Partiya Karkeran Kurdistan (PKK) is a Marxist-Leninist political and militant organization operating primarily in Turkey and present in some neighboring countries as well. Founded in 1978, the organization seeks to establish an independent Kurdish state in the region historically known as Kurdistan, which spans parts of Turkey, Syria, Iran, and Iraq. The PKK emerged as an armed resistance movement in 1984, with the goal of achieving Kurdish self-determination through armed struggle and political advocacy.
The ideology of the PKK is rooted in Kurdish nationalism, seeking to address historical injustices and protect the rights and autonomy of the Kurdish people, who have faced political, cultural, and social marginalization in the countries where they reside. The organization advocates for greater political and cultural rights for Kurds and has been involved in guerrilla warfare, sabotage, and terrorist activities, seeking to challenge the governments of these countries and, in particular, the Turkish government.
The PKK is classified as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union, as it has engaged in numerous violent activities, including bombings, assassinations, and kidnappings. The group has been met with significant military response from the Turkish government, leading to a protracted and complex conflict with both sides incurring human rights violations.
The PKK has undergone several transformations throughout its history, shifting strategies and approaches. It has engaged in peace negotiations with the Turkish government intermittently, and various factions and splinter groups have emerged over time. The organization continues to operate clandestinely and remains a highly controversial and divisive force in the region.
