As 15 February 2025 marks the 26th anniversary of Abdullah Öcalan’s abduction, a resurfaced speech from 1995 has gone viral on social media, reigniting discussions on Kurdish-Turkish relations and broader regional shifts. The video, recorded during a seminar in Damascus, captures Öcalan’s reflections on historical turning points and political mobilisation, resonating with the current geopolitical climate in Turkey, Syria, and the Middle East.
Öcalan’s words, “We are living in times when history is being shaped,” have particularly struck a chord, with many interpreting them as eerily relevant to today’s unfolding events. In the speech, he stresses the importance of recognising crucial moments:
"These are crucial days. It is often said that in such moments, one must bring forth all their abilities and strengths."
The video’s resurgence coincides with heightened anticipation of a possible new message from Öcalan, following three official visits to İmralı Prison in recent months—one by his nephew in October and two by Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party MPs in December and January. Observers believe that his statement, expected to be released soon, could significantly influence both Kurdish-Turkish political dynamics and regional power shifts.
Öcalan’s resurfaced speech is also being linked to Turkey’s evolving policies on Syria and the Middle East, with analysts pointing to similarities between the power realignments of the post-Cold War era and today’s shifting geopolitical landscape. He had previously emphasised that periods of great change demand active participation, urging his followers to engage with all their abilities in the Kurdish liberation movement.
"Changes that would normally take centuries can now unfold within weeks or months."
This sentiment has gained renewed traction amid the ongoing debate over reconciliation efforts, despite the Justice and Development Party (AKP) government’s continued authoritarian policies.
During a previous meeting with DEM Party politicians Pervin Buldan and Sırrı Süreyya Önder, Öcalan reiterated his longstanding call for individuals to contribute their talents towards building peace, freedom, and democracy, linking this effort to redefining Turkish-Kurdish historical relations and fostering a renewed sense of brotherhood.
The resurfaced video is now widely interpreted as a reflection of Öcalan’s strategic thinking and vision for long-term political transformation. As public and media anticipation builds ahead of 15 February, the question remains on if his expected message may mark a defining moment in the region.
