Ankara, July 12, 2025 — In a powerful and emotionally charged address at the 32nd Consultation and Evaluation Meeting of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared the dawn of a “Great and Strong Turkey” as the nation takes historic steps toward ending decades of terrorism. Speaking to party members, supporters, and international representatives, Erdoğan emphasized unity, resilience, and a renewed commitment to the “Turkey Century,” while paying tribute to fallen soldiers, expressing solidarity with global victims of injustice, and outlining a vision for a stronger, more inclusive future.
A Historic Turning Point: The End of a 47-Year Struggle
Erdoğan announced that Turkey has entered a transformative phase with the formal dissolution of the terrorist organization responsible for decades of violence, marking the end of a 47-year ordeal that began with the group’s first attack on August 14, 1984, in Siirt’s Eruh and Hakkari’s Şemdinli districts. That initial assault claimed the lives of two Turkish soldiers and injured nine civilians, setting off a prolonged conflict that has cost the nation dearly—approximately 10,000 security personnel and 50,000 civilians lost their lives, alongside an economic toll estimated at $2 trillion.“Today, a new page in history has been opened,” Erdoğan proclaimed. “The gates of a Great Turkey, a Strong Turkey, the Turkey Century, have been flung wide open.” He attributed this milestone to the concerted efforts of the Turkish state, its security forces, and the political will of the ruling coalition, particularly the partnership with the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) led by Devlet Bahçeli. Erdoğan also acknowledged the constructive role played by the DEM Party and its representatives in recent dialogues, signaling a collaborative approach to cementing peace.The president revealed that the terrorist group, following a call from its imprisoned leader, convened a congress and announced its dissolution, culminating in a ceremonial laying down of arms on July 11, 2025. “As of yesterday, the 47-year scourge of terrorism has entered the process of ending,” Erdoğan stated, emphasizing that this outcome was not the result of negotiations or concessions but a resolute, state-led strategy to eradicate terrorism while preserving national honor. “We will never allow the dignity and pride of the Republic of Turkey to be trampled,” he asserted.
Embracing Unity: Turks, Kurds, Arabs Together
Erdoğan’s speech was a clarion call for unity, addressing the diverse fabric of Turkey’s 86 million citizens—Turks, Kurds, Arabs, Sunnis, Alevis, and others. He underscored that the state’s efforts to combat terrorism have been multidimensional, combining robust security measures with reforms to address the root causes of unrest. Since taking office in 2002, the AK Party has pursued what Erdoğan described as a “silent revolution” in democracy and human rights, alongside bolstering Turkey’s defense industry to reduce reliance on foreign powers.The president reflected on past mistakes that exacerbated tensions, such as extrajudicial methods, forced displacements, and cultural suppressions like restrictions on Kurdish language use. “These wrong practices fueled terrorism rather than extinguishing it,” he admitted, noting that such errors provided fertile ground for terrorist exploitation. However, he highlighted recent successes, including operations in Iraq and the “December 8 Revolution” in Syria, which have significantly weakened terrorist capabilities and restored stability.Erdoğan announced plans to establish a parliamentary commission to address the legal and structural needs of this peace process, with participation from the AK Party, MHP, and DEM Party. “We will sit and talk—not with weapons, not with violence, but with dialogue and brotherhood,” he said, envisioning a future where all citizens, regardless of background, are treated as equals under the law. Meetings with DEM Party representatives, including the late Sırrı Süreyya Önder, Pervin Buldan, and Mithat Sancar, have already laid the groundwork for this collaborative effort.
Honoring the Fallen, Supporting the Living
The president paid heartfelt tribute to the 12 soldiers who lost their lives six days prior in the Pençe-Kilit operation due to methane gas exposure, expressing condolences to their families and the nation. “Our hearts are scorched,” he said, affirming that the martyrs attained the highest honor of martyrdom and are “eternally alive” in the eyes of the nation. He also honored the memory of all those lost in the fight against terrorism, vowing that their sacrifices would not be in vain. “The goal of our martyrs has reached its destination,” Erdoğan declared, assuring their families that their legacy would be protected.Erdoğan extended his gratitude to Turkey’s security forces, including the military, police, gendarmerie, coast guard, village guards, and the National Intelligence Organization’s “unsung heroes.” He also acknowledged the contributions of Iraq’s central government and the Kurdistan Regional Government in supporting Turkey’s anti-terrorism efforts.
A Global Message of Solidarity
Beyond domestic concerns, Erdoğan reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to global justice, particularly in light of the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, which he described as “one of the most shameful events in recent human history.” Expressing solidarity with Bosnian brothers and sisters, he recalled his pledge to the late Bosnian leader Alija Izetbegović to protect the region as a legacy of the “Evlad-ı Fatihan” (descendants of the conquerors). “We have remained true to that promise and will continue to do so,” he vowed.Erdoğan also addressed the ongoing crisis in Gaza, where he condemned the “barbaric” actions occurring for the past 22 months. “Just as we stand with our Bosnian brothers, we stand with the oppressed people of Gaza in their honorable struggle against occupation and injustice,” he said, pledging Turkey’s unwavering support.
A Vision for the Turkey Century
The 32nd AK Party Consultation and Evaluation Meeting, themed “Leadership Transcending Borders with the Power of the Nation,” served as a platform for strategic discussions on security, economic development, and political reforms. Erdoğan emphasized the party’s commitment to collective wisdom, encouraging open dialogue and constructive criticism among participants. “The hallmark of our meetings is fostering common sense in a democratic, sincere environment,” he noted, describing the AK Party as a movement rooted in consultation and public engagement.Looking ahead, Erdoğan outlined an ambitious agenda for the “Turkey Century,” where resources previously allocated to counter-terrorism will be redirected toward development, prosperity, and national unity. “Turkey will grow with brotherhood, strengthen with democracy, and march toward the future with stability and confidence,” he predicted. He urged citizens to celebrate this new chapter by adorning streets with the Turkish flag, symbolizing unity and pride.
Addressing Critics and Opportunists
Erdoğan did not shy away from addressing detractors who, he claimed, are unsettled by the prospect of peace. He accused certain groups of profiting from the “terrorism ecosystem,” exploiting instability for personal gain. “The end of terrorism disturbs them the most because their racket is collapsing,” he said, calling on the nation to recognize these “false heroes” and remain steadfast in supporting the peace process.The president also defended the patriotism of his administration and its allies, particularly MHP leader Bahçeli, asserting that no one has the right to question their dedication to Turkey. “We have put our lives, our blood, our experience on the line for a terrorism-free Turkey,” he said, vowing to stand at the forefront of initiatives that serve the nation’s interests while opposing those that do not.
A Call for Collective Action
In closing, Erdoğan invoked the words of Turkey’s national poet, Mehmet Akif Ersoy, to underscore the sacrifices made for independence and the enduring spirit of the nation. “Let the crescent flag wave like the dawn. The blood I shed is now lawful. There is no destruction for my race or my flag,” he quoted, reaffirming Turkey’s commitment to freedom and sovereignty.The president expressed optimism about Turkey’s future, calling on all citizens to embrace this historic moment. “No one should be anxious. The wounds may not heal easily, but our youth will no longer be taken from us in their prime. Our mothers will no longer shed tears,” he promised. With the establishment of mechanisms to oversee the disarmament process and continued dialogue through parliamentary channels, Erdoğan believes Turkey is poised to emerge stronger and more united than ever.As the nation embarks on this new chapter, Erdoğan’s message was clear: the Republic of Turkey stands tall, resilient, and hopeful, ready to build a future where brotherhood, democracy, and prosperity define the “Turkey Century.”
This article was compiled based on President Erdoğan’s speech at the AK Party’s 32nd Consultation and Evaluation Meeting in Ankara on July 12, 2025.
