Historical developments are often shaped by strategic alliances and pivotal events. These moments, which carry deep historical significance, have opened paths for the advancement of collective consciousness, cultural development, and the peoples’ struggle for democracy.

In this context, the 'Call for Peace and Democratic Society' made by President Öcalan on February 27 creates, and will continue to create, historic opportunities for both the Kurdish and Turkish peoples. When we look at the broader trajectory of social history, particularly the evolution of collective consciousness and democracy, it becomes evident that each step forward in the Kurdish-Turkish alliance has brought gains to both peoples.

The Kurdish-Turkish alliance initially emerged when the Seljuks advanced into Mesopotamia and extended into Anatolia. When Sultan Sanjar arrived in Anatolia, he forged an alliance with the Kurdish Marwanid state. Through this alliance, Anatolia and Mesopotamia became accessible to the Turks. The Kurdish-Turkish alliance and fraternal bond endured for a thousand years, until 1924.

The alliance established between the Turks and the Kurds during the Turkish arrival in Anatolia paved the way for Turkish expansion into the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. This partnership with the Kurdish people played a crucial role in enabling the Turks to become a powerful historical force.

Mesopotamia, known as the cradle of civilization, has always been a region of critical importance. Alliances formed with the peoples of Mesopotamia have brought about transformative developments and will continue to do so.

Another key moment in the Kurdish-Turkish alliance was the agreement between Sultan Selim I (Yavuz Sultan Selim) and Idris Bitlisi. This alliance played a vital role in Sultan Selim’s victory over the Persian ruler Shah Ismail during the Battle of Chaldiran in 1514.

Moreover, by defeating the Mamluk state, which held the Islamic Caliphate, through the battles of Marj Dabiq in 1516 and Ridaniya in 1517, the Ottomans gained control over the territories, trade routes, and religious centers of Syria, Palestine, Egypt, and the Hijaz. This alliance paved the way for Ottoman expansion into the Middle East and Africa and played a decisive role in transferring the Islamic Caliphate from the Mamluks to the Ottomans.

This historic alliance allowed both Turks and Kurds to assume significant roles in the Islamic world and enabled them to become influential across the entire Muslim world.

The most recent Kurdish-Turkish alliance emerged during the War of Independence, when Mustafa Kemal formed a partnership with the Kurds that played a critical role in the founding of the modern Republic of Turkey. The territories outlined in the National Pact (Misak-ı Milli) were secured through this alliance, and the Turkish Republic was established through this union.

Mustafa Kemal, having studied history thoroughly, understood both the Turkish arrival in Anatolia and the acquisition of the Islamic Caliphate during the reign of Sultan Selim I. Drawing lessons from the past, he sought an alliance with the Kurds. He knew that liberating the territories occupied by Britain, Greece, Russia, and France would be extremely difficult otherwise. This is why the first phase of the “National Struggle” was launched in Kurdistan. The campaign that began in Sivas and Erzurum later continued in Anatolia through Amasya.

In other words, the roots of the “National Struggle” were in Kurdistan. Mustafa Kemal clearly understood that achieving his goals would only be possible with the support of the Kurdish people.

Through the congresses and conferences he held in Sivas and Erzurum, he secured the support of influential Kurdish figures and tribal leaders and thus initiated the War of Independence. In this framework, Antep, Urfa, Marash, Izmir, and all four corners of Anatolia were liberated.

However, this alliance was severed in 1924. The National Pact remained unfulfilled, and the Kurds were subjected to genocide.

From that point on, the borders defined by the National Pact — including Mosul, Kirkuk, and Aleppo, which are still frequently discussed today — were handed over to British and French colonial control. In truth, the Turkish people’s loss began at that moment: geographically, democratically, emotionally, and in terms of shared consciousness.

Mines were planted beneath a thousand-year-old bond of brotherhood. As the Kurds were subjected to genocide, the Turkish people began to decline, to fragment, and to lose influence on the historical stage. This erosion has continued, slowly but steadily, to the present day.

True growth is only possible by embracing diversity and advancing through inclusiveness. While the Treaty of Lausanne officially recognized the Republic of Turkey with Kurdish support, the later adoption of a rigid nation-state ideology and homogenization policies not only destroyed the thousand-year-old Kurdish-Turkish alliance, but also left the Kurds trapped in the grip of genocide and condemned the Turks to historical decline and isolation. For this reason, it is essential to study and analyze history with clarity. One must clearly understand the value of social alliances for the peoples involved.

It is precisely for this reason that President Öcalan, who sees history clearly and analyzes it with precision, made his “Call for Peace and Democratic Society” on February 27. His aim is to revive and rebuild the Kurdish-Turkish alliance that was shattered and fragmented. This initiative seeks to bring about major gains for both societies. It must be remembered that historical progress comes through social alliances.

In response to President Öcalan’s call, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) held its 12th Congress between May 5 and 7 and declared, to both the Kurdish and Turkish peoples and to the peoples of the world, its intention to strengthen this alliance. Through this stance, the Kurdish people have expressed their will to participate in this process, alongside President Öcalan and the movement.

Now, the responsibility lies with the Turkish people and the state. Whether they will become a part of this alliance will depend on their approach and the steps they choose to take. A genuine alliance can only develop, grow, and become lasting on the basis of equal, democratic, and lawful action taken by both sides. This is the fundamental requirement of a true bond of brotherhood.

The Kurdish people, the peoples of Turkey, and indeed the peoples of the world are now watching to see what steps the Turkish state and government will take. Time will show what kind of steps the Turkish state will choose to take.