The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) was established in the village of Fis, located in the Tunceli Province of Turkey, in 1978. This founding event was led by Abdullah Öcalan and a cadre of Kurdish students and intellectuals who were motivated by the social and political inequalities faced by the Kurdish population. The PKK emerged during a turbulent era marked by political violence, societal unrest, and a growing awakening of ethnic identity among Kurds. The founders intended to advocate for Kurdish rights through a revolutionary ideology based on Marxism-Leninism, which resonated with the leftist movements prevalent in Turkey during the late 20th century.

From its inception, the PKK focused on issues such as cultural rights for Kurds and significant autonomy within Turkey. The party called for an armed struggle against the oppressive policies of the Turkish state, which they perceived as systematically denying the Kurdish identity and rights. Early activities involved organizing political discussions, mobilizing supporters, and training individuals for potential armed resistance. The PKK soon began a campaign that escalated into a long-standing conflict with the Turkish government beginning in the 1980s.

Over the years, the PKK transformed from a primarily political organization into one that engaged in guerrilla warfare, particularly in the rural areas of southeastern Turkey. This shift marked the beginning of decades of conflict that would see thousands of deaths and significant displacement, entrenching a cycle of violence and repression. The PKK's strategies and operations would not only affect Turkey's domestic policies but also have implications for regional security and international relations, particularly concerning the rights of ethnic minorities and the role of nationalism in statecraft.