This paper analyses why the protracted conflict between the PKK and the Turkish state started in 1984. It argues that the traditional focus on ethnic grievances is insufficient to explain the turn to violence in the Kurdish-Turkish conflict. Using Desrosiers' framing theory for identity-based conflicts, this paper shows how the 1980 Turkish military coup provided the circumstances for violence to erupt. The Turkish military oppression diminished the influence of more moderate Kurdish voices, which led to the acceptance of the PKK's message that only violent measures could resolve Kurdish oppression. This enabled the mobilization of Kurds in Turkey and the diaspora and led to the eruption of violence.