Turkey Holds Rare Peace Talks With Jailed Kurdish Leader Abdullah Ocalan

A Turkish parliamentary delegation held rare talks with Abdullah Ocalan on Monday. The meeting took place on the prison island of Imrali near Istanbul. This is a significant step in a new peace initiative.

FILE – Youngsters hold a photograph of the jailed leader of the rebel Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, Abdullah Ocalan as they gather to watch live on a tv screen a Pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party, or DEM, delegation members releasing an statement from Ocalan, in Diyarbakir, Turkey, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Metin Yoksu, File)

The discussions centered on the PKK’s recent decision to disband. According to Reuters, the goal is to end a decades-long conflict that has claimed thousands of lives.

Focus on Disarmament and Regional Stability

Ocalan is the founder of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). The PKK is designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the US, and the EU. Its insurgency began in 1984, initially seeking an independent Kurdish state.

The meeting lasted for five hours. It focused on implementing a March 10 agreement involving Kurdish forces in Syria. Turkey views these forces as an extension of the PKK and a security threat.

A Broader Push for Lasting Peace

This meeting signals a serious effort to revive stalled peace efforts. Previous attempts, most recently in 2015, collapsed. Ocalan remains a highly influential figure who can sway militant actions.

The PKK began a symbolic disarmament process in May. This followed a direct call from Ocalan. The group has since announced it is withdrawing its remaining forces from Turkey to Iraq.

This high-level meeting marks a pivotal moment for regional stability. The direct engagement with Ocalan underscores a renewed commitment to ending the conflict. The path to a final PKK disarmament remains complex but now appears more open than ever.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is Abdullah Ocalan?

Abdullah Ocalan is the founding leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). He has been imprisoned in Turkey since 1999. He remains a key ideological figure for the Kurdish movement.

What is the PKK?

The PKK is a Kurdish militant and political organization. It launched an armed campaign against Turkey in 1984. It is considered a terrorist group by Turkey, the US, and European Union.

Why is this meeting significant?

The meeting is rare and indicates a serious government-led peace effort. Ocalan’s influence is seen as crucial for the PKK’s disarmament. It aims to build on the group’s recent pledge to disband.

What was the main topic of the talks?

Talks focused on the PKK laying down its arms. They also addressed integrating Kurdish-led forces in Syria into a national army. This is part of a broader regional security agreement.

Have there been previous peace attempts?

Yes, several peace processes have failed in the past. The most recent collapse occurred in 2015, leading to a resurgence of violence. This new dialogue attempts to learn from past failures.