The ceasefire announced by the PKK has elicited a mix of skepticism and cautious hope among Turkish Kurds, particularly in Diyarbakir. Many residents recall negative experiences from previous peace attempts, leading to distrust in the Turkish government. Observers note significant pressure for disarmament and the potential for a shift in the peace process, especially in the context of reactions from Kurdish communities in Iraq.
Turkey’s recent declaration of a ceasefire by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has generated a wave of emotions across the Kurdish-majority regions of Turkey and northern Iraq. Despite the symbolic nature of this ceasefire, many Kurds remain skeptical about the Turkish government’s commitment to lasting peace. In Diyarbakir, a city that has historically borne the brunt of the conflict, residents express distrust, recalling past failed peace processes.
One resident, Turkan Duman, highlighted the lingering pain of losses from previous conflicts, stating, “We do not trust them; they said the same things before, nothing has changed.” Duman’s tragic personal history includes her son serving a lengthy prison sentence for PKK affiliation. Others in the community share similar sentiments of caution and doubt regarding the government’s sincerity in pursuing peace.
Kiymet Soresoglu, another member of the Peace Mothers’ Association, voiced concerns about potential governmental manipulation of the ceasefire, saying, “Of course, we want peace to be established. We are afraid because they make plans or (could) play a trick.” This collective skepticism underscores a deep-rooted wariness among those who have suffered through decades of conflict.
The long-standing conflict, which erupted in 1984, has resulted in a staggering death toll of tens of thousands, with the International Crisis Group estimating 7,152 fatalities since the last resurgence of violence in July 2015. These numbers include a diverse range of casualties, from civilians to security forces and PKK militants. As the PKK leader, Abdullah Ocalan, recently called for disarmament, some experts believe this may indicate a genuine shift towards peace.
Observations from Vahap Coskun, a law lecturer, suggest that this movement towards disarmament is unprecedented, asserting, “A very high threshold has been crossed in terms of disarmament.” This sentiment of cautious optimism extends to Kurdish communities in Iraq, particularly in Sulaymaniyah, where locals celebrated the ceasefire as a potentially transformative moment in the peace process.
The ceasefire declaration by the PKK represents a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict between Kurdish militants and the Turkish state. While some Kurds remain hopeful for a new chapter of peace, many express a profound distrust of the Turkish government’s intentions based on historical precedents. The combined voices of those affected by the decades of struggle reflect the complex realities faced by both communities amidst this turbulent period.
Original Source: apnews.com
