What Benefits Does the Government Expect from the “Terror-Free Turkey” Process?

The “Terror-Free Turkey” initiative, launched in late 2024, marks a major political and security transformation in the country. Designed to permanently end the PKK threat, this state-led campaign has evolved into much more than a counterterrorism effort—it’s now a broader push for national normalization, social reconciliation, and political unity.

In May 2025, a historic milestone was reached when the PKK publicly declared its disarmament and self-dissolution. This unprecedented move was the first time in Turkey’s history that the organization voluntarily removed itself from the equation. The announcement signaled a turning point, opening the door to a new era both politically and socially.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan embraced the development with strong public support, declaring that the country had entered “a new phase.” He characterized the moment as a major opportunity for national peace, economic revival, and a stronger sense of unity. Perhaps even more surprisingly, Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli—long known for his hardline stance—voiced full support, framing the process as a matter of “national consensus” and standing firmly behind Erdoğan.

Today, the process is regarded as the beginning of a new chapter in Turkey’s fight against terrorism. But the goals are not just about ending violence; they’re about healing social wounds, calming political polarization, and laying the groundwork for long-term stability.

Building a Political Legacy

One of Erdoğan’s primary personal ambitions with the “Terror-Free Turkey” process is to cement his place in history as the leader who brought lasting peace. Just as he once initiated the early 2010s “Peace Process,” this new effort gives him a second chance to define himself not only as a strongman, but also as a reconciler and nation-builder. It’s a carefully crafted legacy move, one that he likely hopes will echo both within Türkiye and across the Islamic world—where being seen as a unifying figure holds great symbolic value.

Preparing for 2028 and Shaping the Post-Erdoğan Era

This process also serves a clear electoral function. Erdoğan is widely viewed as a master strategist who understands the mechanics of Türkiye’s political system. With 2028 elections on the horizon, the calming effects of the process could help him win back Kurdish voters who had drifted toward opposition parties, while still retaining his nationalist base through the MHP alliance.

Even if Erdoğan does not run again in 2028, the process allows him to carefully manage succession by improving the public mood, stabilizing the political landscape, and creating the best possible environment for a successor of his choosing. In essence, it’s a way to hand off power without losing political control.

Undercutting the Opposition with the “Peace Card”

For years, the political opposition—especially the CHP—championed themes of reconciliation and peace. By taking ownership of the “Terror-Free Türkiye” agenda, Erdoğan flips the script and claims that space for himself. This move allows him to say, “We are the ones who delivered peace,” thereby limiting the opposition’s ability to challenge him on moral or humanitarian grounds. It’s a strategic act of narrative control that bolsters his personal authority while sidelining rivals.

Reviving Türkiye’s Global Image and Attracting Investment

From a geopolitical perspective, a Türkiye without terrorism is far more attractive to Western governments and international investors. Erdoğan is well aware of this. He sees the process as an opportunity to reshape Turkey’s international image, signal stability to financial markets, and open the door to renewed engagement with the U.S., the EU, and global institutions.

By presenting himself as the leader who ended decades of domestic conflict, Erdoğan hopes to transform from a polarizing figure to a “leader who delivers results”—particularly in the eyes of skeptical Western powers.

Becoming the Central Figure in a New Era of Political Softening

Domestically, recent months have witnessed a notable shift toward political “softening.” Erdoğan, who has often thrived on sharp divides and strong rhetoric, now appears eager to embrace a more unifying tone. The “Terror-Free Turkey” process fits neatly into this climate, allowing him to reposition himself as a stabilizing, centrist force.

This new positioning gives Erdoğan room to re-engage disengaged voters, reduce resistance among moderates, and even explore new political alliances—all while maintaining control of the narrative. It’s a strategic recalibration aimed at long-term relevance, even if his active political role eventually diminishes.

Final Thoughts

The “Terror-Free Turkey” process is far from a simple anti-terror operation—it’s a layered political project with long-term implications for Erdoğan’s legacy, Turkey’s electoral dynamics, and the nation’s geopolitical posture. Whether the process will succeed or not remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: this is a complex, high-stakes move that touches almost every dimension of Erdoğan’s personal and political agenda. The coming months will show whether this calculated bet pays off or introduces new complications—but either way, it is a defining moment for Turkey’s modern political history.