Summary
The PKK, an outlawed group fighting for Kurdish rights, announced it would stop its long conflict with Turkey, which has lasted 40 years and caused over 40,000 deaths. Despite the announcement, no formal peace talks have started, and fighting continues. Families of PKK fighters, like Leila, are waiting for peace, with some hopeful they might reunite with loved ones.
Key Facts
- The PKK is known for fighting against Turkey to gain rights for Kurds and has been labeled a terrorist organization by several countries.
- In the past, the PKK wanted an independent Kurdish state but now focuses on more autonomy and rights for Kurds.
- The conflict between Turkey and the PKK has been ongoing for 40 years and has resulted in the deaths of over 40,000 people.
- The PKK announced it would disband and end its fight, but no official peace process has started, and violence continues.
- The PKK is based in the Qandil Mountains, a remote area near Iraq's border with Iran.
- Leila's son joined the PKK after becoming interested in their ideas, and she hasn't seen him since he left home to train with the group.
- Leila often visits the Qandil Mountains hoping to see her son, despite not having contact with him for years.
- The BBC visited the Qandil Mountains and found that access is controlled by the PKK, and they display images of their leader Abdullah Ocalan, who has been imprisoned by Turkey since 1999.
