President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has suggested that his government may be open to resolving the Kurdish conflict through non-violent means. In response to questions about a new peace process he said, “We’re always ready to resolve matters without terror.” However, while Erdoğan’s remarks point towards dialogue, questions remain about whether this reflects a genuine shift or is driven by political and regional pressures.
Speaking to journalists on his return from Albania and Serbia, Erdoğan stated that expanding democratic spaces and pursuing non-violent solutions are central to his government’s approach. He praised Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli’s recent handshake with pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party co-chair Tuncer Bakırhan during the opening of the parliament on 1 October, describing it as a significant step toward dialogue. “We have always supported actions that strengthen democracy,” Erdoğan claimed, noting that terrorism has never been the solution.
Despite these statements, many observers remain cautious. Kurdish leaders, including those within the DEM Party, have long argued that genuine progress towards peace requires more than symbolic gestures. They point to the isolation imposed on Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), as a key barrier to peace, stressing that any dialogue excluding him and not addressing Kurdish political rights will be unable to resolve the issue. “The solution to the Kurdish issue cannot be reached solely through rhetoric,” a DEM Party representative stated, calling for an end to Öcalan’s isolation so that he can be involved in peace discussions.
Erdoğan’s recent remarks come at a time of heightened regional tensions, particularly in Syria and Iraq, where conflicts have further complicated Turkey’s internal security. Erdoğan himself acknowledged that these regional developments influence his government’s approach, highlighting the importance of domestic peace in countering external threats. “Ensuring peace and stability within our country is crucial as our region faces ongoing turmoil,” Erdoğan remarked, linking the Kurdish conflict to broader national security concerns.
Critics, however, question whether Erdoğan’s focus on dialogue is politically motivated. Some analysts suggest that the Turkish president may be seeking to secure more Kurdish support while balancing the demands of his nationalist allies. His call for a new inclusive constitution also aligns with a broader effort to appeal to different sectors of Turkish society, positioning himself as a leader committed to both democratic reforms and national unity.