Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned founder of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), remains a pivotal and controversial figure in Turkish-Kurdish relations. Revered by many Kurds as a symbol of their aspirations for self-determination, he is simultaneously considered a terrorist by a significant portion of Turkish society. Ocalan established the PKK in 1978, initiating a decades-long insurgency against the Turkish state which resulted in tens of thousands of deaths. Currently incarcerated, Ocalan’s influence over the PKK has reportedly diminished, but his statements continue to hold weight. Recent developments suggest potential negotiations involving Ocalan, aiming to resolve the ongoing conflict. His role now centres on potentially authoring the end of the movement he began, sparking debate and anticipation regarding the future of the Kurdish issue in Turkey and the wider region.