceived terrorist threats, indicating an ongoing tension between aspirations for peace and the realities of conflict.
The situation regarding the ceasefire between Turkey and the PKK presents a complex interplay of hope, tension, and historical context. While Kurds express cautious optimism for future peace and democracy, significant challenges remain, including military operations, demands for political recognition, and the erasure of cultural heritage. The trajectory of this evolving conflict will depend on sustained dialogue and the political landscape in Syria and Turkey.
Original Source: theworld.org
