General information
First Active Year: 1984
Current Name: PKK
Current Name full English: Kurdistan Worker’s Party
Current Name full native language: Partiya karkeren Kurdistan
Original Name: PKK
Original Name full English: Kurdistan Worker’s Party
Original Name full native language: Partiya karkeren Kurdistan
Actor Chronology
This section contains information about (if applicable) group splinters, name changes, and alliances according to the UCDP definitions of these concepts.
Name Change: From PKK to KADEK
On: 2002-04-01
Name Change: From KADEK to KONGRA-GEL
On: 2003-11-15
Name Change: From KONGRA-GEL to PKK
On: 2005-04-04
Conflict issues
Government of Turkey - PKK
Conflict Goal Issues: Partiya Karkeran Kurdistan, the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), originally emerged as a Maoist/Marxist-Leninist separatist movement aiming to establish an independent state of Kurdistan for Kurdish people. The rebel group was created in 1974 where it established a doctrine of Kurdish nationalism combined with communism. In 1978 PKK released its official Party Programme, from which the project coded several conflict goal issues. Many of the expressed issues concerned large structural reforms of the economic, political, and judicial system. PKK expressed intent to establish democratic socialism with an emphasis on class struggle: “Democracy will be ensured for the workers and peasants first and foremost, and for all other patriotic classes and strata; dictatorship will be applied against collaborating landowners and the comprador bourgeoise.” They also expressed intent to struggle against the Turkish colonization, as they called it, of Kurdish areas, and were explicitly aiming to establish an independent Kurdish state. The programme also noted PKK’s dedication to improving the rights of Kurdish people, including cultural, gender, labor, language, and religious rights. PKK also expressed the intent to “Confiscate the lands of the landowners collaborating with the colonialists in the course of the struggle and to distribute them among the landless peasantry.”, and similar socialist land- and economic reforms.
Since the group’s emergence and the publication of their party programme, significant amounts of conflict goal issues have been interpreted. From this, one can see several trends in how PKK has changed and how their goal issues have evolved. Firstly, the question of independence was not coded after 1998, whilst the question of autonomy were frequently and continuously stated since 1995 and onwards. This signifies a change of policy where ideas of an independent Kurdistan were left for the more realistic goal of establishing an autonomous region within Turkey. Furthermore, calls for both federalism and decentralization of the state was raised by PKK as the conflict progressed, implying a shifted focus from independence to federalism and autonomy. Similarly, the conflict goal issue of establishing a socialist state was only coded once after PKK’s first year of existence. Whilst this may signify a decreased intent of establishing a socialist state, it is noteworthy that socialist rhetoric and theory was, and still is, largely a part of the movement. For example, PKK continuously stated its desires to establish economic reforms which were socialist in nature: “To develop a finance and tax system for the benefit of the working people as an alternative to the finance and tax systems that serve for exploitative structures.” The emphasis on Kurdish rights remained throughout the entirety of the conflict and was continuously coded. Protecting human rights, freedom of expression, freedom of association, cultural heritage, and natural resources, specifically, later became frequently raised conflict goal issues. In addition to economic reforms, reforms to judicial, political, and military structures were expressed as further goal issues.
In terms of which issues were more frequently and continuously stated, as well as more heavily emphasized, the long duration of the conflict introduces several different main goal for PKK depending on which time period is analyzed, particularly regarding the goal issues concerning political systems. For the beginning of the conflict, the conflict was largely shaped by a struggle for independence and the establishment of an independent Kurdish state shaped by democratic and socialist ideals. Between 1995 and 2001 much emphasis was placed on the idea of a decentralized and federalized Turkish state which would grant the Kurdish people more regional power. And, finally, from 2001 and onwards the issue was coded as autonomy: “Even in the sense of autonomy, the Kurds do not seek a state.” Hence, the current main issue would be considered the struggle for an autonomous, but not independent, Kurdistan. Consistent through these phases was the focus on Kurdish civil, cultural, gender, human, labor, religious, and children’s rights, which was also a frequently and continuously mentioned issue for PKK. The establishment of a democratic political system also remained a heavily emphasized and frequently mentioned issue for the group, particularly later in the conflict. Finally, whilst not as continuously coded issue, economic reform should also be considered a main goal issue for PKK, as it permeates much of the group’s political and ideological convictions.
Conflict Dynamics Issues: In the first year of PKK’s existence the group stated one conflict dynamics issue raised. In the Party Programme, the group criticized the gendarmerie (Turkish military police) for creating and maintaining a state of terror among civilians in rural areas. “In rural areas, the gendarmerie uses terror to maintain an atmosphere of fear which the peasants feel to the very marrow of their bones.”
In the beginning of the conflict, much emphasis was put on this intentional civilian targeting by the gendarmerie, particularly based on the ethnicity of the civilians, and in one instance their political allegiance with PKK. PKK also called upon the international community several times throughout the conflict. The group called upon the international community to remove foreign influence on several occasions throughout the conflict. PKK also asked for humanitarian aid from the Red Cross and Red Crescent, requested the creation of a war crimes commission, and called upon the international community to support the rebels rather than Turkey. Throughout the conflict, PKK called for the release of prisoners and refugees held by the Turkish state.
PKK heavily emphasized atrocities the Turkish government comitted, specifically the gendarmerie, committed against the Kurdish civilian population throughout the conflict. PKK especially emphasized the allegations that these atrocities were fueled by intentional targeting of people of Kurdish ethnicity: “Turkey is waging a dirty war in Kurdistan, slaughtering our people, bombing villages, setting fire to forests and denying our basic human rights.” Another main conflict dynamics issue of PKK was the question of foreign influence and pressure. PKK frequently released statements either calling for the international community to cease their support for their Turkish government, and calling for them to support PKK. Such calls were frequently and continuously stated by PKK.
Conflict Resolution Issues: Whilst no conflict resolution issues were interpreted in the first year of conflict, PKK stated several issues as the conflict progressed. From 1993 onwards PKK released several statements pertaining to conflict resolution issues. In the first few years, all interpreted issues were related to calls for negotiations, continuously stating that PKK were ready to solve the conflict diplomatically. In 2000, the group called for investigation and prosecution of “illegal armed forces”, and for compensation to be administered to the affected villages who had been forced to live under the circumstances. Similar calls for accountability and compensation were stated throughout the conflict. PKK also called for several issues relating to ceasefires, both calling for ceasefires and calling for adherence to said ceasefires. Finally, the group also expressed demands on the structure of negotiations, stating that they needed to be held in order to resolve the Kurdish issues, and that PKK be accepted as a legitimate political party, among other demands.
Throughout the conflict, PKK continuously heavily emphasized their intent to participate in negotiations, and it was the main resolution issue of the group. The success of these negotiations was often conditional on the implementation of, and adherence to, proposed ceasefire agreements, which could be considered another main issue for the group. “We want peace and we are ready for negotiations. But if Turkey decides to attack our bases inside Turkey or inside Iraqi Kurdistan, then this unilateral cease-fire will be meaningless. If we are attacked, we will fight back and we have the ability to confront any Turkish aggression.”
Type of conflict issues: Conflict Goal Issues: Autonomy, Basic needs, Revenues from natural resources, Rule of law, Unification of states, Water resources, Change a specific law, Change economic system, Change judicial system, Childrens rights, Citizenship reforms, Civil rights, Confederation/union, Constitutional issues, Corruption, CPS: Democracy, CPS: Other/undefined system, CPS: Secular state, CPS: Socialist state, Cultural rights, Decentralization, Disband para-military forces, Economic reforms, Education system: culture, Education system: increase religion, Electoral reform, Federalism, Foreign policy reform, Freedom of association, Freedom of expression, Gender rights, Human rights, Independence, Labor rights, Land reforms, Language rights, Oust local executive, Protection of cultural heritage, Protection of natural resources/the environment, Public services, Reform executive structure, Reform judicial system, Reform parliament, Religious rights, Restrictions on freedom of expression, Restructure military forces
Conflict Dynamics Issues: Call for collective targeting: political, Atrocities and abuses, Collective targeting: ethnic, Collective targeting: political, DFI: Removal of foreign influence, DFI: Withdrawal of military intervention/foreign forces, IFI: Humanitarian aid, IFI: International court/tribunal/investigation, IFI: International monitoring, IFI: Use of foreign influence, Military conduct, Release of prisoners, Return of refugees/IDPs
Conflict Resolution Issues: Accountability/prosecution/investigation, Amnesties, Call for ceasefire, Structure of negotiations, Call for implementation/abiding to ceasefire, Call for negotiations, Call for truth and reconciliation processes, Compensation/restoration
Annual information
This section contains annual information systematically collected by the UCDP.
1984
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Turkey - PKK
1985
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Turkey - PKK
1986
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Turkey - PKK
1987
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Turkey - PKK
1988
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Turkey - PKK
1989
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
PKK - Civilians
Government of Turkey - PKK
1990
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
PKK - Civilians
Government of Turkey - PKK
1991
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
PKK - Civilians
Government of Turkey - PKK
1992
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
PKK - Civilians
PKK - PUK
Government of Turkey - PKK
1993
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
PKK - Civilians
Government of Turkey - PKK
1994
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
PKK - Civilians
Government of Turkey - PKK
1995
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
PKK - Civilians
Government of Turkey - PKK
KDP - PKK
1996
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
PKK - Civilians
Government of Turkey - PKK
1997
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Turkey - PKK
KDP - PKK
1998
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
PKK - Civilians
Government of Turkey - PKK
1999
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
PKK - Civilians
Government of Turkey - PKK
2000
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
PKK - PUK
Government of Turkey - PKK
KDP - PKK
2001
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Turkey - PKK
2002
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Turkey - PKK
2003
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Turkey - PKK
2004
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Turkey - PKK
2005
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Turkey - PKK
2006
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Turkey - PKK
2007
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Turkey - PKK
2008
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Turkey - PKK
2009
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Turkey - PKK
2010
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Turkey - PKK
2011
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Turkey - PKK
2012
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Turkey - PKK
2013
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Turkey - PKK
2015
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Turkey - PKK
2016
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Turkey - PKK
2018
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Turkey - PKK
2019
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Turkey - PKK
2020
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Turkey - PKK
2021
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Turkey - PKK
2022
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Turkey - PKK
2023
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Turkey - PKK
2024
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Turkey - PKK
2025
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Turkey - PKK
Group Archive
This section contains annual information no longer systematically collected by the UCDP.
1984 Group Archive
Government of Turkey - PKK
Comment on Name: PKK is an acronym for Partiya Karkeran Kurdistan, which translates to the Kurdistan Workers Party.
The PKK had formed a number of sub-organizations. Its military wing was called HRK (Hêzên Rizgariya Kurdistan; Kurdistan Freedom Brigades) until 1986.
In 1985 it had formed another sub-organisation, the ERNK (Eniya Rizgariya Netewa Kurdistan, Kurdistan Popular Liberation Front). The task of this organisation was in particular to gain support among the Kurdish population in order to provide networks for bases, supply routes and enhance the recruitment of fighters.
In 1986, the PKK dissolved HRK and replace it with ARGK (Artêsa Rizgariya Gelê Kurdistan, Kurdistan Popular Liberation Army). Eventually, ARGK came to function as the main branch of the PKKs military operations and ERNK became the organizations front bureau.
Troop Size: 100
Secondary Support: Syria offered training facilities to the PKK in Lebanon and diplomatic offices in Syria. By 1987 the PKK had established offices in Damascus and several other Syrian cities. The Kurdish Diaspora, mainly in Western Europe, was highly vocal in supporting the PKK, both financially and politically. The PKK was active in a number of Western European countries, especially Germany, organizing the diaspora and channeling money to the PKK in Turkey. Other countries have been linked to the PKK, among them the Soviet Union and Greece by the Turkish government. The KDP of Iraq (Barzani) and PKK (Ocalan) had an alliance under which both joint operations and access to KDP-controlled areas in Iraq were possibile for PKK. Relations however worsened throughout 1986, leading to PKKs shift towards Iran.
1985 Group Archive
Government of Turkey - PKK
Comment on Name: PKK is an acronym for Partiya Karkeran Kurdistan, which translates to the Kurdistan Workers Party.
The PKK had formed a number of sub-organizations. Its military wing was called HRK (Hêzên Rizgariya Kurdistan; Kurdistan Freedom Brigades) until 1986.
In 1985 it had formed another sub-organisation, the ERNK (Eniya Rizgariya Netewa Kurdistan, Kurdistan Popular Liberation Front). The task of this organisation was in particular to gain support among the Kurdish population in order to provide networks for bases, supply routes and enhance the recruitment of fighters.
In 1986, the PKK dissolved HRK and replace it with ARGK (Artêsa Rizgariya Gelê Kurdistan, Kurdistan Popular Liberation Army). Eventually, ARGK came to function as the main branch of the PKKs military operations and ERNK became the organizations front bureau.
Troop Size: 20000
Secondary Support: Syria offered training facilities to the PKK in Lebanon and diplomatic offices in Syria. By 1987 the PKK had established offices in Damascus and several other Syrian cities. The Kurdish Diaspora, mainly in Western Europe, was highly vocal in supporting the PKK, both financially and politically. The PKK was active in a number of Western European countries, especially Germany, organizing the diaspora and channeling money to the PKK in Turkey. Other countries have been linked to the PKK, among them the Soviet Union and Greece by the Turkish government. The KDP of Iraq (Barzani) and PKK (Ocalan) had an alliance under which both joint operations and access to KDP-controlled areas in Iraq were possibile for PKK. Relations however worsened throughout 1986, leading to PKKs shift towards Iran, and a long-standing animosity between the PKK and the KDP.
1986 Group Archive
Government of Turkey - PKK
Comment on Name: PKK is an acronym for Partiya Karkeran Kurdistan, which translates to the Kurdistan Workers Party.
The PKK had formed a number of sub-organizations. Its military wing was called HRK (Hêzên Rizgariya Kurdistan; Kurdistan Freedom Brigades) until 1986.
In 1985 it had formed another sub-organisation, the ERNK (Eniya Rizgariya Netewa Kurdistan, Kurdistan Popular Liberation Front). The task of this organisation was in particular to gain support among the Kurdish population in order to provide networks for bases, supply routes and enhance the recruitment of fighters.
In 1986, the PKK dissolved HRK and replace it with ARGK (Artêsa Rizgariya Gelê Kurdistan, Kurdistan Popular Liberation Army). Eventually, ARGK came to function as the main branch of the PKKs military operations and ERNK became the organizations front bureau.
Troop Size: 20000
Secondary Support: Syria offered training facilities to the PKK in Lebanon and diplomatic offices in Syria. By 1987 the PKK had established offices in Damascus and several other Syrian cities. The PKK was active in a number of Western European countries, especially Germany, organizing the diaspora and channeling money to the PKK in Turkey. Other countries have been linked to the PKK, among them the Soviet Union and Greece by the Turkish government.
1987 Group Archive
Government of Turkey - PKK
Comment on Name: The PKK had formed a number of sub-organizations. In 1985 it had formed the ERNK (Eniya Rizgariya Netewa Kurdistan, Kurdistan Popular Liberation Front). The task of this organisation was in particular to gain support among the Kurdish population in order to provide networks for bases, supply routes and enhance the recruitment of fighters.
In 1986, PKK formed ARGK (Artêsa Rizgariya Gelê Kurdistan, Kurdistan Popular Liberation Army). Eventually, ARGK came to function as the main branch of the PKKs military operations and ERNK became the organizations front bureau.
Troop Size: 1100
Secondary Support: Syria offered training facilities to the PKK in Lebanon and diplomatic offices in Syria. By 1987 the PKK had established offices in Damascus and several other Syrian cities. In July 1987, Turkish Prime Minister Turgut Özal visited Syria and demanded that Syria stop supportingand sheltering PKK. Turkey and Syria agreed upon a Security Protocol that included provisions that both sides would prevent activities against each other originating in their respective countries. According to the protocol they would also enable the extradition of individuals suspected of involvement in insurgent actions. However, in spite of the protocol, PKK attacks launched from the Syria continued. Further, Oçalan was not extradited to Turkey. The PKK was active in a number of Western European countries, especially Germany, organizing the diaspora and channeling money to the PKK in Turkey. Other countries have been linked to the PKK, among them the Soviet Union and Greece by the Turkish government.
1988 Group Archive
Government of Turkey - PKK
Troop Size: 400
Secondary Support: Syria offered training facilities to the PKK in Lebanon and diplomatic offices in Syria. By 1987 the PKK had established offices in Damascus and several other Syrian cities. In July 1987, Turkish Prime Minister Turgut Özal visited Syria and demanded that Syria stop supportingand sheltering PKK. Turkey and Syria agreed upon a Security Protocol that included provisions that both sides would prevent activities against each other originating in their respective countries. According to the protocol they would also enable the extradition of individuals suspected of involvement in insurgent actions. However, in spite of the protocol, PKK attacks launched from the Syria continued. The PKK was active in a number of Western European countries, especially Germany, organizing the diaspora and channeling money to the PKK in Turkey. Other countries have been linked to the PKK, among them the Soviet Union and Greece by the Turkish government.
1989 Group Archive
PKK - Civilians
Comment on Name: Partiya Karkari Kurdistan (PKK) stands for the Kurdistan Workers Party. The armed wing of the PKK was the Peoples Liberation Army of Kurdistan (Artesa Rizgariya Gele Kurdistan - ARGK). ARGK was founded by Selahattin Celik, its first commander. Another name associated with the PKK is the National Liberation Front of Kurdistan (ERNK), a political wing reportedly used to collect funds and to recruit and even to train fighters.
Other organisations that have been suspected of being linked to the PKK were the pro-Kurdish HEP (Halkin Emek Partisi), and its successors DEP (Demokrasi Partisi) and HADEP. HEP was banned by Turkey in July 1993 and Dep was outlawed in March 1994.
Government of Turkey - PKK
Comment on Name: Partiya Karkari Kurdistan (PKK) stands for the Kurdistan Workers Party. The armed wing of the PKK was the Peoples Liberation Army of Kurdistan (Artesa Rizgariya Gele Kurdistan - ARGK). ARGK was founded by Selahattin Celik, its first commander. Another name associated with the PKK is the National Liberation Front of Kurdistan (ERNK), a political wing reportedly used to collect funds and to recruit and even to train fighters.
Other organisations that have been suspected of being linked to the PKK were the pro-Kurdish HEP (Halkin Emek Partisi), and its successors DEP (Demokrasi Partisi) and HADEP. HEP was banned by Turkey in July 1993 and Dep was outlawed in March 1994.
Troop Size: 300 - 1000
Secondary Support: Syria offered training facilities to the PKK in Lebanon and diplomatic offices in Syria. By 1987 the PKK had established offices in Damascus and several other Syrian cities. In July 1987, Turkish Prime Minister Turgut Özal visited Syria and demanded that Syria stop supportingand sheltering PKK. Turkey and Syria agreed upon a Security Protocol that included provisions that both sides would prevent activities against each other originating in their respective countries. According to the protocol they would also enable the extradition of individuals suspected of involvement in insurgent actions. However, in spite of the protocol, PKK attacks launched from the Syria continued. The PKK was active in a number of Western European countries, especially Germany, organizing the diaspora and channeling money to the PKK in Turkey. Other countries have been linked to the PKK, among them the Soviet Union and Greece by the Turkish government.
1990 Group Archive
PKK - Civilians
Comment on Name: Partiya Karkari Kurdistan (PKK) stands for the Kurdistan Workers Party. The armed wing of the PKK was the Peoples Liberation Army of Kurdistan (Artesa Rizgariya Gele Kurdistan - ARGK). ARGK was founded by Selahattin Celik, its first commander. Another name associated with the PKK is the National Liberation Front of Kurdistan (ERNK), a political wing reportedly used to collect funds and to recruit and even to train fighters.
Other organisations that have been suspected of being linked to the PKK were the pro-Kurdish HEP (Halkin Emek Partisi), and its successors DEP (Demokrasi Partisi) and HADEP. HEP was banned by Turkey in July 1993 and Dep was outlawed in March 1994.
Government of Turkey - PKK
Comment on Name: Partiya Karkari Kurdistan (PKK) stands for the Kurdistan Workers Party. The armed wing of the PKK was the Peoples Liberation Army of Kurdistan (Artesa Rizgariya Gele Kurdistan - ARGK). ARGK was founded by Selahattin Celik, its first commander. Another name associated with the PKK is the National Liberation Front of Kurdistan (ERNK), a political wing reportedly used to collect funds and to recruit and even to train fighters.
Other organisations that have been suspected of being linked to the PKK were the pro-Kurdish HEP (Halkin Emek Partisi), and its successors DEP (Demokrasi Partisi) and HADEP. HEP was banned by Turkey in July 1993 and Dep was outlawed in March 1994.
Troop Size: 1500 - 3500
Comment on Troop Size: It was estimated that the PKK had 1500-2000 fighters on Turkish soil and an estimated 3500 troops in the total force.
Secondary Support: PKK was reportedly allowed to train in the Syrian-controlled Bekaa Valley in Lebanon.
1991 Group Archive
PKK - Civilians
Comment on Name: Partiya Karkari Kurdistan (PKK) stands for the Kurdistan Workers Party. The armed wing of the PKK was the Peoples Liberation Army of Kurdistan (Artesa Rizgariya Gele Kurdistan - ARGK). ARGK was founded by Selahattin Celik, its first commander. Another name associated with the PKK is the National Liberation Front of Kurdistan (ERNK), a political wing reportedly used to collect funds and to recruit and even to train fighters.
Other organisations that have been suspected of being linked to the PKK were the pro-Kurdish HEP (Halkin Emek Partisi), and its successors DEP (Demokrasi Partisi) and HADEP. HEP was banned by Turkey in July 1993 and Dep was outlawed in March 1994.
Government of Turkey - PKK
Comment on Name: Partiya Karkari Kurdistan (PKK) stands for the Kurdistan Workers Party. The armed wing of the PKK was the Peoples Liberation Army of Kurdistan (Artesa Rizgariya Gele Kurdistan - ARGK). ARGK was founded by Selahattin Celik, its first commander. Another name associated with the PKK is the National Liberation Front of Kurdistan (ERNK), a political wing reportedly used to collect funds and to recruit and even to train fighters.
Other organisations that have been suspected of being linked to the PKK were the pro-Kurdish HEP (Halkin Emek Partisi), and its successors DEP (Demokrasi Partisi) and HADEP. HEP was banned by Turkey in July 1993 and Dep was outlawed in March 1994.
Troop Size: 3400
Comment on Troop Size: Of the total 3400 PKK troops 1500 were reportedly under training in 1991.
Secondary Support: PKK was reportedly allowed to train in the Syrian-controlled Bekaa Valley in Lebanon.
1992 Group Archive
PKK - Civilians
PKK - PUK
Comment on Name: Partiya Karkari Kurdistan (PKK) stands for the Kurdistan Workers Party. The armed wing of the PKK was the Peoples Liberation Army of Kurdistan (Artesa Rizgariya Gele Kurdistan - ARGK). ARGK was founded by Selahattin Celik, its first commander. Another name associated with the PKK is the National Liberation Front of Kurdistan (ERNK), a political wing reportedly used to collect funds and to recruit and even to train fighters.
Other organisations that have been suspected of being linked to the PKK were the pro-Kurdish HEP (Halkin Emek Partisi), and its successors DEP (Demokrasi Partisi) and HADEP. HEP was banned by Turkey in July 1993 and Dep was outlawed in March 1994.
Government of Turkey - PKK
Comment on Name: Partiya Karkari Kurdistan (PKK) stands for the Kurdistan Workers Party. The armed wing of the PKK was the Peoples Liberation Army of Kurdistan (Artesa Rizgariya Gele Kurdistan - ARGK). ARGK was founded by Selahattin Celik, its first commander. Another name associated with the PKK is the National Liberation Front of Kurdistan (ERNK), a political wing reportedly used to collect funds and to recruit and even to train fighters.
Other organisations that have been suspected of being linked to the PKK were the pro-Kurdish HEP (Halkin Emek Partisi), and its successors DEP (Demokrasi Partisi) and HADEP. HEP was banned by Turkey in July 1993 and Dep was outlawed in March 1994.
Troop Size: 8000 - 10 000
Secondary Support: PKK was reportedly allowed to train in the Syrian-controlled Bekaa Valley in Lebanon. Syria was also suspected of allowing PKK to train on its own territory and to shelter PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan.It is very probable that PKK fighters operate from Iraq but since their connection to the Iraqi regime is unclear Iraq cannot be labelled secondary supporting party.
1993 Group Archive
PKK - Civilians
Comment on Name: Partiya Karkari Kurdistan (PKK) stands for the Kurdistan Workers Party. The armed wing of the PKK was the Peoples Liberation Army of Kurdistan (Artesa Rizgariya Gele Kurdistan - ARGK). ARGK was founded by Selahattin Celik, its first commander. Another name associated with the PKK is the National Liberation Front of Kurdistan (ERNK), a political wing reportedly used to collect funds and to recruit and even to train fighters.
Other organisations that have been suspected of being linked to the PKK were the pro-Kurdish HEP (Halkin Emek Partisi), and its successors DEP (Demokrasi Partisi) and HADEP. HEP was banned by Turkey in July 1993 and Dep was outlawed in March 1994.
Government of Turkey - PKK
Comment on Name: Partiya Karkari Kurdistan (PKK) stands for the Kurdistan Workers Party. The armed wing of the PKK was the Peoples Liberation Army of Kurdistan (Artesa Rizgariya Gele Kurdistan - ARGK). ARGK was founded by Selahattin Celik, its first commander. Another name associated with the PKK is the National Liberation Front of Kurdistan (ERNK), a political wing reportedly used to collect funds and to recruit and even to train fighters.
Other organisations that have been suspected of being linked to the PKK were the pro-Kurdish HEP (Halkin Emek Partisi), and its successors DEP (Demokrasi Partisi) and HADEP. HEP was banned by Turkey in July 1993 and Dep was outlawed in March 1994.
Troop Size: 7000 - 10 000
Secondary Support: PKK was reportedly allowed to train in the Syrian-controlled Bekaa Valley in Lebanon. Syria was also suspected of allowing PKK to train on its own territory and to shelter PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan.In 1993 it was reported that the PKK ran a centre, used for recruitment and other activities, north of Athens and that the PKK was allowed to set up a branch of the Kurdish Red Crescent Society in Athens, to treat Kurds wounded in clashes with the Turkish army. During 1993 different Greek officials raised different claims on the issue. Some argued that they do not support terrorism while others said that the Kurdish struggle for independence must be supported.It is very probable that PKK fighters operate from Iraq but since their connection to the Iraqi regime is unclear Iraq cannot be labelled secondary supporting party.
1994 Group Archive
PKK - Civilians
Comment on Name: Partiya Karkari Kurdistan (PKK) stands for the Kurdistan Workers Party. The armed wing of the PKK was the Peoples Liberation Army of Kurdistan (Artesa Rizgariya Gele Kurdistan - ARGK). ARGK was founded by Selahattin Celik, its first commander. Another name associated with the PKK is the National Liberation Front of Kurdistan (ERNK), a political wing reportedly used to collect funds and to recruit and even to train fighters.
Other organisations that have been suspected of being linked to the PKK were the pro-Kurdish HEP (Halkin Emek Partisi), and its successors DEP (Demokrasi Partisi) and HADEP. HEP was banned by Turkey in July 1993 and Dep was outlawed in March 1994.
Government of Turkey - PKK
Comment on Name: Partiya Karkari Kurdistan (PKK) stands for the Kurdistan Workers Party. The armed wing of the PKK was the Peoples Liberation Army of Kurdistan (Artesa Rizgariya Gele Kurdistan - ARGK). ARGK was founded by Selahattin Celik, its first commander. Another name associated with the PKK is the National Liberation Front of Kurdistan (ERNK), a political wing reportedly used to collect funds and to recruit and even to train fighters.
Other organisations that have been suspected of being linked to the PKK were the pro-Kurdish HEP (Halkin Emek Partisi), and its successors DEP (Demokrasi Partisi) and HADEP. HEP was banned by Turkey in July 1993 and Dep was outlawed in March 1994.
Troop Size: 10 000 - 12 000
Secondary Support: PKK was reportedly allowed to train in the Syrian-controlled Bekaa Valley in Lebanon. Syria was also suspected of allowing PKK to train on its own territory and to shelter PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan. After a meeting held between the Turkish, Iranian and Syrian foreign ministers it was reported that the PKK camps in Lebanon had been closed and that the activities had been moved to the Greek territory on Cyprus. The reports concerning Cyprus have not been clearly confirmed but Greece have earlier allowed the PKK to train and recruit on its territory and in 1994 the PKK set up a new centre for fund raising, recruitment and training. Greece however claimed that the PKK bureau was not official and that it did not train PKK recruits. After having been caught near the border between Greece and Turkey a number of PKK fighters did however claim to have been trained in a camp in Greece.It is very probable that PKK fighters operate from Iraq but since their connection to the Iraqi regime is unclear Iraq cannot be labelled secondary supporting party.
1995 Group Archive
PKK - Civilians
Comment on Name: Partiya Karkari Kurdistan (PKK) stands for the Kurdistan Workers Party. The armed wing of the PKK was the Peoples Liberation Army of Kurdistan (Artesa Rizgariya Gele Kurdistan - ARGK). ARGK was founded by Selahattin Celik, its first commander. Another name associated with the PKK is the National Liberation Front of Kurdistan (ERNK), a political wing reportedly used to collect funds and to recruit and even to train fighters.
Other organisations that have been suspected of being linked to the PKK were the pro-Kurdish HEP (Halkin Emek Partisi), and its successors DEP (Demokrasi Partisi) and HADEP. HEP was banned by Turkey in July 1993 and Dep was outlawed in March 1994.
Government of Turkey - PKK
Comment on Name: Partiya Karkari Kurdistan (PKK) stands for the Kurdistan Workers Party. The armed wing of the PKK was the Peoples Liberation Army of Kurdistan (Artesa Rizgariya Gele Kurdistan - ARGK). ARGK was founded by Selahattin Celik, its first commander. Another name associated with the PKK is the National Liberation Front of Kurdistan (ERNK), a political wing reportedly used to collect funds and to recruit and even to train fighters.
Other organisations that have been suspected of being linked to the PKK were the pro-Kurdish HEP (Halkin Emek Partisi), and its successors DEP (Demokrasi Partisi) and HADEP. HEP was banned by Turkey in July 1993 and Dep was outlawed in March 1994.
Troop Size: 10 000 - 12 000
Secondary Support: PKK was reportedly allowed to train in the Syrian-controlled Bekaa Valley in Lebanon. Syria was also suspected of allowing PKK to train on its own territory and to shelter PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan. Further, there is significant information that PKK fighters sought refuge in Syria during a number of Turkish operations. Moreover, Turkey conditioned negotiations with Syria over water rights to Syrias interdiction of PKK. During 1995 Turkey accused Greece of allowing the PKK to train fighters on Greek territory. These accusations were denied by Greek officials. According to one source the American CIA could confirm the Turkish accusations as the agency had learned that Greece had decided to scale down its support for the PKK, starting in August 1996. This report, and the recent history of Greek support for the PKK, indicates that Greece did allow the PKK to train during 1995. It is very probable that PKK fighters operate from Iraq but since their connection to the Iraqi regime is unclear Iraq cannot be labelled secondary supporting party.
KDP - PKK
Comment on Name: Partiya Karkari Kurdistan (PKK) stands for the Kurdistan Workers Party. The armed wing of the PKK was the Peoples Liberation Army of Kurdistan (Artesa Rizgariya Gele Kurdistan - ARGK). ARGK was founded by Selahattin Celik, its first commander. Another name associated with the PKK is the National Liberation Front of Kurdistan (ERNK), a political wing reportedly used to collect funds and to recruit and even to train fighters.
Other organisations that have been suspected of being linked to the PKK were the pro-Kurdish HEP (Halkin Emek Partisi), and its successors DEP (Demokrasi Partisi) and HADEP. HEP was banned by Turkey in July 1993 and Dep was outlawed in March 1994.
1996 Group Archive
PKK - Civilians
Comment on Name: Partiya Karkari Kurdistan (PKK) stands for the Kurdistan Workers Party. The armed wing of the PKK was the Peoples Liberation Army of Kurdistan (Artesa Rizgariya Gele Kurdistan - ARGK). ARGK was founded by Selahattin Celik, its first commander. Another name associated with the PKK is the National Liberation Front of Kurdistan (ERNK), a political wing reportedly used to collect funds and to recruit and even to train fighters.
Other organisations that have been suspected of being linked to the PKK were the pro-Kurdish HEP (Halkin Emek Partisi), and its successors DEP (Demokrasi Partisi) and HADEP. HEP was banned by Turkey in July 1993 and Dep was outlawed in March 1994.
Government of Turkey - PKK
Comment on Name: Partiya Karkari Kurdistan (PKK) stands for the Kurdistan Workers Party. The armed wing of the PKK was the Peoples Liberation Army of Kurdistan (Artesa Rizgariya Gele Kurdistan - ARGK). ARGK was founded by Selahattin Celik, its first commander. Another name associated with the PKK is the National Liberation Front of Kurdistan (ERNK), a political wing reportedly used to collect funds and to recruit and even to train fighters.
Other organisations that have been suspected of being linked to the PKK were the pro-Kurdish HEP (Halkin Emek Partisi), and its successors DEP (Demokrasi Partisi) and HADEP. HEP was banned by Turkey in July 1993 and Dep was outlawed in March 1994.
Troop Size: 10 000 - 12 000
Secondary Support: PKK was reportedly allowed to train in the Syrian-controlled Bekaa Valley in Lebanon. Syria was also suspected of allowing PKK to train on its own territory and to shelter PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan.According to an article quoting CIA sources the Greek government backed the PKK during the first half of 1996. In August the head of Greek intelligence did reportedly withdraw the permission for PKK fighters to train in Greece. American official sources did express concern over Greek support for the PKK, but after having met with senior Greek officials they claimed that there was no conclusive evidence that the Greek government supported the group. They instead blamed private Greek initiatives for giving the PKK logistical and financial aid.It is very probable that PKK fighters operate from Iraq but since their connection to the Iraqi regime is unclear Iraq cannot be labelled secondary supporting party.
1997 Group Archive
Government of Turkey - PKK
Comment on Name: Partiya Karkari Kurdistan (PKK) stands for the Kurdistan Workers Party. The armed wing of the PKK was the Peoples Liberation Army of Kurdistan (Artesa Rizgariya Gele Kurdistan - ARGK). ARGK was founded by Selahattin Celik, its first commander. Another name associated with the PKK is the National Liberation Front of Kurdistan (ERNK), a political wing reportedly used to collect funds and to recruit and even to train fighters.
Other organisations that have been suspected of being linked to the PKK were the pro-Kurdish HEP (Halkin Emek Partisi), and its successors DEP (Demokrasi Partisi) and HADEP. HEP was banned by Turkey in July 1993 and Dep was outlawed in March 1994.
Troop Size: 6000 - 10 000
Secondary Support: PKK was reportedly allowed to train in the Syrian-controlled Bekaa Valley in Lebanon. Syria was also suspected of allowing PKK to train on its own territory and to shelter PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan.Greece had earlier allowed the PKK to establish recruitment and training centres in Greece and in 1997 a Kurdish publishing house, declared illegal in Turkey, were allowed to resume its activity in Athens. The PKK also managed to collect a tax from Kurdish asylum seekers in Greece.It is very probable that PKK fighters operate from Iraq but since their connection to the Iraqi regime is unclear Iraq cannot be labelled secondary supporting party.
KDP - PKK
Comment on Name: Partiya Karkari Kurdistan (PKK) stands for the Kurdistan Workers Party. The armed wing of the PKK was the Peoples Liberation Army of Kurdistan (Artesa Rizgariya Gele Kurdistan - ARGK). ARGK was founded by Selahattin Celik, its first commander. Another name associated with the PKK is the National Liberation Front of Kurdistan (ERNK), a political wing reportedly used to collect funds and to recruit and even to train fighters.
Other organisations that have been suspected of being linked to the PKK were the pro-Kurdish HEP (Halkin Emek Partisi), and its successors DEP (Demokrasi Partisi) and HADEP. HEP was banned by Turkey in July 1993 and Dep was outlawed in March 1994.
1998 Group Archive
PKK - Civilians
Comment on Name: Partiya Karkari Kurdistan (PKK) stands for the Kurdistan Workers Party. The armed wing of the PKK was the Peoples Liberation Army of Kurdistan (Artesa Rizgariya Gele Kurdistan - ARGK). ARGK was founded by Selahattin Celik, its first commander. Another name associated with the PKK is the National Liberation Front of Kurdistan (ERNK), a political wing reportedly used to collect funds and to recruit and even to train fighters.
Other organisations that have been suspected of being linked to the PKK were the pro-Kurdish HEP (Halkin Emek Partisi), and its successors DEP (Demokrasi Partisi) and HADEP. HEP was banned by Turkey in July 1993 and Dep was outlawed in March 1994.
Government of Turkey - PKK
Comment on Name: Partiya Karkari Kurdistan (PKK) stands for the Kurdistan Workers Party. The armed wing of the PKK was the Peoples Liberation Army of Kurdistan (Artesa Rizgariya Gele Kurdistan - ARGK). ARGK was founded by Selahattin Celik, its first commander. Another name associated with the PKK is the National Liberation Front of Kurdistan (ERNK), a political wing reportedly used to collect funds and to recruit and even to train fighters.
Other organisations that have been suspected of being linked to the PKK were the pro-Kurdish HEP (Halkin Emek Partisi), and its successors DEP (Demokrasi Partisi) and HADEP. HEP was banned by Turkey in July 1993 and Dep was outlawed in March 1994.
Troop Size: 5000 - 6000
Secondary Support: Syria, that had earlier supported PKK by training and sheltering, signed an agreement with Turkey in October 1998 after 10 000 Turkish troops had been deployed near the Syrian border. It was agreed that Abdullah Öcalan would be expelled from Syria and that the country would not allow the PKK to operate on its territory. After 1999, relations between Syria and Turkey improved significantly, the two countries becoming partners in the mid-2000s. As the Syrian support lasted over several months before it was cut off, the country still counts as a secondary supporting party this year.In 1998 the PKK was allowed to open an office in Athens under the name PKK representation of the Balkans. A former PKK member captured by Turkish troops claimed that he had been trained in Greece at the so called Lavrion camp. This and other confessions were supported one year later when Greek support became evident as Abdullah Öcalan was sheltered in the Greek embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, before being caught be Turkish special forces.Turkey accused Syria and Greece to cooperate in their support of PKK against Turkey. These accusations could not be confirmed.It is very probable that PKK fighters operate from Iraq but since their connection to the Iraqi regime is unclear Iraq cannot be labelled secondary supporting party.
1999 Group Archive
PKK - Civilians
Comment on Name: Partiya Karkari Kurdistan (PKK) stands for the Kurdistan Workers Party. The armed wing of the PKK was the Peoples Liberation Army of Kurdistan (Artesa Rizgariya Gele Kurdistan - ARGK). ARGK was founded by Selahattin Celik, its first commander. Another name associated with the PKK is the National Liberation Front of Kurdistan (ERNK), a political wing reportedly used to collect funds and to recruit and even to train fighters.
Other organisations that have been suspected of being linked to the PKK were the pro-Kurdish HEP (Halkin Emek Partisi), and its successors DEP (Demokrasi Partisi) and HADEP. HEP was banned by Turkey in July 1993 and Dep was outlawed in March 1994.
Government of Turkey - PKK
Comment on Name: Partiya Karkari Kurdistan (PKK) stands for the Kurdistan Workers Party. The armed wing of the PKK was the Peoples Liberation Army of Kurdistan (Artesa Rizgariya Gele Kurdistan - ARGK). ARGK was founded by Selahattin Celik, its first commander. Another name associated with the PKK is the National Liberation Front of Kurdistan (ERNK), a political wing reportedly used to collect funds and to recruit and even to train fighters.
Other organisations that have been suspected of being linked to the PKK were the pro-Kurdish HEP (Halkin Emek Partisi), and its successors DEP (Demokrasi Partisi) and HADEP. HEP was banned by Turkey in July 1993 and Dep was outlawed in March 1994.
Comment on Active: The leader and founder of PKK, Abdullah Öcalan, was captured on 15 February 1999 at the Greek embassy in Kenya and brought to Turkey to face his trial. He was found guilty of treason and sentenced to death on 29 June 1998. His lawyers appealed the verdict in Turkey and also turned to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) to investigate a possible breach of the European Convention on Human Rights since Öcalan was sentenced to death.
Troop Size: 5000
Secondary Support: With the capture of Abdullah Öcalan it was evident that Greece had supported the PKK as Öcalan had been given shelter at The Greek embassy in Nairobi, Kenya. Greece had earlier been accused of having allowed the PKK to run recruitment and training camps and to have an official office in Athens.After being arrested Öcalan reportedly claimed that Syrian secret service helped train PKK supporters, that the PKK had a hospital in Iran, and that Serbia had supplied the PKK with missiles. Iran has earlier been accused of supporting the PKK but these and Öcalans other claims are however difficult to confirm.According to Turkish intelligence the PKK continued to train in camps in Iraq, Iran, Greece and Armenia after the PKK had presented a unitary ceasefire. Most of this information have not been confirmed. It is very probable that PKK fighters operate from Iraq but since their connection to the Iraqi regime is unclear Iraq cannot be labelled secondary supporting party. After Syria had ended its support for the PKK Turkish sources claimed to have evidence that Iran had increased its support for the group. Iran had supposedly given the PKK $900 000 from 1995 until 1999 and allowed the group to operate approximately 50 camps in Iran. Although Iran denied this, the information concerning its support during 1999 was credible enough to label it secondary supporting party for that year.
2000 Group Archive
PKK - PUK
Comment on Name: Partiya Karkari Kurdistan (PKK) stands for the Kurdistan Workers Party. The armed wing of the PKK was the Peoples Liberation Army of Kurdistan (Artesa Rizgariya Gele Kurdistan - ARGK). ARGK was founded by Selahattin Celik, its first commander. Another name associated with the PKK is the National Liberation Front of Kurdistan (ERNK), a political wing reportedly used to collect funds and to recruit and even to train fighters.
In February 2000 PKKs Presidential Council dropped the word "Kurdistan" from the name of the political wing ERNK and the military wing ARGK. ERNK became the Democratic Peoples Union and ARGK turned into the Peoples Defence Force.
Other organisations that have been suspected of being linked to the PKK were the pro-Kurdish HEP (Halkin Emek Partisi), and its successors DEP (Demokrasi Partisi) and HADEP. HEP was banned by Turkey in July 1993 and Dep was outlawed in March 1994.
Government of Turkey - PKK
Comment on Name: Partiya Karkari Kurdistan (PKK) stands for the Kurdistan Workers Party. The armed wing of the PKK was the Peoples Liberation Army of Kurdistan (Artesa Rizgariya Gele Kurdistan - ARGK). ARGK was founded by Selahattin Celik, its first commander. Another name associated with the PKK is the National Liberation Front of Kurdistan (ERNK), a political wing reportedly used to collect funds and to recruit and even to train fighters.
In February 2000 PKKs Presidential Council dropped the word "Kurdistan" from the name of the political wing ERNK and the military wing ARGK. ERNK became the Democratic Peoples Union and ARGK turned into the Peoples Defence Force.
Other organisations that have been suspected of being linked to the PKK were the pro-Kurdish HEP (Halkin Emek Partisi), and its successors DEP (Demokrasi Partisi) and HADEP. HEP was banned by Turkey in July 1993 and Dep was outlawed in March 1994.
Troop Size: 4000 - 5000
Secondary Support: It is very probable that PKK fighters operate from Iraq but since their connection to the Iraqi regime is unclear Iraq cannot be labelled secondary supporting party. The Kurdish Diaspora became key to supporting the PKK after Syrias backing down. However, with the arrest of Oçalan, the PKK networks in Western Europe were significantly weakened, the amount of money remitted to the PKK being lower than during the 1990s. However, support remained significant.
KDP - PKK
Comment on Name: Partiya Karkari Kurdistan (PKK) stands for the Kurdistan Workers Party. The armed wing of the PKK was the Peoples Liberation Army of Kurdistan (Artesa Rizgariya Gele Kurdistan - ARGK). ARGK was founded by Selahattin Celik, its first commander. Another name associated with the PKK is the National Liberation Front of Kurdistan (ERNK), a political wing reportedly used to collect funds and to recruit and even to train fighters.
In February 2000 PKKs Presidential Council dropped the word "Kurdistan" from the name of the political wing ERNK and the military wing ARGK. ERNK became the Democratic Peoples Union and ARGK turned into the Peoples Defence Force.
Other organisations that have been suspected of being linked to the PKK were the pro-Kurdish HEP (Halkin Emek Partisi), and its successors DEP (Demokrasi Partisi) and HADEP. HEP was banned by Turkey in July 1993 and Dep was outlawed in March 1994.
2001 Group Archive
Government of Turkey - PKK
Comment on Name: Partiya Karkari Kurdistan (PKK) stands for the Kurdistan Workers Party. The armed wing of the PKK was the Peoples Liberation Army of Kurdistan (Artesa Rizgariya Gele Kurdistan - ARGK). ARGK was founded by Selahattin Celik, its first commander. Another name associated with the PKK is the National Liberation Front of Kurdistan (ERNK), a political wing reportedly used to collect funds and to recruit and even to train fighters.
In February 2000 PKKs Presidential Council dropped the word "Kurdistan" from the name of the political wing ERNK and the military wing ARGK. ERNK became the Democratic Peoples Union and ARGK turned into the Peoples Defence Force.
Other organisations that have been suspected of being linked to the PKK were the pro-Kurdish HEP (Halkin Emek Partisi), and its successors DEP (Demokrasi Partisi) and HADEP. HEP was banned by Turkey in July 1993 and Dep was outlawed in March 1994.
Troop Size: 3000 - 5000
Comment on Troop Size: According to a Turkish security source around 1000 PKK troops were still active in Turkey, 4500 were active in Iraq, 1000 in Iran and up to 100 in Syria. The Turkish estimates were slightly higher than those of other sources.
Secondary Support: A Turkish official claimed that the PKK had some 4500 fighters in Iraq, 1000 in Iran and up to 100 in Syria. The information is credible but not confirmed. That there are PKK fighters in Iraq is very probable but since their connection to the Iraqi regime is unclear Iraq cannot be labelled secondary supporting party. The Kurdish Diaspora became key to supporting the PKK after Syrias backing down. However, with the arrest of Oçalan, the PKK networks in Western Europe were significantly weakened, the amount of money remitted to the PKK being lower than during the 1990s. However, support remained significant. The German Intelligence estimates the sum PKK obtained from Germany alone was over 9 million US$.
2002 Group Archive
Government of Turkey - PKK
Comment on Name: Partiya Karkari Kurdistan (PKK) stands for the Kurdistan Workers Party. The armed wing of the PKK was the Peoples Liberation Army of Kurdistan (Artesa Rizgariya Gele Kurdistan - ARGK). ARGK was founded by Selahattin Celik, its first commander. Another name associated with the PKK is the National Liberation Front of Kurdistan (ERNK), a political wing reportedly used to collect funds and to recruit and even to train fighters.
In February 2000 PKKs Presidential Council dropped the word "Kurdistan" from the name of the political wing ERNK and the military wing ARGK. ERNK became the Democratic Peoples Union and ARGK turned into the Peoples Defence Force.
On its 8th Congress, in April 2002, the PKK changed its name by announcing that it had fulfilled its historical mission and that it was now dissolved. At the same time the Congress for Freedom and Democracy in Kurdistan (KADEK) announced its establishment. It was to continue PKKs struggle for the liberation of the Kurds, but, as they claimed, through dialogue and democracy rather than violence.
Other organisations that have been suspected of being linked to the PKK were the pro-Kurdish HEP (Halkin Emek Partisi), and its successors DEP (Demokrasi Partisi) and HADEP. HEP was banned by Turkey in July 1993 and Dep was outlawed in March 1994.
Troop Size: 3000 - 5000
Comment on Troop Size: According to a Turkish source about 500 PKK fighters resided in Turkey and up to 5000 lived in Iraq. A Kurdish source instead estimates the number of PKK forces in Iraq to 600.
Secondary Support: The Kurdish Diaspora became key to supporting the PKK after Syrias backing down. However, with the arrest of Oçalan, the PKK networks in Western Europe were significantly weakened, the amount of money remitted to the PKK being lower than during the 1990s. However, support remained significant.
2003 Group Archive
Government of Turkey - PKK
Comment on Name: Partiya Karkari Kurdistan (PKK) stands for the Kurdistan Workers Party. The armed wing of the PKK was the Peoples Liberation Army of Kurdistan (Artesa Rizgariya Gele Kurdistan - ARGK). ARGK was founded by Selahattin Celik, its first commander. Another name associated with the PKK is the National Liberation Front of Kurdistan (ERNK), a political wing reportedly used to collect funds and to recruit and even to train fighters.
In February 2000 PKKs Presidential Council dropped the word "Kurdistan" from the name of the political wing ERNK and the military wing ARGK. ERNK became the Democratic Peoples Union and ARGK turned into the Peoples Defence Force.
On its 8th Congress, in April 2002, the PKK changed its name by announcing that it had fulfilled its historical mission and that it was now dissolved. At the same time the Congress for Freedom and Democracy in Kurdistan (KADEK) announced its establishment. It was to continue PKKs struggle for the liberation of the Kurds, but, as they claimed, through dialogue and democracy rather than violence. The organisation was however considered too narrow and hierarchic and was dissolved after the summer of 2003. The foundation of a new Kurdish group intended to attract broader support, KONGRA-GEL (Peoples Congress of Kurdistan), was announced on 15 November 2003.
Other organisations that have been suspected of being linked to the PKK were the pro-Kurdish HEP (Halkin Emek Partisi), and its successors DEP (Demokrasi Partisi) and HADEP. HEP was banned by Turkey in July 1993 and Dep was outlawed in March 1994.
Troop Size: > 5000
Comment on Troop Size: More than 5000
Secondary Support: The Kurdish Diaspora became key to supporting the PKK after Syrias backing down. However, with the arrest of Oçalan, the PKK networks in Western Europe were significantly weakened, the amount of money remitted to the PKK being lower than during the 1990s. However, support remained significant.
2004 Group Archive
Government of Turkey - PKK
Comment on Name: After PKKs leader Abdullah Öcalan was arrested and tried before a Turkish court in 1999 he backed away from PKKs earlier positions. He gave up the idea of a Kurdish state. Although parts of the PKK did not approve of Öcalans revised goals, his position as the leader of the group was still strong enough to make the PKKs Presidential Council drop the word "Kurdistan" from the names of PKKs military and political wings (ARGK and ERNK) in February 2000 as a symbol of the abandonment of the goal of an independent state in February 2000. Whether the change of goal was merely a tactic used by the group in order to buy time to regroup or a sincere change of heart was unclear.
On its 8th Congress, in April 2002, the PKK changed its name by announcing that it had fulfilled its historical mission and that it was now dissolved. At the same time the Congress for Freedom and Democracy in Kurdistan (KADEK) announced its establishment. It was to continue PKKs struggle for the liberation of the Kurds, but, as they claimed, through dialogue and democracy rather than violence. The organisation was however considered too narrow and hierarchic and was dissolved after the summer of 2003. The foundation of a new Kurdish group intended to attract broader support, KONGRA-GEL (Peoples Congress of Kurdistan), was announced on 15 November 2003.
Comment on Active: A statement reported by the pro-Kurdish Mesopotamia news agency in November 2003 described the KONGRA-GELs strategy as being to negotiate a peaceful settlement with the nation states. However, the group also stated its right to self defence through its military wing, the Peoples Defence Forces (HSG).
KONGRA-GEL announced on 1 June 2004 that it ended a unilateral ceasefire it had observed since September 1999. According to the group, the truce had become meaningless because of what it called "annihilation operations" by Turkish security forces against its fighters in the past three months. However, attacks have been reported between 1999 and June 2004.
According to a Turkish security report, seen by Janes Intelligence Review, KONGRA-GEL is experiencing a power struggle between reformists, cadres seeking to legitimise the movement and traditionalists, who intent on resuming political violence.
Analysts have said in August, that the rebels (KONGRA-GEL) appear to have recently split into several factions. Reuters reported that the brother of jailed rebel leader Abdullah Öcalan has formed a breakaway group after leaving the separatist Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). This new grouping will seek to win the freedom of Osman Öcalans brother and does not aim to damage the PKK but to advance its cause democratically, the statement said (on Kurdish website).
Troop Size: 1500 - 7800
Comment on Troop Size: Turkish security forces estimate that there are 1500 to 1800 KONGRA-GEL cadres inside Turkey and 500 to 1000 in Syria. It furthermore estimates that 5000 cadres are based in the Qandil mountains bordering Iran and the Patriotoc Union of Kurdistan controlled region of Iraq as well as in Iran. Clashes have usually been on a small scale and limited to the Kurdish-inhabited south east.
Secondary Support: The Kurdish Diaspora became key to supporting the PKK after Syrias backing down. However, with the arrest of Oçalan, the PKK networks in Western Europe were significantly weakened, the amount of money remitted to the PKK being lower than during the 1990s. However, support remained significant.
2005 Group Archive
Government of Turkey - PKK
Comment on Name: On 4 April 2005 Kongra-gel changed its name back to Kurdistan Workers’ Party: Partiya Karkeran Kurdistan (PKK).
Troop Size: 4500
Comment on Troop Size: Approximately 4000 to 5000, 3000 to 3500 of whom currently are located in northern Iraq. The group has thousands of sympathizers in Turkey and Europe.
Secondary Support: The Kurdish Diaspora became key to supporting the PKK after Syrias backing down. However, with the arrest of Oçalan, the PKK networks in Western Europe were significantly weakened, the amount of money remitted to the PKK being lower than during the 1990s. However, support remained significant. Iranian PJAK, an offshoot of the PKK, collaborated strongly with the PKK, sharing bases and facilities. There are analysts considering the two organizations to be two branches of the same group.
2006 Group Archive
Government of Turkey - PKK
Comment on Name: On 4 April 2005 Kongra-gel changed its name back to Kurdistan Workers’ Party: Partiya Karkeran Kurdistan (PKK).
Troop Size: 4 000 - 5000
Secondary Support: The Kurdish Diaspora became key to supporting the PKK after Syrias backing down. However, with the arrest of Oçalan, the PKK networks in Western Europe were significantly weakened, the amount of money remitted to the PKK being lower than during the 1990s. However, support remained significant. Iranian PJAK, an offshoot of the PKK, collaborated strongly with the PKK, sharing bases and facilities. There are analysts considering the two organizations to be two branches of the same group.
2007 Group Archive
Government of Turkey - PKK
Comment on Name: Partiya Karkaran Kurdistan (PKK) stands for the Kurdistan Workers Party.
Troop Size: 4000 – 5000
Secondary Support: The Kurdish Diaspora became key to supporting the PKK after Syrias backing down. However, with the arrest of Oçalan, the PKK networks in Western Europe were significantly weakened, the amount of money remitted to the PKK being lower than during the 1990s. However, support remained significant. Iranian PJAK, an offshoot of PKK, collaborated strongly with PKK in 2007, upto the point where it was claimed that the two appear to a large extent to be one and the same.
2008 Group Archive
Government of Turkey - PKK
Comment on Name: Partiya Karkaran Kurdistan (PKK) stands for the Kurdistan Workers Party.
Troop Size: 3000-3500
Secondary Support: The Kurdish Diaspora became key to supporting the PKK after Syrias backing down. However, with the arrest of Oçalan, the PKK networks in Western Europe were significantly weakened, the amount of money remitted to the PKK being lower than during the 1990s. Actions by the German government in 2007 and 2008 are expected to limit the amount of funding PKK gets from the diaspora. The Turkish government has accused the administration in the Iraqi Kurdish region of directly or indirectly aiding the PKK. In October 2008, after a surprise PKK attack near the Iraqi border, Turkey voiced frustration over non-cooperation in combating the PKK, and claimed the northern Iraq administration was also providing the rebels with access to roads and hospitals. Furthermore, they charged that the PKK were easily obtaining weapons and explosives in northern Iraq for use in attacks against Turkish territory. PJAK, an Iranian off-shoot of PKK, appears to still be tightly connected to it.
2009 Group Archive
Government of Turkey - PKK
Comment on Name: Partiya Karkaran Kurdistan (PKK) stands for the Kurdistan Workers Party.
Troop Size: 3000
Comment on Troop Size: The estimated strength of PKK was 3000 in 2009.
Secondary Support: The Kurdish Diaspora became key to supporting the PKK after Syrias backing down. However, with the arrest of Oçalan, the PKK networks in Western Europe were significantly weakened, the amount of money remitted to the PKK being lower than during the 1990s. Further, significant action by European governments in 2007 and 2008 weakened PKKs diaspora connections significantly. However, reports of arrests of presumably important members in PKKs funding networks continued in 2009 in Belgium and Australia. PJAK (Partiya Jiyana Azad a Kurdistane, Free Life Party of Kurdistan), which was loyal to PKK leader Öcalan and like PKK member of the KCK (Koma Civaken Kurdistan, Democratic communities of Kurdistan). The northern Iraqi Kurdish Regional Government had earlier been accused of helping the PKK, which had a base in the Qandil mountains located in the Kurdish area of Iraq. However, during 2009, the Turkish government initiated steps to strengthen ties with the northern Iraqi Kurdish Regional Government (KRG).
2010 Group Archive
Government of Turkey - PKK
Comment on Name: Partiya Karkaran Kurdistan (PKK) stands for the Kurdistan Workers Party.
Troop Size: 3000
Comment on Troop Size: The number is highly approximate.
Secondary Support: PJAK is typically considered an off-shoot of the PKK, sharing resources and personnel, and closely cooperating with PKK. Further, both groups recognize Abdullah Öcalan as their supreme leader, the two groups being the main members of the Koma Civaken Kurdistan (KCK, Kurdistan Democratic Confederation), an umbrella organization.
The Kurdish diaspora is active in giving PKK political support, through various forms of demonstrations and campaigns, as well as funding, in various forms. Further, PKK is allowed to run various forms of operations within various Kurdish diasporas, such as weapons smuggling, training, drugs trafficking, recruitment, etc. and is given safe-haven within Kurdish communities in Western Europe. Two significant arrests of PKK rings within Western Europe were conducted in 2010 by Italian and Belgian security forces.
2011 Group Archive
Government of Turkey - PKK
Comment on Name: Partiya Karkaran Kurdistan (PKK) stands for the Kurdistan Workers Party.
Troop Size: 3000
Comment on Troop Size: The number is highly approximate.
Secondary Support: PJAK is typically considered an off-shoot of the PKK, sharing resources and personnel, and closely cooperating with PKK. Further, both groups recognize Abdullah Öcalan as their supreme leader, the two groups being the main members of the Koma Civaken Kurdistan (KCK, Kurdistan Democratic Confederation), an umbrella organization.
The Kurdish diaspora was active in giving PKK political support, through various forms of demonstrations and campaigns, as well as funding, in various forms. Further, PKK was allowed to run various forms of operations within various Kurdish diasporas, such as weapons smuggling, training, drugs trafficking, recruitment, etc. and was given safe-haven within Kurdish communities in Western Europe.
2012 Group Archive
Government of Turkey - PKK
Comment on Name: Partiya Karkaran Kurdistan (PKK) stands for the Kurdistan Workers Party.
Troop Size: 4000-5000
Comment on Troop Size: Turkish military has estimated PKK’s troop strength to about 5000, while USA put the figure to between 4000-5000, with 3000-3500 of these in northern Iraq.
Secondary Support: The Kurdish diaspora was active in giving PKK political support, through various forms of demonstrations and campaigns, as well as funding, in various forms.
2013 Group Archive
Government of Turkey - PKK
Comment on Name: 2013 has not been updated yet
