More and more women are dressing up in their traditional clothes and jewelry and taking photos.
Newroz—the festival of spring, blossoming, and new beginnings. The festival stands for resistance against oppression as well as for history, tradition, and the collective desire for freedom.
And with these words, we send you revolutionary greetings from Rojava.
Newroz—the festival of spring, blossoming, and new beginnings. The festival stands for resistance against oppression as well as for history, tradition, and the collective desire for freedom.
And with these words, we send you revolutionary greetings from Rojava.
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Forwarded from Messages from Rojava (Women Defend Rojava)
Offical Petition: “Freedom for the missing and imprisoned people”
Statement Launching The Petition:
https://kongra-star.org/eng/2026/03/12/statement-launching-a-petition-campaign/
Call To Sign until 17th of march:
https://kongra-star.org/eng/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CALL-Petition-Regarding-the-File-of-Prisoners-and-the-Enforced-Disappeared.pdf
Letter that will be send to the international bodies on 18th of march (day of solidarity with political prisoners):
https://kongra-star.org/eng/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/LETTER-Petition-Regarding-the-File-of-Prisoners-and-the-Forcibly-Disappeared.pdf
to sign send an email to:
petition_kongra_star@disroot.org
Statement Launching The Petition:
https://kongra-star.org/eng/2026/03/12/statement-launching-a-petition-campaign/
Call To Sign until 17th of march:
https://kongra-star.org/eng/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CALL-Petition-Regarding-the-File-of-Prisoners-and-the-Enforced-Disappeared.pdf
Letter that will be send to the international bodies on 18th of march (day of solidarity with political prisoners):
https://kongra-star.org/eng/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/LETTER-Petition-Regarding-the-File-of-Prisoners-and-the-Forcibly-Disappeared.pdf
to sign send an email to:
petition_kongra_star@disroot.org
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Forwarded from Messages from Rojava (Women Defend Rojava)
Offical Petition: “Freedom for the missing and imprisoned people”
Statement Launching The Petition:
https://kongra-star.org/eng/2026/03/12/statement-launching-a-petition-campaign/
Call To Sign until 17th of march:
https://kongra-star.org/eng/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CALL-Petition-Regarding-the-File-of-Prisoners-and-the-Enforced-Disappeared.pdf
Letter that will be send to the international bodies on 18th of march (day of solidarity with political prisoners):
https://kongra-star.org/eng/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/LETTER-Petition-Regarding-the-File-of-Prisoners-and-the-Forcibly-Disappeared.pdf
to sign send an email to:
petition_kongra_star@disroot.org
Statement Launching The Petition:
https://kongra-star.org/eng/2026/03/12/statement-launching-a-petition-campaign/
Call To Sign until 17th of march:
https://kongra-star.org/eng/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CALL-Petition-Regarding-the-File-of-Prisoners-and-the-Enforced-Disappeared.pdf
Letter that will be send to the international bodies on 18th of march (day of solidarity with political prisoners):
https://kongra-star.org/eng/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/LETTER-Petition-Regarding-the-File-of-Prisoners-and-the-Forcibly-Disappeared.pdf
to sign send an email to:
petition_kongra_star@disroot.org
👍1
Dear friends,
Today we report from Rojava, the heart of the women's revolution.
Funeral of Salih Muslim
In recent days, memorial services have been held for Salih Muslim. A large part of the population gathered to mourn Muslim, a significant and profound politician of the Rojava Revolution. Salih Muslim was active in the Kurdish freedom movement for over four decades. After meeting Abdullah Öcalan, the founder of the PKK, in 1983, the political and organizational work of the movement became his life's work. He was particularly involved in the political and social developments in Rojava and Syria. At the same time, he inspired people with his wisdom and fighting spirit in all four parts of Kurdistan and championed progress there as well. At the funeral, a woman handed us a small photo of Salih Muslim and told us: “Salih Muslim embodied the values of the freedom movement. He was always interested in his surroundings and the people around him. It was important to him to engage in conversation and have meaningful discussions. He placed great value on all people—whether Kurds, Arabs, Syriacs, Alevis, or Christians—and cultivated these relationships.” Şehîd namirin. After a memorial service in Qamishli, Muslim's body was taken to Kobanê to be buried in the Şehîdlik, the Cemetery of the Fallen.
Situation in Kobanê
Kobanê remains under siege by forces loyal to the Syrian Transitional Government. This siege has now lasted for 50 days. The shortages of water, food, and medicine persist. Supply convoys are having difficulty getting through, so store shelves remain empty. According to the administration, measures such as internet shutdowns, restrictions on freedom of movement, and the blockade of fuel deliveries continue. The Kobanê Autonomous Administration accuses the Syrian Transitional Government of failing to uphold the agreements reached. The community continues to resist and fight for its right to basic necessities, dignity, and humanity. At the same time, there is an increase in attacks by units of the Syrian Transitional Government in southeastern Kobanê. People are being abducted in several Kurdish villages, and there is violence and threats against the civilian population. The massacres, the violence, and the fear must finally end. Furthermore, contrary to the agreements of the integration agreement, the Syrian Transitional Government has appointed an external district administrator for Kobanê. The agreement stipulated that local people should continue to hold these positions. In a statement, the administration said: "Such decisions ignore the specific political and social structures of the region, as well as the immense sacrifices made during the revolution and the war."
Afrin
After the initial positive news that displaced families could return to Afrin, this process has now been temporarily suspended by the Syrian interim government. Originally, after the return of 400 families, more families were supposed to follow. In 2018, following the expulsion of hundreds of families, the Turkish state resettled new people in the area. This strategy is forcing a demographic shift and destroying the livelihoods of many people. Due to the newly resettled families—including members of ISIS and other jihadist groups—space is limited and adequate infrastructure is lacking.
Freedom for all missing and imprisoned people
The women's organization Kongra Star in northeastern Syria has launched a petition campaign for the release of those imprisoned and for clarification of the fate of the disappeared. Women's organizations, including family members of those imprisoned, are demanding the immediate release of their loved ones. Rûken Ehmed, a representative of Kongra Star, reports that thousands of people have been missing since the fighting in the Sheikh Maksud and Ashrafiya districts, extending to the city of Raqqa and its surrounding areas. Thousands have been brutally murdered, while many fighters of the transitional government have been captured.
Today we report from Rojava, the heart of the women's revolution.
Funeral of Salih Muslim
In recent days, memorial services have been held for Salih Muslim. A large part of the population gathered to mourn Muslim, a significant and profound politician of the Rojava Revolution. Salih Muslim was active in the Kurdish freedom movement for over four decades. After meeting Abdullah Öcalan, the founder of the PKK, in 1983, the political and organizational work of the movement became his life's work. He was particularly involved in the political and social developments in Rojava and Syria. At the same time, he inspired people with his wisdom and fighting spirit in all four parts of Kurdistan and championed progress there as well. At the funeral, a woman handed us a small photo of Salih Muslim and told us: “Salih Muslim embodied the values of the freedom movement. He was always interested in his surroundings and the people around him. It was important to him to engage in conversation and have meaningful discussions. He placed great value on all people—whether Kurds, Arabs, Syriacs, Alevis, or Christians—and cultivated these relationships.” Şehîd namirin. After a memorial service in Qamishli, Muslim's body was taken to Kobanê to be buried in the Şehîdlik, the Cemetery of the Fallen.
Situation in Kobanê
Kobanê remains under siege by forces loyal to the Syrian Transitional Government. This siege has now lasted for 50 days. The shortages of water, food, and medicine persist. Supply convoys are having difficulty getting through, so store shelves remain empty. According to the administration, measures such as internet shutdowns, restrictions on freedom of movement, and the blockade of fuel deliveries continue. The Kobanê Autonomous Administration accuses the Syrian Transitional Government of failing to uphold the agreements reached. The community continues to resist and fight for its right to basic necessities, dignity, and humanity. At the same time, there is an increase in attacks by units of the Syrian Transitional Government in southeastern Kobanê. People are being abducted in several Kurdish villages, and there is violence and threats against the civilian population. The massacres, the violence, and the fear must finally end. Furthermore, contrary to the agreements of the integration agreement, the Syrian Transitional Government has appointed an external district administrator for Kobanê. The agreement stipulated that local people should continue to hold these positions. In a statement, the administration said: "Such decisions ignore the specific political and social structures of the region, as well as the immense sacrifices made during the revolution and the war."
Afrin
After the initial positive news that displaced families could return to Afrin, this process has now been temporarily suspended by the Syrian interim government. Originally, after the return of 400 families, more families were supposed to follow. In 2018, following the expulsion of hundreds of families, the Turkish state resettled new people in the area. This strategy is forcing a demographic shift and destroying the livelihoods of many people. Due to the newly resettled families—including members of ISIS and other jihadist groups—space is limited and adequate infrastructure is lacking.
Freedom for all missing and imprisoned people
The women's organization Kongra Star in northeastern Syria has launched a petition campaign for the release of those imprisoned and for clarification of the fate of the disappeared. Women's organizations, including family members of those imprisoned, are demanding the immediate release of their loved ones. Rûken Ehmed, a representative of Kongra Star, reports that thousands of people have been missing since the fighting in the Sheikh Maksud and Ashrafiya districts, extending to the city of Raqqa and its surrounding areas. Thousands have been brutally murdered, while many fighters of the transitional government have been captured.
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The initiative aims to build international pressure to clarify the whereabouts of those affected. The campaign was launched on Thursday and is scheduled to run until March 17. The collected signatures will be presented to the public and international institutions on March 18, the International Day of Political Prisoners.
Resistance of the Druze population in Suweida
The people of Suweida are taking to the streets. Banners reading "The authentic Druze people will not retreat" are visible. The demonstrators are also demanding an end to the siege of Suweida and the opening of a border crossing to Israel. They are prepared to form alliances with democratic countries. Attacks on the population of Suweida continue to occur. These attacks are carried out by troops of the Syrian Transitional Government. Last night, the village of al-Majdal, in the western outskirts of Suweida, was attacked with drones. In another location, clashes broke out between the National Guard and groups affiliated with the Transitional Government's armed forces. This constitutes another violation of the ceasefire. The Syrian Transitional Government's attacks on the Druze population can be understood as follows:
Firstly, the Salafist Transitional Government opposes all other religious groups that do not adhere to its fundamentalist Islamist ideology and Sunni Islamist beliefs. Secondly, the geographical location of Suweida is of interest to Israel and the USA. With the aim of rebuilding the Middle East, the USA and Israel are openly stating their plan for the David Corridor. This corridor is intended to stretch from the Golan Heights through Druze and Kurdish territories – serving as a new buffer zone against Iranian forces and as a new trade route.
Thus, the attacks on Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, as well as Assad's Struz, are not coincidental but are connected to these plans. These plans are publicly known and can be found in the USA's National Security Strategy.
Kurdish Alliance Condemns Iranian Attacks on Southern Kurdistan
The Kurdish alliance of parties from Eastern Kurdistan has strongly condemned Iran's ongoing missile and drone attacks on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and called on the international community to take action. Since the end of February, the region has been attacked hundreds of times, with refugee camps and party bases also being hit. In a drone attack near Erbil, two Peshmerga fighters were killed and several others wounded. The alliance accuses the Iranian regime of violently suppressing protests domestically and securing its power through regional conflicts. At the same time, it calls for international support for the democratic demands of the Iranian people.
War Policy and Natural Resources
The effects of wars are always felt first in society. The wars in the Middle East are increasingly leading to resource scarcity. For example, the water supply in Hasakah, supplied by the Alouk waterworks, is severely restricted. Over one million people still lack regular access to drinking water because, despite the waterworks being shut down for years, no concrete measures have been taken to resolve the problem. The crisis began on October 9, 2019, with an attack by the Turkish army and allied groups on the city of Serekaniyê. This attack damaged the Alouk waterworks and cut off the water supply to Hesekê. Gas and oil supplies are also becoming increasingly difficult to access due to rising prices.
Resistance to Geothermal Project
In the northern Kurdish province of Muş, a planned geothermal project is facing resistance because it is based on environmental damage and the potential forced relocation of Kurdish-Alevi villages. Residents, expressing their concern and anger, declare: "These lands are not an investment that can be allocated at a desk. Protecting pastures, water sources, and the livelihoods of the population is our shared responsibility." The energy provider IGNIS H2 Enerji Üretim A.Ş.
Resistance of the Druze population in Suweida
The people of Suweida are taking to the streets. Banners reading "The authentic Druze people will not retreat" are visible. The demonstrators are also demanding an end to the siege of Suweida and the opening of a border crossing to Israel. They are prepared to form alliances with democratic countries. Attacks on the population of Suweida continue to occur. These attacks are carried out by troops of the Syrian Transitional Government. Last night, the village of al-Majdal, in the western outskirts of Suweida, was attacked with drones. In another location, clashes broke out between the National Guard and groups affiliated with the Transitional Government's armed forces. This constitutes another violation of the ceasefire. The Syrian Transitional Government's attacks on the Druze population can be understood as follows:
Firstly, the Salafist Transitional Government opposes all other religious groups that do not adhere to its fundamentalist Islamist ideology and Sunni Islamist beliefs. Secondly, the geographical location of Suweida is of interest to Israel and the USA. With the aim of rebuilding the Middle East, the USA and Israel are openly stating their plan for the David Corridor. This corridor is intended to stretch from the Golan Heights through Druze and Kurdish territories – serving as a new buffer zone against Iranian forces and as a new trade route.
Thus, the attacks on Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, as well as Assad's Struz, are not coincidental but are connected to these plans. These plans are publicly known and can be found in the USA's National Security Strategy.
Kurdish Alliance Condemns Iranian Attacks on Southern Kurdistan
The Kurdish alliance of parties from Eastern Kurdistan has strongly condemned Iran's ongoing missile and drone attacks on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and called on the international community to take action. Since the end of February, the region has been attacked hundreds of times, with refugee camps and party bases also being hit. In a drone attack near Erbil, two Peshmerga fighters were killed and several others wounded. The alliance accuses the Iranian regime of violently suppressing protests domestically and securing its power through regional conflicts. At the same time, it calls for international support for the democratic demands of the Iranian people.
War Policy and Natural Resources
The effects of wars are always felt first in society. The wars in the Middle East are increasingly leading to resource scarcity. For example, the water supply in Hasakah, supplied by the Alouk waterworks, is severely restricted. Over one million people still lack regular access to drinking water because, despite the waterworks being shut down for years, no concrete measures have been taken to resolve the problem. The crisis began on October 9, 2019, with an attack by the Turkish army and allied groups on the city of Serekaniyê. This attack damaged the Alouk waterworks and cut off the water supply to Hesekê. Gas and oil supplies are also becoming increasingly difficult to access due to rising prices.
Resistance to Geothermal Project
In the northern Kurdish province of Muş, a planned geothermal project is facing resistance because it is based on environmental damage and the potential forced relocation of Kurdish-Alevi villages. Residents, expressing their concern and anger, declare: "These lands are not an investment that can be allocated at a desk. Protecting pastures, water sources, and the livelihoods of the population is our shared responsibility." The energy provider IGNIS H2 Enerji Üretim A.Ş.
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has received permission to conduct exploratory drilling on pastureland in the Gimgim (Varto) district to search for geothermal resources. The long-term plan is to build a geothermal power plant in the region. Such a project would not only destroy nature but would also mean the forced displacement of 16 Kurdish-Alevi villages.
The Role of the Bêrîvan in Kurdish Society
The work of the Bêrîvan—women who raise and milk livestock and produce dairy products—has a long and central significance in Kurdish society. For generations, this work has not only ensured the sustenance of families but has also shaped the social and cultural life of the villages.
As early as 2023, Türkan Abaylı said: “If a geothermal plant is built here, we will be forced to leave. But where to? Our lives are connected to this village.”
In light of current developments in the Middle East, and especially in Syria, the women of Rojava are determined to further organize themselves and develop new perspectives. On March 17, various women's organizations from all population groups—Syryoye, Arabs, Kurds, and Christians—will meet to develop further strategies for democratic self-organization.
And with that, we send revolutionary greetings from Rojava.
The Role of the Bêrîvan in Kurdish Society
The work of the Bêrîvan—women who raise and milk livestock and produce dairy products—has a long and central significance in Kurdish society. For generations, this work has not only ensured the sustenance of families but has also shaped the social and cultural life of the villages.
As early as 2023, Türkan Abaylı said: “If a geothermal plant is built here, we will be forced to leave. But where to? Our lives are connected to this village.”
In light of current developments in the Middle East, and especially in Syria, the women of Rojava are determined to further organize themselves and develop new perspectives. On March 17, various women's organizations from all population groups—Syryoye, Arabs, Kurds, and Christians—will meet to develop further strategies for democratic self-organization.
And with that, we send revolutionary greetings from Rojava.
❤1
Dear friends, sisters, and comrades,
We are writing to you with a new update from Rojava, the heart of the women's revolution, where lives are being defended.
Women's Conference
On Tuesday, a conference of various women's organizations took place in Rojava, led by Kongra Star. The conference opened in Qamishlo under the motto "Let us fight together for the anchoring of women's rights in the Syrian Constitution." Four hundred women from all women's institutions and organizations in Rojava participated, including the YPJ, the Yazidi Women's Organization, the PYD, the Syrian Future Party, Mala Jin, and Jineoloji.
The conference concluded with a declaration addressing the political and military situation, legal issues, the anchoring of women's rights in law, and questions of democratic integration. In the declaration, they demanded that the achievements of the women's revolution in North and East Syria, as well as throughout Syria, be recognized and enshrined as fundamental rights in the constitution. They concluded their statement with the words: "Preserving the achievements of the women's revolution and enshrining them in the constitution is a commitment that will accompany us forever. We will continue our organized struggle to ensure that these strategies are translated into a legal reality that protects the rights of all Syrian women, upholds their dignity, and guarantees them a leading role in shaping comprehensive democratic change in Syria." At the end, the chant "Jin, Jiyan, Azadi" was loudly heard, reaffirming the philosophy of the women's revolution.
Newroz Preparations
Preparations for Newroz, the Kurdish New Year, which is celebrated on March 21, have been underway for a few days. In Kurdistan, Newroz is associated not only with the arrival of spring but also with the beginning of the Kurdish people's ongoing resistance.
As a symbol of resistance, Newroz commemorates the liberation of the Kurds from the cruel ruler Dehok.
According to legend, Dehok seized power through violence and had two young people killed daily to feed snakes that had grown from his shoulders. Some guards, however, secretly saved lives by partially replacing the victims. Many people fled to the mountains, where the first communities began to form. The blacksmith Kawa eventually organized the resistance against Dehok and led the people to liberation. With the tyrant's overthrow, suffering and oppression ended.
The Newroz festival, celebrated to this day, arose from the joy of this victory. Fire plays a central role: it symbolizes both Kawa's uprising and the victory over tyranny. To this day, the Newroz fires represent the Kurdish people's desire for freedom and their hope for independence. In preparation for Saturday's festival, smaller fires are being lit every day in various locations throughout Rojava, around which people dance.
On Monday, the Syrian Transitional Government declared Newroz a Syrian national holiday. This was a historic step, as Newroz celebrations were banned and criminalized under the previous regime. The official recognition of Newroz as a public holiday was a key demand of the Kurds and represents a positive step in acknowledging the existence of the Kurdish people in Syria. In Damascus, festive banners were hung in the lead-up to Newroz - but only in Arabic, demonstrating the Syrian Transitional Government's unwillingness to recognize the Kurdish language as a national language.
Floods
What is currently making the Newroz celebrations somewhat difficult is the weather situation in Rojava.
Heavy rainfall has triggered floods and flash floods in several regions. In the Afrin region and the area surrounding Qamishli, two children lost their lives. In Hesekê, around 200 houses were damaged by flooding. This is one of the worst floods in years, caused by heavy rainfall. The bridge at the Sêmalka border crossing between Western and Southern Kurdistan, i.e., Rojava and Bashur, has also become temporarily unusable due to a sharp rise in the water level of the Tigris River.
We are writing to you with a new update from Rojava, the heart of the women's revolution, where lives are being defended.
Women's Conference
On Tuesday, a conference of various women's organizations took place in Rojava, led by Kongra Star. The conference opened in Qamishlo under the motto "Let us fight together for the anchoring of women's rights in the Syrian Constitution." Four hundred women from all women's institutions and organizations in Rojava participated, including the YPJ, the Yazidi Women's Organization, the PYD, the Syrian Future Party, Mala Jin, and Jineoloji.
The conference concluded with a declaration addressing the political and military situation, legal issues, the anchoring of women's rights in law, and questions of democratic integration. In the declaration, they demanded that the achievements of the women's revolution in North and East Syria, as well as throughout Syria, be recognized and enshrined as fundamental rights in the constitution. They concluded their statement with the words: "Preserving the achievements of the women's revolution and enshrining them in the constitution is a commitment that will accompany us forever. We will continue our organized struggle to ensure that these strategies are translated into a legal reality that protects the rights of all Syrian women, upholds their dignity, and guarantees them a leading role in shaping comprehensive democratic change in Syria." At the end, the chant "Jin, Jiyan, Azadi" was loudly heard, reaffirming the philosophy of the women's revolution.
Newroz Preparations
Preparations for Newroz, the Kurdish New Year, which is celebrated on March 21, have been underway for a few days. In Kurdistan, Newroz is associated not only with the arrival of spring but also with the beginning of the Kurdish people's ongoing resistance.
As a symbol of resistance, Newroz commemorates the liberation of the Kurds from the cruel ruler Dehok.
According to legend, Dehok seized power through violence and had two young people killed daily to feed snakes that had grown from his shoulders. Some guards, however, secretly saved lives by partially replacing the victims. Many people fled to the mountains, where the first communities began to form. The blacksmith Kawa eventually organized the resistance against Dehok and led the people to liberation. With the tyrant's overthrow, suffering and oppression ended.
The Newroz festival, celebrated to this day, arose from the joy of this victory. Fire plays a central role: it symbolizes both Kawa's uprising and the victory over tyranny. To this day, the Newroz fires represent the Kurdish people's desire for freedom and their hope for independence. In preparation for Saturday's festival, smaller fires are being lit every day in various locations throughout Rojava, around which people dance.
On Monday, the Syrian Transitional Government declared Newroz a Syrian national holiday. This was a historic step, as Newroz celebrations were banned and criminalized under the previous regime. The official recognition of Newroz as a public holiday was a key demand of the Kurds and represents a positive step in acknowledging the existence of the Kurdish people in Syria. In Damascus, festive banners were hung in the lead-up to Newroz - but only in Arabic, demonstrating the Syrian Transitional Government's unwillingness to recognize the Kurdish language as a national language.
Floods
What is currently making the Newroz celebrations somewhat difficult is the weather situation in Rojava.
Heavy rainfall has triggered floods and flash floods in several regions. In the Afrin region and the area surrounding Qamishli, two children lost their lives. In Hesekê, around 200 houses were damaged by flooding. This is one of the worst floods in years, caused by heavy rainfall. The bridge at the Sêmalka border crossing between Western and Southern Kurdistan, i.e., Rojava and Bashur, has also become temporarily unusable due to a sharp rise in the water level of the Tigris River.
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The border crossing is expected to remain closed until at least the end of Ramadan.
Situation in Syria
In various regions of Syria, protests against the Syrian Transitional Government's policies are growing louder. The problems people in these regions are facing include unpaid wages, rising prices, and a lack of electricity, gas, and food supplies. In Damascus, the Syrian Transitional Government restricted the sale of alcohol this week and completely banned its serving in restaurants and nightclubs. Retail sales were also largely prohibited, remaining permitted only in some predominantly Christian neighborhoods. The decision was justified as a means of preserving "public morality"-however, it reveals the government's Islamist leanings.
With that, we bid farewell from Rojava and wish all those celebrating a happy Newroz.
Situation in Syria
In various regions of Syria, protests against the Syrian Transitional Government's policies are growing louder. The problems people in these regions are facing include unpaid wages, rising prices, and a lack of electricity, gas, and food supplies. In Damascus, the Syrian Transitional Government restricted the sale of alcohol this week and completely banned its serving in restaurants and nightclubs. Retail sales were also largely prohibited, remaining permitted only in some predominantly Christian neighborhoods. The decision was justified as a means of preserving "public morality"-however, it reveals the government's Islamist leanings.
With that, we bid farewell from Rojava and wish all those celebrating a happy Newroz.
❤1
Dear friends,
We are writing to you with daily news from Rojava, the heart of the women's revolution. We have experienced a great deal in recent days.
The entire community is bustling with activity and preparing for the festivities. This year, Eid al-Fitr, the breaking of the fast, and Newroz, the festival of spring and resistance, are taking place at the same time.
Breaking the Fast
In preparation for the grand, multi-day Eid al-Fitr festival, families have cleaned their homes, baked cookies with nuts and dates, bought sweets, and prepared food to welcome the whole family and all their guests. Eid al-Fitr begins with the first sighting of the Hilal, the tiny crescent moon, in the evening after the new moon.
On the first morning after breaking the fast, it is traditional for the community to travel at sunrise to the Şehidlik, the memorial and burial site of the fallen martyrs. The families of the fallen distribute sweets and commemorate them with visitors. For the families whose loved ones died earlier this year in attacks by the Syrian interim government and the Turkish state, this gathering is important for mourning and for carrying on the legacy of their fallen loved ones' vision of a liberated, democratic life. After visiting the shrine, it is traditional for the children to go from door to door asking for sweets. With bags full of treats, they return home to find the first guests already there. The days of breaking the fast are also a time for the community to visit one another. They drink coffee or tea together, share sweets, and, above all, discuss recent events. Some families have spoken about the division of the Arab and Kurdish populations as a strategy of imperialist powers, while others have talked about their work, the importance of recognizing the Kurdish language, or Friday prayers at the mosque.
Newroz
The preparations for the New Year have been underway for the past few days. Every evening, a fire was lit in a different part of town, and people gathered to dance. Newroz is celebrated throughout Kurdistan, as well as in Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, and Balochistan. On March 21st, the entire population came together again and lit a fire as a symbol of energy. Thousands of people danced, sang, and made music together in cities, villages, mountains, and along the river. The dances are communal circle dances where everyone holds hands and feels a shared rhythm through each other's bodies. People wear colorful clothes in various patterns and fabrics or traditional Gurila suits. Spring blossoms not only in nature but also in the spirit of the people. Animals emerge from their winter hibernation, and so does society. Cultural customs and rituals are of great importance for community life. The gathering is guided by a shared foundation and history.
Especially in times of war, festivals, gatherings, and resistance are the moments when the population draws strength.
On the occasion of Newroz, the women of the population call for holding fast to Kurdish identity. The festival represents a symbol of freedom and identity and simultaneously embodies a cultural dimension and a historical heritage passed down through generations.
In Ahmed in Northern Kurdistan, the words of Abdullah Öcalan were read aloud. He addresses the population and calls on everyone to take action. "It is in our hands to make this year a true year of freedom for all the peoples of the Middle East."
Attacks by the Syrian Transitional Government and the Turkish State
When we returned from the Newroz festival, terrible news reached us. After the Newroz celebrations, people returned home. During their journeys, they were subjected to severe attacks by groups affiliated with the Transitional Government and supporters of the Turkish state. These groups have set up mobile checkpoints on the road between Afrin and Aleppo and are asking returning residents if they are Kurds and then attacking them. They are dragged from their vehicles and their vehicles are destroyed.
We are writing to you with daily news from Rojava, the heart of the women's revolution. We have experienced a great deal in recent days.
The entire community is bustling with activity and preparing for the festivities. This year, Eid al-Fitr, the breaking of the fast, and Newroz, the festival of spring and resistance, are taking place at the same time.
Breaking the Fast
In preparation for the grand, multi-day Eid al-Fitr festival, families have cleaned their homes, baked cookies with nuts and dates, bought sweets, and prepared food to welcome the whole family and all their guests. Eid al-Fitr begins with the first sighting of the Hilal, the tiny crescent moon, in the evening after the new moon.
On the first morning after breaking the fast, it is traditional for the community to travel at sunrise to the Şehidlik, the memorial and burial site of the fallen martyrs. The families of the fallen distribute sweets and commemorate them with visitors. For the families whose loved ones died earlier this year in attacks by the Syrian interim government and the Turkish state, this gathering is important for mourning and for carrying on the legacy of their fallen loved ones' vision of a liberated, democratic life. After visiting the shrine, it is traditional for the children to go from door to door asking for sweets. With bags full of treats, they return home to find the first guests already there. The days of breaking the fast are also a time for the community to visit one another. They drink coffee or tea together, share sweets, and, above all, discuss recent events. Some families have spoken about the division of the Arab and Kurdish populations as a strategy of imperialist powers, while others have talked about their work, the importance of recognizing the Kurdish language, or Friday prayers at the mosque.
Newroz
The preparations for the New Year have been underway for the past few days. Every evening, a fire was lit in a different part of town, and people gathered to dance. Newroz is celebrated throughout Kurdistan, as well as in Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, and Balochistan. On March 21st, the entire population came together again and lit a fire as a symbol of energy. Thousands of people danced, sang, and made music together in cities, villages, mountains, and along the river. The dances are communal circle dances where everyone holds hands and feels a shared rhythm through each other's bodies. People wear colorful clothes in various patterns and fabrics or traditional Gurila suits. Spring blossoms not only in nature but also in the spirit of the people. Animals emerge from their winter hibernation, and so does society. Cultural customs and rituals are of great importance for community life. The gathering is guided by a shared foundation and history.
Especially in times of war, festivals, gatherings, and resistance are the moments when the population draws strength.
On the occasion of Newroz, the women of the population call for holding fast to Kurdish identity. The festival represents a symbol of freedom and identity and simultaneously embodies a cultural dimension and a historical heritage passed down through generations.
In Ahmed in Northern Kurdistan, the words of Abdullah Öcalan were read aloud. He addresses the population and calls on everyone to take action. "It is in our hands to make this year a true year of freedom for all the peoples of the Middle East."
Attacks by the Syrian Transitional Government and the Turkish State
When we returned from the Newroz festival, terrible news reached us. After the Newroz celebrations, people returned home. During their journeys, they were subjected to severe attacks by groups affiliated with the Transitional Government and supporters of the Turkish state. These groups have set up mobile checkpoints on the road between Afrin and Aleppo and are asking returning residents if they are Kurds and then attacking them. They are dragged from their vehicles and their vehicles are destroyed.
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The groups take Kurdish flags from them and burn them, drag them from their cars, and beat them. A Kurd's motorcycle was set on fire. In Afrin, Tal Rifaat, and Al Bab, there are particularly severe persecutions of Kurds celebrating Newroz and carrying Kurdish flags. In the course of this, further convoys from the Syrian interim government and the Turkish state set out for Sheikh Maqsoud to carry out their atrocities.
The security forces of the Jazira Canton condemned the attacks against the Kurdish population in Afrin and Aleppo and called for restraint in the face of these attacks. That same evening, hundreds of people took to the streets in Derik, Haseke, and Qamishli to protest the attacks on the Kurdish population. They called on all sides to exercise restraint in the face of these provocations. These attacks, especially following the Newroz celebrations, demonstrate once again how determined the Turkish state and the Syrian interim government are to break the spirit of resistance and the belief in a free and peaceful life in Syria. They employ strategies of intimidation and mutual incitement against the Arab and Kurdish populations. These strategies serve to destabilize the population and undermine democratic coexistence.
Release of More Prisoners
During the last days, 300 prisoners held by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were released in Hasakah as part of a prisoner exchange. They were welcomed on Thursday evening in the north of the city by family members and representatives of the Autonomous Administration. The released prisoners come from various regions of northern and eastern Syria, including Hasakah, Qamishli, Kobane, Afrin, Deir ez-Zor, Sheda, and Aleppo. They had been abducted in January during the offensive against the Autonomous Administration by troops and militias of the Syrian Transitional Government. Each release is a major achievement and of great importance to the families, some of whom have lived in uncertainty, fear, and grief for years.
Attacks by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps
In recent days, the Iranian regime has increasingly attacked camps and civilian facilities in Basur, Southern Kurdistan. On Thursday evening, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard attacked the Sûrdaş camp near Dukan, close to Sulaimaniyah, with eight drones. Fires broke out in several locations. The camp houses family members of fighters from the Komala Party, the camp of East Kurdish political parties. So far, there is no information on the extent of the damage or injuries. The Alliance of Political Forces of East Kurdistan strongly condemns these attacks. An urgent statement was sent to the Secretary-General and the Security Council of the United Nations, the United States government and its allies, the Iraqi central government, and international human rights organizations. The statement points out that the Islamic Republic of Iran has continued its systematic attacks over the past 21 days, repeatedly violating Iraq's national sovereignty and international law. The regime has carried out numerous missile and drone attacks, destroying refugee camps and facilities of Kurdish parties.
Therefore, it is important to address these attacks and build international pressure. We know that the Kurdish regions and organizations in the Middle East play a central role in the war.
The strategy of peace, diplomatic solutions, and de-escalation for the Kurdish population remains in place and must continue to be defended.
And with that, we send you revolutionary greetings from Rojava.
The security forces of the Jazira Canton condemned the attacks against the Kurdish population in Afrin and Aleppo and called for restraint in the face of these attacks. That same evening, hundreds of people took to the streets in Derik, Haseke, and Qamishli to protest the attacks on the Kurdish population. They called on all sides to exercise restraint in the face of these provocations. These attacks, especially following the Newroz celebrations, demonstrate once again how determined the Turkish state and the Syrian interim government are to break the spirit of resistance and the belief in a free and peaceful life in Syria. They employ strategies of intimidation and mutual incitement against the Arab and Kurdish populations. These strategies serve to destabilize the population and undermine democratic coexistence.
Release of More Prisoners
During the last days, 300 prisoners held by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were released in Hasakah as part of a prisoner exchange. They were welcomed on Thursday evening in the north of the city by family members and representatives of the Autonomous Administration. The released prisoners come from various regions of northern and eastern Syria, including Hasakah, Qamishli, Kobane, Afrin, Deir ez-Zor, Sheda, and Aleppo. They had been abducted in January during the offensive against the Autonomous Administration by troops and militias of the Syrian Transitional Government. Each release is a major achievement and of great importance to the families, some of whom have lived in uncertainty, fear, and grief for years.
Attacks by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps
In recent days, the Iranian regime has increasingly attacked camps and civilian facilities in Basur, Southern Kurdistan. On Thursday evening, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard attacked the Sûrdaş camp near Dukan, close to Sulaimaniyah, with eight drones. Fires broke out in several locations. The camp houses family members of fighters from the Komala Party, the camp of East Kurdish political parties. So far, there is no information on the extent of the damage or injuries. The Alliance of Political Forces of East Kurdistan strongly condemns these attacks. An urgent statement was sent to the Secretary-General and the Security Council of the United Nations, the United States government and its allies, the Iraqi central government, and international human rights organizations. The statement points out that the Islamic Republic of Iran has continued its systematic attacks over the past 21 days, repeatedly violating Iraq's national sovereignty and international law. The regime has carried out numerous missile and drone attacks, destroying refugee camps and facilities of Kurdish parties.
Therefore, it is important to address these attacks and build international pressure. We know that the Kurdish regions and organizations in the Middle East play a central role in the war.
The strategy of peace, diplomatic solutions, and de-escalation for the Kurdish population remains in place and must continue to be defended.
And with that, we send you revolutionary greetings from Rojava.
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Dear friends, dear comrades, dear sisters,
here is the next update from Rojava, the heart of the women's revolution.
Further progress was made in the integration agreement negotiations last week. SDF commander Çiya Kobanê was appointed deputy commander of the 60th Division, a unit of the Syrian Army. The 60th Division is primarily stationed in northern and eastern Aleppo and thus wields considerable influence over military control in the region.
It is a positive development that an SDF commander is being included in positions of responsibility in the region. Aleppo still bears the scars of the attacks that began on January 6th at the beginning of this year. Those displaced during that time have still not returned, and the infrastructure is still being rebuilt.
Furthermore, we recall that Aleppo was chosen as a strategic target for the initial attacks. The history of Aleppo, as well as the political interests of the region and the trade routes leading to Turkey, are fiercely contested by the fascist Turkish state.
Equally significant was the appointment of Sîpan Hemo as commander of the People's Protection Units (YPG). He assumed the post of Deputy Minister of Defense on March 10th and was thus officially integrated into the Syrian military structure.
Mala Jin
We spoke with the women of Mala Jin about the integration agreement.
Mala Jin is a women's organization in northeastern Syria that all segments of society can contact to resolve conflicts within the family or with others. One goal is to achieve full equality for women within families and neighborhoods. Mala Jin develops a new form of justice and conflict resolution based on dialogue and mediation. The first Mala Jin was officially opened in Qamishlo on March 20, 2011.
Given that the Syrian Transitional Government does not recognize women's organizations, we asked the women what the uncertainties surrounding further funding mean for the Mala Jin organization.
Behiya Murad, spokesperson for Mala Jin in Qamishlo, responded: “You know, we are not afraid. We initially carried out the work of Mala Jin without pay. We only started receiving money for our work in 2019. We organized underground at the beginning, and we will do so again if necessary. For us, women's freedom is the foundation for an equal and democratic life for all.”
The women of Mala Jin appear very militant and determined. The power of the women's revolution lies in independent, social organization and cannot be destroyed by the Syrian state.
The importance of women in the integration process
To date, no official position has been given to a woman. Just this Monday, the Syrian Transitional Government announced that no woman will serve in the Syrian army.
Ster Qasim, an activist and member of the Women's Council of North and East Syria, an association of women from diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, also emphasizes the importance of enshrining the rights of Syrian women in the constitution. Syrian women must have a voice in political decisions and actively participate in drafting the constitution. She stressed that the new Syrian constitution must respect ethnic, racial, national, and social diversity, stating:
"Women are part of society, and the constitutional provisions should be unambiguous to guarantee women's rights while also complying with international law and norms."
Drone Attack
A former US military base in northeastern Syria was attacked by drones on Monday evening. The target was the Kharab al-Jir base, which had been vacated only about a month earlier as part of an agreement between the SDF and the Syrian Transitional Government.
Several drones carrying explosives and missiles were apparently used. Sîpan Hemo, SDF commander and deputy defense minister for the eastern regions, blamed pro-Iranian groups and stated that the attack originated from Iraqi territory. He sharply criticized the Iraqi authorities and demanded that such attacks be prevented in the future.
No one was injured, but the facility sustained damage.
here is the next update from Rojava, the heart of the women's revolution.
Further progress was made in the integration agreement negotiations last week. SDF commander Çiya Kobanê was appointed deputy commander of the 60th Division, a unit of the Syrian Army. The 60th Division is primarily stationed in northern and eastern Aleppo and thus wields considerable influence over military control in the region.
It is a positive development that an SDF commander is being included in positions of responsibility in the region. Aleppo still bears the scars of the attacks that began on January 6th at the beginning of this year. Those displaced during that time have still not returned, and the infrastructure is still being rebuilt.
Furthermore, we recall that Aleppo was chosen as a strategic target for the initial attacks. The history of Aleppo, as well as the political interests of the region and the trade routes leading to Turkey, are fiercely contested by the fascist Turkish state.
Equally significant was the appointment of Sîpan Hemo as commander of the People's Protection Units (YPG). He assumed the post of Deputy Minister of Defense on March 10th and was thus officially integrated into the Syrian military structure.
Mala Jin
We spoke with the women of Mala Jin about the integration agreement.
Mala Jin is a women's organization in northeastern Syria that all segments of society can contact to resolve conflicts within the family or with others. One goal is to achieve full equality for women within families and neighborhoods. Mala Jin develops a new form of justice and conflict resolution based on dialogue and mediation. The first Mala Jin was officially opened in Qamishlo on March 20, 2011.
Given that the Syrian Transitional Government does not recognize women's organizations, we asked the women what the uncertainties surrounding further funding mean for the Mala Jin organization.
Behiya Murad, spokesperson for Mala Jin in Qamishlo, responded: “You know, we are not afraid. We initially carried out the work of Mala Jin without pay. We only started receiving money for our work in 2019. We organized underground at the beginning, and we will do so again if necessary. For us, women's freedom is the foundation for an equal and democratic life for all.”
The women of Mala Jin appear very militant and determined. The power of the women's revolution lies in independent, social organization and cannot be destroyed by the Syrian state.
The importance of women in the integration process
To date, no official position has been given to a woman. Just this Monday, the Syrian Transitional Government announced that no woman will serve in the Syrian army.
Ster Qasim, an activist and member of the Women's Council of North and East Syria, an association of women from diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, also emphasizes the importance of enshrining the rights of Syrian women in the constitution. Syrian women must have a voice in political decisions and actively participate in drafting the constitution. She stressed that the new Syrian constitution must respect ethnic, racial, national, and social diversity, stating:
"Women are part of society, and the constitutional provisions should be unambiguous to guarantee women's rights while also complying with international law and norms."
Drone Attack
A former US military base in northeastern Syria was attacked by drones on Monday evening. The target was the Kharab al-Jir base, which had been vacated only about a month earlier as part of an agreement between the SDF and the Syrian Transitional Government.
Several drones carrying explosives and missiles were apparently used. Sîpan Hemo, SDF commander and deputy defense minister for the eastern regions, blamed pro-Iranian groups and stated that the attack originated from Iraqi territory. He sharply criticized the Iraqi authorities and demanded that such attacks be prevented in the future.
No one was injured, but the facility sustained damage.
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The base is located near Rimêlan and was formerly an important logistical hub for the international anti-ISIS coalition. US troops are no longer present. Instead, the site is currently being used jointly by Asayish forces from Rojava and units of the Syrian government.
Release of YPJ Fighter Narin Axin
Narîn Axîn, a YPJ fighter, has returned to her unit in northeastern Syria after two months of captivity. She was arrested in Deir ez-Zor at the end of January during an offensive by the Syrian Transitional Government and allied militias. The video showing her captivity along with fellow fighter Amara Intîqam garnered worldwide attention.
Axîn is from Manbij and is of Arab descent. She describes her decision to join the YPJ in 2022 as a break with traditional gender roles: "I wanted to break free from the way of life imposed on me and become a fighter defending her country," she says. Within the YPJ, she not only received military training but also underwent a process of personal transformation. "There, I learned to understand myself and build a new identity," Axîn explained.
On March 19, she was released as part of a prisoner exchange, along with seven other women, including three YPJ fighters. Despite her imprisonment, Axîn emphasizes that she never gave up her resistance.
Today, Narîn Axîn is back in the ranks of the YPJ. Her message is directed at other women in captivity: “Whether political, civilian, or military—I say to all women in prison: Believe in yourselves. In my captivity, they called me a ‘gift.’ Today I stand here: in uniform, upright and strong.”
And with that, we bid you farewell with revolutionary greetings from Rojava
Release of YPJ Fighter Narin Axin
Narîn Axîn, a YPJ fighter, has returned to her unit in northeastern Syria after two months of captivity. She was arrested in Deir ez-Zor at the end of January during an offensive by the Syrian Transitional Government and allied militias. The video showing her captivity along with fellow fighter Amara Intîqam garnered worldwide attention.
Axîn is from Manbij and is of Arab descent. She describes her decision to join the YPJ in 2022 as a break with traditional gender roles: "I wanted to break free from the way of life imposed on me and become a fighter defending her country," she says. Within the YPJ, she not only received military training but also underwent a process of personal transformation. "There, I learned to understand myself and build a new identity," Axîn explained.
On March 19, she was released as part of a prisoner exchange, along with seven other women, including three YPJ fighters. Despite her imprisonment, Axîn emphasizes that she never gave up her resistance.
Today, Narîn Axîn is back in the ranks of the YPJ. Her message is directed at other women in captivity: “Whether political, civilian, or military—I say to all women in prison: Believe in yourselves. In my captivity, they called me a ‘gift.’ Today I stand here: in uniform, upright and strong.”
And with that, we bid you farewell with revolutionary greetings from Rojava
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