Sbey Research Center hosted a thought-provoking international webinar efforts of latest peace process in Turkey This timely event brought together a panel of distinguished experts to explore the intricate dynamics of Turkey’s most recent peace efforts. The discussion delved deep into a wide spectrum of issues from the evolving role of Kurds in the international system, to the socio-political challenges facing the Turkish-Kurdish population, and the motivations behind Ankara’s renewed interest in dialogue.

Key themes included: The future of the Kurds within international frameworks shaped by Turkey’s peace efforts. The societal obstacles that continue to hinder reconciliation within Turkish-Kurdish communities. The domestic and geopolitical forces driving Turkey’s potential return to the negotiating table. The impact of Abdullah Öcalan’s recent messages and how they shape the current iteration of the PKK.

The webinar also provided valuable historical context, linking past initiatives with present political realities. It examined how internal economic pressures, international relations, and shifting regional alliances are influencing Turkey’s stance on peace. The session fostered rich dialogue among stakeholders from across the globe, including participants from Turkey, Iraq, the UK, EU, and the US making it a significant milestone in understanding the evolving contours of the Kurdish question and peace prospects in Turkey.

On March 13, 2022, the Turkish Studies Unit of the Sbey Research Center hosted a compelling international webinar titled:“Turkey’s Recent Peace Process – Resolving the Kurdish Question or Merely Addressing the PKK Problem?”

This dynamic discussion explored Turkey’s most recent peace efforts from multiple angles — unpacking the historical roots, internal pressures, and regional forces shaping the renewed dialogue. The session critically examined whether these efforts genuinely aim to solve the broader Kurdish question, or are narrowly focused on neutralizing the PKK issue.

The webinar investigated, The political motivations behind President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s current strategies. The social climate in Turkey and its readiness for a sustainable peace process. The distinction between addressing Kurdish identity and demands versus treating the PKK as a security issue. Moreover, main themes of the webinar include;

• The Future of Kurds in the International System in Light of the Peace Process in Turkey. 
• Challenges Faced by the Turkish-Kurdish Society in the Peace Process. 
• Key Drivers of Turkey's Call for a New Round of Peace Process with the Kurds.
• What can all this say about the difference between addressing Kurdish question or solving PKK issue. 

Moderated by Nawras Jaff, a scholar at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, and co-hosted by Ahang Habib Hawrami  researcher from the Turkish Studies Unit at Sbey, the event featured a distinguished panelists:

• Michael M. Gunter, Professor of Political Science, Tennessee Technological University
• Ahmet Vedat Koçal, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Dicle University, Turkey
• Mashuq Kurt, Senior Lecturer in Sociology, Royal Holloway, University of London

The webinar offered a rich, multidisciplinary perspective, contributing valuable insights to the ongoing debate around Turkey's intentions and the direction of the peace process. Are we witnessing a genuine attempt at reconciliation with the Kurdish people or simply another phase in the effort to contain the PKK?

Webinar Overview: Reassessing Turkey’s Peace Process – Kurdish Question or PKK Focus

This webinar explores the evolving dynamics of Turkey’s peace process, questioning whether the state seeks a genuine resolution to the broader Kurdish question or merely aims to neutralize the PKK. With insights from leading scholars, the session will unpack historical, political, and regional dimensions shaping Ankara's approach. Join us as we reassess Turkey’s intentions and future prospects for peace.

Historical Mindsets and Military Legacy

The session opened with Prof. Ahmet Vedat Koçal, who began by addressing the deeply rooted historical mindset behind Turkey’s approach to peace. Drawing connections to the Turco-Mongol military tradition, he explained how the role of the Turkish president as "Commander-in-Chief" stems from an ingrained tribal and authoritarian legacy, extending back to the era of sultans. “This military-driven political culture,” he argued, “undermines genuine peace efforts.” According to Koçal, the continuation of such mindsets in modern governance remains a significant barrier to progress.

Domestic Focus, Global Implications

Prof. Michael M. Gunter followed by offering a sobering perspective. He asserted that Turkey views the peace process as a purely domestic issue, despite its clear international ramifications. Questioning the legitimacy of the current efforts, Gunter remarked: “Is this really a peace process—or a surrender? I don’t see guarantees for Kurdish political, social, or national rights. There's no clear path for inclusion of PKK fighters, their leaders, or even Abdullah Öcalan.” He warned that the absence of such guarantees suggests Turkey remains more focused on ending what it labels “terrorism” than on recognizing Kurdish identity and rights. Comparing past and present, Gunter concluded that very little has changed: “All I see is the same old demand—Kurds must assimilate and behave.”

Regional Shifts and Strategic Timing

Mashuq Kurt added a broader lens, noting that this peace initiative cannot be separated from the shifting geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. He argued that Turkey’s renewed interest in the Kurdish question is not driven by sudden goodwill, but by strategic calculations in response to emerging regional alliances and international pressures. “No one believes Devlet Bahçeli simply woke up one day dreaming of democracy. This is about staying ahead of regional transformations.” Kurt emphasized that while Turkey insists on framing the process domestically, the Kurdish question is fundamentally transnational. He also pointed out that while the PKK is unlikely to vanish overnight, it might reposition itself if meaningful concessions are made. “PKK is pragmatic. If the state offers real guarantees, they may reconsider, but that alone won’t magically turn the region into a land of milk and honey.”

Parallel Dialogues or Diverging Realities?

Returning to the discussion, Prof. Gunter stressed a critical disconnect: “Turkey and the PKK are not even having the same conversation. For Ankara, this is about counter-terrorism. For the Kurds, it’s about dignity, recognition, and rights.” He also noted that the broader Middle East context from Israel and Hamas to Iran and Palestine might ultimately overshadow the Kurdish peace talks, potentially stalling them further.

A Struggle That Transcends Borders

In closing, Kurt underlined the enduring nature of the Kurdish cause: “The Kurdish issue didn’t begin with the PKK, and it won’t end with it either. It’s an emotional, political, and transnational struggle that continues to evolve. The current regional developments may shape its future in ways we can’t yet predict.”

Conclusion
This webinar served as a multi-dimensional exploration of Turkey’s recent peace efforts. Through rich historical, political, and sociological lenses, the speakers collectively questioned whether the process is a genuine step toward reconciliation or merely a recalibration of an old narrative under new geopolitical pressures.