The Kurds are conquered by the Arabs , beginning centuries of living under the rule of others. Their land is later occupied by the Seljuk Turks , the Mongols , the Safavid dynasty, and, beginning in the late 13th century, the Ottoman Empire . Turkish government of Sultan Muhammad VI agrees to allow Kurds an autonomous homeland. On November 1, Kemal proclaims the abolition of the sultanate. Sultan Muhammad VI flees to a British warship.
European powers recognize Turkey as an independent and sovereign nation.
Turkey is no longer obligated to grant Kurdish autonomy. One of treaty's provisions says Turkey must guarantee the rights of its minorities. Today, Kurds are not officially recognized by Turkey as a minority group. Abdullah Ocalan helps to create the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, to seek Kurdish independence. He assumes leadership of the leftist organization.