Dissolution of the Terrorist Organization PKK

The 12th Congress and Dissolution Decision of the PKK is the process encompassing the decisions made at the extraordinary congress of the terrorist organization PKK, held between 5 and 7 May 2025, to disband and lay down arms. At the congress, a decision was taken to terminate the organization’s structural framework and end its armed struggle. On 12 May 2025, a final statement was published, disclosing details regarding the dissolution and disbandment process to the public.

_{DEM Parti Sözcüsü Ayşegül Doğan, Partisinin Genel Merkezinde Düzenlediği Basın Toplantısında, 9 Mayıs 2025 - Anadolu Ajansı}

DEM Party Spokesperson Ayşegül Doğan made statements on 9 May 2025 during a press conference held at the party’s headquarters in Ankara, offering assessments on the PKK’s congress process. Doğan emphasized that the announcement of the congress itself was “a matter of timing,” drawing attention to its significance: “The fact that the PKK has announced its congress is a matter of timing. It could have announced the convening at any moment. [...] We await this historic decision and step with the utmost seriousness and importance. What follows this step will also be crucial.”

In the continuation of her statement, Doğan highlighted the political consequences and social implications of the process, stating: “We are ready for a democratic Türkiye. We are prepared to fulfill all our responsibilities with courage, determination, and sacrifice to realize a Türkiye where an equal, just, and lasting peace allows everyone to breathe together.”

DEM Party Van Member of Parliament Pervin Buldan made statements to journalists during a condolence program held in Adıyaman on 9 May 2025 for TBMM Deputy Speaker and Istanbul Member of Parliament Sırrı Süreyya Önder, who passed away due to heart complications. In her remarks, Buldan stated regarding the PKK’s congress: “According to the PKK’s announcement, it has convened its congress and will provide detailed information in the coming days. The mere convening of the congress must be understood as a sign of the importance and contribution it has assigned to this process.”

In her statement, Pervin Buldan added: “From now on, the foundational stones of peace will be laid. Türkiye will enter the peace process and democratization process with far greater preparedness and in a fundamentally different way. Now the priority is taking steps toward democratization, which is of course very important. We believe in this process and trust it. We sincerely believe that peace will come to Türkiye. We will continue our struggle for this.”

Following the PKK’s congress held between 5 and 7 May 2025, the DEM Party Central Executive Board issued a public statement on 9 May 2025. The statement addressed various themes in the context of the process’s place in Türkiye’s political history and the expectations surrounding it. The full text reads as follows:

“Our Central Executive Board’s statement:

Today we are witnessing a historic moment on one of the most important and critical thresholds of Türkiye’s recent history.

1. With the historic decisions of the PKK’s congress, we have taken another step toward the horizon of peace after fifty years of conflict. This step marks the renewal and development of peace and democratic politics, long yearned for on our ancestral lands.

2. First and foremost, we deeply honor all those who lost their lives during the prolonged period of conflict. The color, language, and identity of grief have no meaning—decades of suffering have shown us this. Today, the tears of Turks, Kurds, Circassians, Arabs, Alevis, Sunnis, and all identities and beliefs have converged into the same sea. We carry our shared sorrow in our hearts; we will safeguard the memory of all we have lost as a sacred trust and build our common future together.

3. Now is the time to place the shared and equal will to live above all else. This is the era to deeply believe in a democratic society, free politics, and universal law, and to work and take steps toward democratization. No young person must ever again fall to the earth, whether in the mountains or in the cities. From now on, in this country, the voice of politics must rise, not denial or weapons; the voice of democratic and social reconciliation, not division; the voice of living together and equally must prevail.

4. A new chapter is opening on the path of dignified peace and democratic resolution. As the DEM Party, we believe that after this historic turning point, all democratic political institutions, beginning with the TBMM, must assume responsibility for resolving the Kurdish issue and achieving genuine democratization in Türkiye.

Now the voice of democracy and justice must rise. The historic duty before Parliament to build social peace is sacred and cannot be overshadowed by any political calculation. Our most fundamental responsibility today is to jointly establish the legal and institutional foundations that will transform this historic step into lasting peace.

5. At this historic moment, the executive’s fulfillment of its historic responsibility to seize the opportunity to build Türkiye’s democratic future will guarantee peace.

6. We extend our gratitude to Mr. Abdullah Öcalan, who has assumed historic responsibility for this process; to the people of Türkiye, who have paid the price of peace with their lives, their children, and their tears; to Mr. Devlet Bahçeli, who supported the will for resolution; and to President Mr. Erdoğan and opposition leader Mr. Özgür Özel, along with all other opposition leaders who have approached the process positively.

For this process to succeed, it is our duty—our political institutions, civil society organizations, and above all, each of our 85 million citizens—to protect, build, and secure peace today for the future. We wish for Türkiye’s peace to be a source of hope for the Middle East and inspiration for the world.

7. As the DEM Party, we give a sacred promise to the peoples of Mesopotamia and Anatolia: we will not shy away from confronting reality or establishing justice. We will never permit any action that insults the spirits of our lost, any rhetoric that undermines the process, or any act that severs the path to peace. We will be unwavering defenders and bearers of equal citizenship, democratic politics, and peace.

8. Today we carry the weight of a great hope and a profound historical responsibility. This is not an end, but a new beginning. We conclude this statement by honoring our beloved comrade Sırrı Süreyya Önder, who devoted his life to peace and the brotherhood of peoples, whose heart always beat alongside the oppressed.

We will surely bring the light of peace and brotherhood to these lands.

DEM Party Central Executive Board

9 May 2025

Following the announcement of the PKK’s 12th Congress, the first statement from the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) was made by TBMM Deputy Speaker and MHP Istanbul Member of Parliament Celal Adan. Adan characterized the process as “the closure of the era of blood and hatred.”

In the statement published on social media, Adan stated: “Thanks to the iron will and wise leadership of our leader Mr. Devlet Bahçeli, our deepest wound has been healed and the era of blood and hatred has come to an end.”

The statement further noted that the process marks a significant stage toward the goal of a “Terrorsüz Türkiye” and added: “Those who sow discord and serve imperialism have lost; the Turkish nation has won. May our thousand-year brotherhood endure. May our leader live forever.”

According to MHP sources, the process unfolded following the call made by Abdullah Öcalan on 27 February 2025, and that the organization subsequently adopted decisions to lay down arms and disband, as confirmed by the PKK’s dissolution decision. According to MHP, the PKK convened its congress last week and adopted these decisions.

In its outcome statement issued on 12 May 2025, the PKK announced that it had held its Extraordinary 12th Congress between 5 and 7 May and decided to dissolve the organization and end its armed struggle. The statement included the following: “Having decided to dissolve its organizational structure and terminate its armed struggle method, the PKK has concluded all activities carried out under its name.”

It was stated that the decisions taken at the congress constitute a continuation of the process initiated by Abdullah Öcalan’s call on 27 February 2025. In this context, the statement read: “The process initiated by Abdullah Öcalan’s statement of 27 February, through his multifaceted efforts and diverse perspectives, was completed by our 12th Party Congress convened between 5 and 7 May [...]”.

The statement indicated that the congress was held simultaneously across four different areas with the participation of a total of 232 delegates. According to the PKK’s announcement, the dissolution process will consist of three stages. In the first stage, all weapons and ammunition belonging to the organization and its affiliated branches are planned to be surrendered to designated centers in Iraq and Syria. The statement on this stage reads: “All weapons and ammunition belonging to the organization and its affiliated branches will be surrendered to designated centers in Iraq and Syria. The number of weapons and ammunition at these locations will be cross-checked with data obtained from intelligence reports. During this stage, every step taken by the organization will be monitored and reported.”

In the second stage, the withdrawal of mountain-based cadres is planned, and in the third stage, actions are foreseen according to the positions of organization members. The statement specifies that individuals who have committed crimes and resisted the state will be brought to trial, while those constituting the organization’s top leadership will remain under state supervision “in a third country designated by the state.” It was also stated that certain elements not involved in armed activities but linked to the organization will be relocated to third countries as part of the demobilization plan.

It was announced that the PKK’s financial and logistical infrastructure in Europe will also be dismantled. The statement noted that overseas assets linked to the organization will be distributed and that individuals “not involved in crimes such as drug trafficking or arms smuggling” will be allowed to continue their lives in third countries.

In the evaluation section of the final statement, the significance of the congress decisions was expressed as follows: “The Extraordinary 12th Congress of the PKK has brought the Kurdish issue to the point of resolution through democratic politics, thereby fulfilling the historical mission of the PKK.”

Following the PKK’s 12 May 2025 outcome statement announcing its dissolution and abandonment of armed struggle, AK Party Spokesperson Ömer Çelik and AK Party Deputy Chairman Efkan Ala made statements regarding the process.

In his statement, Ömer Çelik emphasized that the decisions must be evaluated in the context of the “Terörsüz Türkiye” objective. He stated: “The PKK’s decision to dissolve itself and lay down arms following the call from Imralı is a significant step toward the goal of a Terörsüz Türkiye.”

Regarding the feasibility of the decision, Çelik said: “This decision must be implemented in practice and realized in all its dimensions,” emphasizing that the organization must be dismantled in its entirety. In the same statement, he added: “The concrete and complete implementation of the dissolution and disarmament decision, covering all branches and illegal structures of the PKK, will be a turning point.”

On the political impact of the decision, Çelik stated: “Political dialogue channels will operate at their strongest capacity, starting with the Turkish Grand National Assembly, across all legitimate political platforms,” and affirmed that the process would be closely monitored by state institutions “on the ground with meticulous care.”

AK Party Deputy Chairman Efkan Ala, in a written statement on 12 May 2025, said regarding the dissolution and disarmament decision: “The terrorist organization has decided to lay down arms and dissolve itself.” Regarding the technical implementation of the process, he stated: “We have entered an important stage in ending and dismantling illegal structures.” Ala, referring to executive authority, added: “Mechanisms for implementing the work and managing the process will be operated as required.”

Both officials noted in their statements that the process was being carried out in accordance with the wills of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli; Ala expressed this as: “We are moving resolutely toward the goal of a Terörsüz Türkiye, as determined by our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Mr. Devlet Bahçeli.”

On 12 May 2025, following the Presidential Cabinet Meeting, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made remarks evaluating the PKK’s dissolution decision and the ongoing process. He stated: “We are moving forward with firm steps, overcoming obstacles to our goal of a Terörsüz Türkiye, breaking prejudices, and dismantling traps of discord and provocation.”

_{Cumhurbaşkanı Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, 12 Mayıs 2025 - Anadolu Ajansı}

Erdoğan noted that the terrorist organization had announced its decision to dissolve and that this decision was regarded as important for “the security of the country, the eternal brotherhood of the nation, and the peace of the region.” He assessed this decision not as limited to Northern Iraq but as “a decision encompassing all extensions of the organization, including Syria and Europe.” Erdoğan emphasized that the process would be monitored across its political, security, and social dimensions.

The President stated that with this decision, a new era had begun: “With the complete removal of terrorism and violence, a new process has opened in all areas, beginning with strengthening the democratic capacity of politics.” He noted that imperialist plans had been disrupted and that terrorism had been stripped of its role as a dagger turned against brotherhood. At this point, he declared: “The winning nation, our homeland, and all our brothers in the region will be the beneficiaries.”

Erdoğan stated that the process would be closely monitored by intelligence and security institutions. “Our Intelligence Organization and other units will follow the subsequent phase with great vigilance to prevent any misstep and ensure that promises are honored,” he said. He also affirmed that the state would continue to monitor the process “with state wisdom and seriousness.”

In the continuation of his speech, he emphasized national unity and citizenship, stating: “Although our origins, cultures, and beliefs differ, we are all first-class citizens of the Republic of Türkiye.” He asserted that no power could set back Türkiye as long as it acted in unity, saying: “If we elevate this sense of solidarity, shared destiny, and brotherhood, with God’s help, no force will be able to bend the will of Türkiye.”

President Erdoğan thanked individuals and groups who contributed to the process, particularly MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli and other political actors. He said: “I thank all party chairpersons, political parties, media representatives, and everyone who contributed, especially our alliance partner MHP Chairman Mr. Devlet Bahçeli, who has sincerely supported the Terörsüz Türkiye initiative from day one.”

In concluding his remarks, Erdoğan expressed the hope that the losses and suffering of the past would never be repeated. “With the self-dissolution of the organization and its disarmament, the days when fires were lit in hearths almost every day for decades are now behind us,” he said. He emphasized that this process marks a turning point for the families of martyrs, the wounded, security forces, mothers of Diyarbakır, and all victims of terrorism.

On 12 May 2025, following the Turkey-Jordan-Syria Foreign Ministers’ Trilateral Meeting in Ankara, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan made a press statement evaluating the PKK’s decision to dissolve and disarm. Minister Fidan described the decision as “a historic and significant one” and emphasized that the process would be closely monitored.

Regarding the scope of the decision, Fidan said: “The decision taken by the PKK is, in my view, historic and significant. Particularly in terms of establishing lasting peace and stability in our region, I consider this decision very important.”

The statement emphasized that merely announcing the decision would not be sufficient; it must be implemented in practice. Fidan said: “I believe that if this decision is implemented sincerely and effectively addresses other concerns, it will be a highly beneficial decision for our future, our citizens, and everyone.” He indicated that careful attention would be paid to monitoring the decision and its practical implementation.

The Foreign Minister also identified key actors in the political and social context, stating: “Mr. Devlet Bahçeli made a historic call on this matter; our President demonstrated a very strong will. The organization has now given a positive response on this issue. DEM has presented its work; there are comrades who have contributed.”

On 12 May 2025, MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli issued a written statement regarding the PKK’s decision to dissolve and disarm. Bahçeli assessed the significance of the decision within the context of Türkiye’s political and historical trajectory, directly linking it to the Presidential Government System. He stated: “The Presidential Government System is the third phase of the Republic of Türkiye. The dissolution of the terrorist organization is the first goal achieved in the new century.”

Bahçeli noted that the PKK’s 12th Congress, held between 5 and 7 May 2025, had convened in accordance with the 27 February 2025 Imralı statement and that the congress had adopted decisions to abandon armed struggle and terminate its organizational existence. Concluding the process, he said: “Thus, the PKK calamity will end; I hope and wish that the bloody page written with betrayal over 47 years will close forever and never be reopened.”

Bahçeli emphasized Türkiye’s unity and integrity, noting that despite the PKK’s activities, the Turkish and Kurdish peoples have lived together with mutual respect, friendship, and loyalty. He stressed that no individual of the Turkish nation has ever been viewed as foreign or alien and that the state has never pursued policies of assimilation or denial. He continued: “This country belongs to all of us; the honor and dignity of everyone living on this homeland is at stake.”

In his statement, Bahçeli also highlighted the need to address various technical questions regarding the disarmament process, including where, when, and under what conditions weapons will be surrendered; the classification of transitions and militants; the status of relations with PYD/YPG; legal measures to be taken against organization cadres; and legislative steps necessary to strengthen civilian politics. In this context, he assessed: “The framework and structure for strategic and legal steps must be addressed separately and implemented in accordance with collective and conscientious consensus.”

In later sections of the statement, Bahçeli emphasized that the new era initiated by the PKK’s dissolution must establish a lasting climate of peace and tranquility. He called for distancing from ideological polarization, cheap political polemics, and conflict dynamics. He declared: “The torch of a Terörsüz Türkiye has been lit.”

In his statement, Bahçeli also listed individuals and institutions that contributed to the process, including President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, MHP and AK Party organizations, the Turkish Armed Forces, Abdullah Öcalan, DEM Party officials, and “every patriot who stands for peace.” He underscored that this process marks one of the pivotal turning points in Türkiye’s political history.

The 12th Congress and dissolution decision of the PKK terrorist organization refers to the extraordinary congress held between 5–7 May 2025, during which the group decided to terminate its armed struggle and dismantle its organizational structure. The final declaration issued on 12 May 2025 publicly announced these decisions. This declaration was the result of a broader political process shaped by leadership calls and multi-actor engagement, including national political figures and institutions.

On 9 May 2025, DEM Party Spokesperson Ayşegül Doğan held a press conference at the party's headquarters in Ankara. She remarked that the PKK’s announcement of convening a congress was imminent and characterized the forthcoming decision as historically significant. She added that the party was ready to shoulder political responsibility in building a democratic and peaceful Türkiye.

On the same day in Adıyaman, DEM Party MP Pervin Buldan confirmed that the PKK had convened its congress and stated that detailed announcements would follow in the coming days. She emphasized that the very act of holding the congress should be seen as a reflection of the group’s commitment to the process and its importance as a step toward peace.

In an eight-article public statement issued on 9 May 2025, the DEM Party Central Executive Committee emphasized that the PKK’s congress decisions represented a historic turning point for Türkiye. Key points of the declaration included:

• A transition from decades of conflict toward the prospect of peace and democratic politics.
• Commemoration of all lives lost during the prolonged conflict and recognition of shared suffering across all communities.
• A call for a new era prioritizing democratic coexistence, political dialogue, and legal reforms.
• A demand for the Turkish Grand National Assembly and executive authorities to fulfill their responsibilities in constructing a lasting peace.
• Acknowledgment of the roles played by Abdullah Öcalan, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli, and opposition leader Özgür Özel in facilitating the process.

In the final declaration released on 12 May 2025, the PKK terrorist organization announced that it had convened its 12th Congress between 5–7 May and decided to dissolve its organization and end the armed struggle. The declaration stated that these decisions were part of a broader process initiated by Abdullah Öcalan’s public call on 27 February 2025.

The congress was reportedly held simultaneously in four locations, with 232 delegates in total. The dissolution and disarmament process was outlined in three stages:

1. Weapon Surrender: All weapons and ammunition possessed by the organization and its affiliates would be delivered to designated centers in Iraq and Syria. The numbers would be verified against intelligence reports, and each step would be documented.
2. Demobilization of Armed Units: Combatants would be removed from the mountains and their status assessed for legal or procedural action.
3. Disbanding Foreign Structures: The PKK's financial and logistical structures in Europe would be dismantled, and individuals not involved in criminal activities would be relocated to third countries.

Celal Adan, Deputy Speaker of the Grand National Assembly and MHP MP, responded by describing the process as “the end of the era of blood and hatred.” According to MHP, the dissolution decision followed Abdullah Öcalan’s call on 27 February and was seen as a critical step toward a “Terror-Free Türkiye”.

MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli linked the PKK’s decision to the governance system in Türkiye, describing the dissolution as a realized milestone of the presidential system. He stressed the need to address technical aspects, including the logistics of disarmament, classification of militants, the status of PYD/YPG, and necessary legal measures for post-conflict integration. Bahçeli called for a political consensus and warned against ideological polarization.

AK Party Spokesperson Ömer Çelik considered the decisions a significant milestone for the goal of a “Terror-Free Türkiye,” emphasizing the need for complete and verifiable implementation. AK Party Deputy Chairman Efkan Ala referred to the development as an important step in dismantling illegal structures, adding that mechanisms for process management would be activated as needed.

Both officials highlighted the leadership of President Erdoğan and MHP Chair Bahçeli in directing the process.

In his 12 May 2025 address following a cabinet meeting, President Erdoğan welcomed the decision, describing it as vital for national security and regional peace. He stated that the process would be closely monitored by intelligence and security agencies and that its success would open new opportunities for enhancing democratic capacity. Erdoğan emphasized national unity and thanked his coalition partner Bahçeli and other stakeholders for their contributions. He also paid tribute to the victims of past violence, calling the development a turning point for their families and communities.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, during a joint press conference following the Türkiye-Jordan-Syria trilateral meeting on 12 May 2025, characterized the PKK’s announcement as “historic and important.” He stressed the need for genuine implementation and close monitoring of the process. Fidan acknowledged the roles of Devlet Bahçeli, President Erdoğan, and the DEM Party, among others, in facilitating the decision.

DEM Party spokesperson Ayşegül Doğan announced at a press conference held in Ankara on 9 July 2025 the date and location of the disarmament of the terrorist organization PKK. According to Doğan’s statement, the PKK will begin its disarmament process on 11 July 2025. It was stated that the disarmament activities will take place in the city of Sulaymaniyah in Iraq.

_{DEM Parti Sözcüsü Ayşegül Doğan, 9 Temmuz 2025 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

The statement confirmed that the DEM Party will directly witness this process. Doğan declared, "We are at a historic threshold," announcing that they would be present in Sulaymaniyah to observe the moment of disarmament. It was further stated that following the decision by the terrorist organization PKK to end its armed struggle, a new era has begun and political responsibilities have gained importance.

On the same day, it was announced that Abdullah Öcalan had released a video message directed at the terrorist organization. In the message, it was stated that the PKK had abandoned its "state-centric objectives" and voluntarily decided to "lay down its arms" in accordance with this shift. Öcalan’s statement emphasized that this process must be overseen by a commission to be established within the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye.

DEM Party officials stated that the disarmament ceremony scheduled for 11 July 2025 in Sulaymaniyah will mark the beginning of the process.

On 11 July 2025, the first disarmament activity related to the PKK’s disarmament process took place in the city of Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. Members of the PKK, gathered in a cave within the Surdas subdistrict of Sulaymaniyah, transported their weapons to the designated surrender site to initiate the process. The surrendered weapons were destroyed in a large cauldron burning at high temperature.

_{A group from the terrorist organization PKK destroyed weapons in the city of Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, on July 11, 2025 — (Anadolu Agency)}

The group participating in the surrender operation consisted of 30 individuals, including 15 women. Following the weapon surrender, a PKK official made statements in both Turkish and Kurdish at the site.

Representatives of the National Intelligence Organization (MİT), Iraqi official authorities, representatives of the Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government, members of the DEM Party, representatives of various civil society organizations, and media personnel were present at the location where the disarmament activity occurred. Security coordination for the process was carried out by Iraqi and Kurdistan Regional Government security forces.

The disarmament process is planned to continue in subsequent days in various regions of Iraq, with groups surrendering weapons in stages. The destruction of surrendered weapons was conducted in accordance with established protocols and under official recordkeeping.

_{A group from the terrorist organizationPKKdestroyed its weapons in the city of Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, on 11 July 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)}

On 11 July 2025, MHP General Chairman Devlet Bahçeli stated in a written declaration that Türkiye had reached the stage of overcoming a terrorist threat it had faced for nearly fifty years. Bahçeli noted that the PKK had begun surrendering its weapons in groups and described this as a historic development.

Bahçeli emphasized that the process signified the closing of a dark chapter and stated that once the surrender operations are completed according to the established schedule, painful memories will be left behind. He underscored the beginning of a new era for Türkiye and its neighboring regions. In his statement, he affirmed that the goal of a Terörsüz Türkiye had been adopted as state policy by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the government, and that the Nationalist Movement Party and the People’s Alliance had maintained their political commitment to this objective.

On the same day, AK Party Deputy General Chairman and Party Spokesperson Ömer Çelik stated that the first phase of the PKK’s disarmament process had been successfully completed. Çelik declared that Türkiye had crossed a critical threshold in its pursuit of the Terörsüz Türkiye goal.

Çelik emphasized that the calls issued by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and MHP General Chairman Devlet Bahçeli had been decisive in advancing the process. He explained that state institutions had managed the process through diplomacy, intelligence, and security efforts. He noted that all political parties in Parliament and the DEM Party had contributed to the process and that these contributions would be formalized through parliamentary will. Çelik stressed that the surrender and destruction of weapons must be completed swiftly.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, during a speech at the AK Party’s 32nd Consultation and Evaluation Meeting held on 12 July 2025 in Kızılcahamam, Ankara, made significant assessments regarding the PKK’s disarmament process. The meeting was held under the theme “Leadership Beyond Borders with the Power of the Nation.”

_{President and AK Party General Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at his party's 32nd Consultation and Evaluation Meeting in Kızılcahamam, 12 July 2025 - (Anadolu Agency)}

Erdoğan said, “Today we are witnessing the dawn of a great and strong Türkiye. Now we will sit down and talk. Not with weapons or violence, not to fight, but to converse in friendship and brotherhood, removing the terror barrier between us and speaking face to face, heart to heart.” The President noted that the terrorist organization PKK had convened its congress at the call of İmralı and declared its own dissolution, adding, “Yesterday the organization implemented its decision, notably by holding a ceremony to lay down its arms. As of yesterday, the 47-year terror scourge has entered the process of coming to an end. Türkiye has begun closing a long, painful, agonizing chapter filled with tears. Today let us not forget: it is a new day. A new page has been opened in history. Today the doors of great Türkiye, strong Türkiye, the Türkiye Century, have been thrown wide open.”

Erdoğan recalled that since the first terrorist act on 14 August 1984, nearly 10,000 security personnel have been martyred and around 50,000 civilians have lost their lives. He added, “Since that day, many governments have come and gone. Each claimed they would root out terrorism, yet terrorism was never extinguished on our soil or in the territories of other countries where it established bases. Of course, the state also bore some responsibility for certain misguided practices. The White Taurus, unidentified perpetrators, Diyarbakır Prison were among them. Villages burned, people forcibly displaced overnight, mothers unable to speak Kurdish with their children in prison—these were among those misguided practices. Unlawful and illegitimate methods of struggle did not end terrorism; on the contrary, they fueled it, expanded it, and provided a fertile ground for the terrorist organization to exploit.”

Emphasizing that the cost of these mistakes was paid collectively, Erdoğan stated, “We did not only lose our security forces as martyrs; civilians did not only lose their lives. Türkiye became unstable due to these terrorist attacks. We faced a bill exceeding two trillion dollars. Most importantly, the terrorist organization inflicted severe damage on our peace, vitality, unity, integrity, and brotherhood.”

Erdoğan highlighted that the AK Party has addressed the terrorism issue since 2002 in a multidimensional manner, fighting terrorism while also combating the “swamp” that provided excuses for it: “While fighting terrorism on one front, we also waged a struggle to drain the swamp that fed terrorism. We took measures to prevent the terrorist organization from trapping our Kurdish brothers and alienating them from the state and the nation. We took historic steps to uphold the law of coexistence and brotherhood. While implementing silent-revolution-style reforms domestically on democracy and human rights, we pursued intense diplomatic activity abroad. Together with these efforts, we developed our defense industry and produced our own weapons to combat terrorism without relying on foreign sources. Through cross-border operations, we brought our borders under full control. After the treacherous coup attempt of 15 July, we cleansed FETÖ from all our institutions, beginning with our armed forces and security services. Thus, we eliminated treachery in our fight against terrorism. In recent years, we have completely destroyed the terrorist organization’s operational capacity. We have prevented terrorist acts from targeting officials or civilians. Our operations in Iraq and the 8 December revolution in Syria have further strengthened our hand in the fight against terrorism.”

Erdoğan noted that since the PKK’s first act in 1984, Türkiye had pursued every possible path and method to eliminate terrorism, stating, “Following global examples, formulas beyond armed struggle have been tested to end terrorism, yet none succeeded. The ‘Turkey Without Terrorism’ Project we have followed recently is not the result of negotiations, bargaining, or a give-and-take process. From the outset, we have been extremely cautious. Today we are even more cautious. We closely monitor every initiative that will stop the bloodshed, dry the tears of mothers, ease suffering, and strengthen brotherhood. But let everyone be certain: we will never humiliate or disgrace the honor and dignity of the Republic of Türkiye. We will never bow our heads. We pursue our ‘Turkey Without Terrorism’ project with this very understanding. First and foremost, I want all of Türkiye to know this: no one has the right to question the nationalism, patriotism, and love for Türkiye of MHP General Chairman Devlet Bahçeli and his cadre—you will surely agree. Likewise, no one has the right or the license to question my own nationalism, patriotism, and love for Türkiye, or that of the AK Party cadre here and elsewhere. This is neither their right nor their place.”

Erdoğan emphasized that together with MHP General Chairman Bahçeli and his cadre, they have offered their lives, blood, and entire experience for the cause of a “Turkey Without Terrorism,” asserting that they have never been involved in any endeavor contrary to Türkiye’s interests. Erdoğan said, “In every initiative that benefits Türkiye, you will find us at the forefront. In every initiative that harms Türkiye, you will again find us at the very opposite end. We know very well what we are doing. Let no one be afraid, anxious, or troubled. Let no one harbor doubts. Whatever we do, we do for Türkiye. Whatever we do, we do for our nation. We do it for our independence. We do it for our future.”

Erdoğan underscored that while terrorists have been emboldened by terrorism, so too have those who pretend to oppose it. He remarked, “They exploited the nation, incited instability, and sought to profit from terrorist attacks for their own dirty agendas. Today they are revealing themselves. The end of terrorism disturbs them the most, because their rent-seeking doors are closing, their interests are being harmed, their schemes are collapsing, and they are losing their toy. They are exerting intense effort to cloud the public mind and darken perceptions. Let our nation see this clearly: when our people recognize these acts, they will grow even stronger. They say they are nationalists, they say they are patriots. Terrorism is ending, yet they cannot rejoice. They are trying to cast shadows over the nation’s joy and crush the emerging hopes by reading intentions, fabricating dreams, spreading conspiracy theories, instilling fear, and openly lying. No matter what they do, terrorism will end—you will see them all unemployed.”

While stating that the end of terrorism also marks the end of its exploitation, Erdoğan said, “It is now our greatest wish for our nation to see these false heroes for what they are. Let no one harbor doubts. As a government and as the AK Party cadre, our 23-year struggle, our domestic and international pressures, and our efforts have entered the path of culmination. Türkiye has won; our nation has won. Every one of our 86 million citizens—Turk, Kurd, and Arab—has won.” He continued, “We are not involved in any attempt to undermine our unity, integrity, homeland, state, nation, peace, or the honor and dignity of our state. We will never, under any circumstances, tolerate such attempts. The Republic of Türkiye stands tall and today, compared to yesterday, it is even more powerful, majestic, proud, honorable, and above all, more hopeful for its future. Praise be to God, the 41-year parenthesis is closing. The wall of terror woven among the members of our nation is being torn down. Let go of anxiety; each member of our noble nation must rejoice and celebrate. Every street, avenue, and home in Türkiye must be adorned with our flag bearing the crescent and star.”

In his remarks, Erdoğan emphasized that when Turks, Kurds, and Arabs act together, history is shaped. Common victories such as the Battle of Manzikert, the Conquest of Jerusalem, the Conquest of Istanbul, the Defense of Çanakkale, and the War of Independence were cited as examples. The First World War, the Mongol invasions, and the Crusades were identified as defeats resulting from the fragmentation of Turks, Kurds, and Arabs. The genocide currently unfolding in Gaza and Palestine was also attributed to the failure to achieve unity among Turks, Kurds, and Arabs. It was stated that the true aim of terrorism has always been to sow discord between Turks and Kurds, and that this “dirty game” has now been disrupted.

Erdoğan stressed that every citizen of this country—Turk, Kurd, Arab, Sunni, Alevi, right-wing, left-wing, rich, poor—is a first-class citizen before the state, and that the Republic of Türkiye is the common home of all. He underscored unity with the words: “We are 86 million, we are together, we are brothers from eternity to eternity. Despite all our differences, we are all Türkiye.” He affirmed that every issue can be resolved through dialogue, without weapons or violence. “When hearts become one, borders vanish,” he declared, stating that this principle will guide the nation’s actions.

President Erdoğan offered prayers for the souls of the 12 heroic Mehmetçiks who were martyred six days ago in the Pençe-Kilit region after exposure to methane gas, the two soldiers who fell in the first terrorist act 41 years ago, and all citizens who lost their lives in terrorist incidents. He kissed the hands of the mothers and fathers of the martyrs and affirmed that no one will ever be allowed to touch the sacred memory of the martyrs. He stated that the point reached today fulfills the martyrs’ aspirations and that the sacrifices of the wounded have been crowned. At the opening of the meeting, the AK Party’s newly composed song “The World Is Waiting for Us” was performed.

Erdoğan concluded his speech by repeating the phrase, “Today we are witnessing the dawn of a great and strong Türkiye,” and reciting verses from Mehmet Akif Ersoy’s Independence March. He affirmed that with the end of terrorism, Türkiye will become far stronger and more self-assured than before, mobilizing its energy toward development and prosperity.