Deep within the mountains of Turkiye’s southeastern Hakkari province, bordering Iran and Iraq, Kurdish livestock owners and farmers have begun returning with their animals after decades of armed conflict between Kurdish militants and the Turkish army.

The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), classified as a terror group by Turkiye and much of the international community, was founded in 1978 by students at Ankara University, aiming for the liberation of the Kurds through armed insurgency, which commenced in 1984.

The conflict has led to over 50,000 civilian deaths and 2,000 among soldiers, according to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

In a significant move towards peace, a symbolic weapons destruction ceremony was held on July 11 in Iraqi Kurdistan, marking the PKK’s shift towards democratic politics.

This peace process has allowed areas like Cilo, renowned for its scenic beauty and treacherous terrain that previously hosted heavy fighting between the Turkish army and PKK fighters, to gradually open up.

Locals recount past conflicts where they were accused of supporting the PKK due to providing food and sustenance to soldiers.

Now, with tensions easing, these farmers report a calmer atmosphere and increased tourism, as seen in the presence of tourists camping in the mountains.

However, while peace brings opportunities for economic growth and tourism, it also presents challenges to the younger generation, who may not wish to pursue traditional farming or animal husbandry jobs, leaving their parents questioning if they will continue this way of life.

The return of Kurdish farmers to these mountainous regions marks a hopeful step towards reconciliation and stability in a region long marred by conflict.