Dynamics of the New Era in the Kurdish Issue: Possibilities, Opportunities, and Risks

Dynamics of the New Era in the Kurdish Issue: Possibilities, Opportunities, and Risks Workshop Report Published

As the Kurdish Studies Center, on December 14, 2024, we organized a significant workshop in Van to evaluate recent developments regarding the Kurdish issue in Türkiye and the region. The meeting brought together academics, journalists, politicians, and businesspeople from various cities across Türkiye. The workshop focused on understanding the dynamics of the new era in the Kurdish issue and discussing the potential possibilities, opportunities, and risks associated with the ongoing process.

Dynamics and Expectations of the New Process

The process that began on October 1, 2024, with the handshake between MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli and DEM Party deputies at the opening of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye continued with Bahçeli’s statements regarding Abdullah Öcalan and the meetings held in İmralı. The core agenda of the process was the disarmament by the PKK and addressing the Kurdish issue in Türkiye within a new framework. However, the factors shaping the process are not limited to Türkiye’s internal dynamics; developments such as changes in Syria, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and Iran’s waning regional influence are also critical elements determining the course of this process.

Key Topics Discussed at the Workshop

• Conceptual framework of the new period and potential expectations: The discussion focused on how this process differs from previous peace processes and how it can be defined in terms of actors and methods.

• Regional and international dynamics: Changes in the balance of power in Syria, the future of Rojava, and how Türkiye will address the Kurdish issue in an international context were evaluated.

• Opportunities, risks, and possible scenarios for Türkiye’s politics: The workshop examined what opportunities this process offers and what risks it entails for the Cumhur İttifakı, CHP, and Kurdish stakeholders.

We are now publishing a detailed report summarizing the discussions and key insights from the meeting. To read this comprehensive report shedding light on critical questions about the future of the Kurdish issue, please click the link below: