Turkey rebuilds southeastern district

By Mehmet Siddik Kaya

DIYARBAKIR, Turkey (AA) - Peace has returned to Sur district in Turkey's southeastern province of Diyarbakir with local traders able to do business as usual.

In 2015, hundreds of traders in Sur shut down businesses because of the PKK terror attacks, while some others relocated.

Atilla Altindag, 45, who spoke to Anadolu Agency on Friday said that they lost hope during those "painful days", adding that intervention by the state had improved the situation.

He praised the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party for its efforts.

"Thanks to them, Sur regained its former glory. Sur is the heart of Diyarbakir," Altindag said.

Another tradesman Timur Timucin, 43, said that the Turkish government did not desert them in their times of need.

"We couldn't open our shops for months. We suffered a lot. And then our state renovated our mosques, bazaar and churches. They kept their word," Timucin said.

Faysal Celik, a local, said that their business had picked up.

In late 2015, Turkish security forces completely cleared PKK terrorists from Sur where approximately 4,500 families had to leave their homes due to terror attacks.

In 2013, Turkey launched what is publicly known as the "solution process" to end the decades-old conflict with the outlawed PKK.

However, the process broke down in 2015 when the terror group resumed its 30-year armed campaign against the Turkish state.

Before the process ended, PKK declared a cease-fire and vowed to lay down its weapons and advise members to leave Turkey.

However, the terrorists repeatedly exploited the solution process to gather more weapons and ammunition, and transport them into cities.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- has been responsible for the death of some 40,000 people, including those of women and children.