Rojava commemorates World Kobani Day, reaffirms commitment to freedom

On 15 September 2014, ISIS mercenaries launched an all-out offensive against the city of Kobani in Rojava. Kurds from across the region and beyond rallied to defend the city alongside the People's Protection Units (YPG) and the Women's Protection Units (YPJ). In response, 1 November was designated as World Kobani Solidarity Day, when millions of people around the world took to the streets in solidarity with Kobani's resistance against ISIS.

QAMISHLO

On this occasion, marking the 12th anniversary of World Kobani Solidarity Day, the Popular Initiative in the city of Qamishlo issued a statement, read by initiative member Mohammed Sharif Khalili at the Martyr Delil Serokhan Shrine, in the presence of a large gathering of residents.

The statement commemorated the Kobani resistance, while the initiative called on the transitional government and the national community to guarantee the Kurdish people's cultural, historical and political rights, ensure their participation in institutions, and enshrine their rights in the Syrian Constitution.

It also called for the integration of Autonomous Administration institutions with those of the transitional government to be carried out in a way that includes all components and paves the way for a democratic and free Syria.

The statement stressed the need to protect women's rights in Rojava, in recognition of the role played by the Women's Protection Units (YPJ) in confronting ISIS. It also called on the United States and the European Union to prevent mercenaries from returning to Syria and to remain alert to organizations that could reproduce similar practices. It urged Syrians to work towards building a free, inclusive and democratic Syria.

Following the statement, a documentary about the 2014 Kobani resistance was screened.

Girkê Legê

In the city of Girkê Legê, the City Council issued a statement in front of its headquarters, read by the council's co-chair, Salama Mohammed. The statement commemorated Kobani's historic resistance, describing it as a global symbol of the struggle against extremism and terrorism.

It stated that the Kobani resistance went beyond defending the city, representing a vision rooted in pluralism, democracy and peaceful coexistence. It added that the sacrifices of its sons and daughters, together with the solidarity among the different components of society, made Kobani a turning point in the fight against terrorism.

The statement also addressed current challenges, calling for the success of the democratic integration process and the establishment of a democratic, pluralistic and decentralized Syria in which all Syrians and their communities participate in administration and governance. It also rejected hate speech and incitement, and called for national and moral responsibility.

Jal Agha

The Jal Agha City Council issued a statement in front of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) headquarters in the al-Rasafah neighbourhood in the city. The statement was attended by members of the City Council, the Council of Martyrs' Families, women's organizations and youth movements, and was read by council member Zaher Munther.

The statement said that the Kobani resistance embodied the will of free peoples to defend their land, dignity and identity. It described the resistance as a pivotal moment that demonstrated peoples' ability to confront terrorism and highlighted the role of women, youth and society in defending the values of coexistence and solidarity.

It added that honouring the sacrifices of the martyrs means preserving the achievements of peoples, strengthening unity and fostering a culture of peace and coexistence. The statement stressed that commemorating World Kobani Solidarity Day represents a renewed commitment to protecting peoples' will and dignity, upholding freedom and democracy, and working towards a pluralistic, democratic Syria that guarantees the rights of all its communities without discrimination.

Tirbê Spîyê

In Tirbê Spîyê, the City Council issued a statement in the presence of civil society organizations and political parties. It was read by council members Lorin Mizkin and Abdulaziz Suleiman.

The statement described Kobani's victory as a historic event and a significant milestone in the fight against terrorism, noting that the city had written a new chapter in the history of freedom and human dignity through the blood of its young women and men.

It stressed that the battle was not merely about defending the city's territory, but also about defending human values and a democratic national project based on equality and pluralism. It also paid tribute to the martyrs, the wounded and the spiritual leaders associated with the resistance.

Amuda

In Amuda, Kongra Star issued a statement at the Free Women's Square, read by Kongra member Jeylan Youssef in the presence of representatives of Kongra Star, the City Council and the Council of Martyrs' Families.

The statement described 1 November as an occasion to commemorate the Kobani resistance and the unity and sacrifices of its people. It stressed that the city had become a symbol of freedom and dignity for the peoples of the world. It also highlighted the prominent role women played in the resistance, demonstrating their ability to serve as a key force for societal change and the defence of freedom.

Kongra Star underscored the importance of safeguarding the gains of the women's revolution and the values achieved through the sacrifices of the martyrs. It called on women, peoples around the world and democratic forces to stand alongside the people of Kobani and support the freedom and rights of peoples, particularly the Kurdish people. It stressed that the city's resistance would remain alive in the memory of peoples.

Dêrik

In Dêrik, the Democratic Union Party (PYD) issued a statement in the city's central market, read by party member Sobhi Elias. The statement paid tribute to the martyrs and fighters who took part in the Kobani resistance and the liberation of the city from ISIS mercenaries, particularly Kurdish fighters from the four parts of Kurdistan.

It said that commemorating the martyrs of Kobani also means remembering a significant historic milestone in the course of the Rojava Revolution, noting that the resistance culminated in the city's liberation thanks to the sacrifices of the martyrs and fighters.

The statement said that Kobani had demonstrated that the Kurdish people would not surrender in the face of challenges. It added that the city had become a symbol of Kurdish unity and solidarity, as Kurds from different parts of Kurdistan united in the face of the threat of genocide. It stressed that Kobani would remain a source of pride for the people of Rojava.

Tal Tamr

In Tal Tamr, the People's Initiative expressed its solidarity with Kobani and its people in a statement, calling on the international community, the United Nations, the European Union, the United States and all parties concerned with Syrian affairs to fulfil their responsibilities in protecting civilians and preventing the return of terrorism.

The statement was read by Council of Martyrs' Families member Mohammed Aliyat in front of the Electricity Roundabout, in the presence of a number of local residents.

The initiative stressed that solidarity with Kobani goes beyond emotional support to encompass a commitment to the rights of all components of Syrian society, particularly the Kurdish people's national, political, cultural and linguistic rights, and the need to enshrine them in the Constitution. It also called for building a united, democratic and decentralised Syria based on partnership, equality, citizenship and mutual recognition.

It further called for implementing existing understandings and agreements in a spirit of responsibility and consensus, safeguarding women's gains and ensuring their effective and equal participation in state institutions and decision-making positions. It also urged efforts to contribute to the reconstruction of Kobani, Rojava and the affected areas in a manner that guarantees security, stability and dignity for all Syrians.

The initiative concluded by stressing that Kobani and Tal Tamr represent a bridge of solidarity and a shared destiny, and that the freedom and dignity of peoples cannot be divided or compromised.

Derbasiyah

In Derbasiyah, the City Council issued a statement read by Democratic Union Party (PYD) member Ahmed Suleiman in front of Martyr Arin Mirkan Roundabout, in the presence of members of the city's civil institutions and councils.

The statement said that Kobani and its people had written a historic epic marked by sacrifice, determination and steadfastness. It added that, thanks to the city's heroic resistance and the resilience of its people, the myth of ISIS had been shattered and its terrorist project defeated by the will of the peoples. It stressed that Kobani would remain a symbol of resistance and steadfastness in the face of terrorism.

The statement emphasised the importance of upholding the will of peoples and safeguarding their achievements, as well as strengthening unity and peaceful coexistence.

It also said that the blood of Kobani's martyrs would remain a trust entrusted to everyone, and that their memory would live on in the hearts of future generations. It noted that the city continued to face threats from terrorist forces, and that the threats and violations it was subjected to called for a collective stance to protect the peoples of the region.

The statement stressed that protecting the peoples of the region was a collective responsibility requiring vigilance, unity and awareness. It renewed the pledge to the martyrs that their sacrifices would continue to serve as a beacon guiding the way towards peace, freedom and coexistence.

ANHA