Kurdistan Workers' Party

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== Kurdistan Workers' Party ==

The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) is a Kurdish militant political organization and armed guerrilla movement, which historically operated throughout Kurdistan, an area that spans across southeastern Turkey, northern Iraq, northwestern Iran, and northern Syria. The PKK was founded in 1978 by a group of Kurdish students led by Abdullah Öcalan.

History

The PKK was established on November 27, 1978, in the village of Fis, near Lice, in the Diyarbakır Province of Turkey. The organization initially aimed to create an independent Kurdish state. However, over time, its goals have shifted towards seeking greater autonomy and rights for Kurds within Turkey.

Ideology

The PKK's ideology has evolved significantly since its inception. Initially, it was influenced by Marxism-Leninism, advocating for a socialist Kurdish state. In the 1990s, the PKK began to adopt a more democratic and libertarian socialist ideology, influenced by the writings of Murray Bookchin and Immanuel Wallerstein. The PKK now promotes democratic confederalism, a form of grassroots democracy.

Activities

The PKK has been involved in an armed struggle against the Turkish state since 1984, which has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. The conflict has also led to widespread displacement and human rights abuses. The PKK has been designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, the European Union, and several other countries.

Leadership

The founding leader of the PKK, Abdullah Öcalan, was captured by Turkish authorities in 1999 and has been imprisoned since then. Despite his imprisonment, Öcalan remains a significant figure within the organization, and his writings continue to influence the PKK's ideology and strategy.

Related Organizations

The PKK has several affiliated organizations, including the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK), which serves as an umbrella organization for various Kurdish groups. The People's Defense Forces (HPG) is the armed wing of the PKK, while the Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK) operates in Iran.

International Relations

The PKK has complex relationships with various international actors. While it is considered a terrorist organization by many countries, it has also received support from some Kurdish communities and leftist groups worldwide. The PKK's role in the fight against ISIS in Syria has also led to a reevaluation of its status by some international observers.

See Also

• Abdullah Öcalan
• Kurdistan
• Kurdish–Turkish conflict
• Kurdistan Communities Union
• People's Defense Forces
• Kurdistan Free Life Party
• Democratic confederalism