Qereqozak and Tishreen: martyrs and the meaning of resistance

It’s been over a month of struggle and resistance in the regions of the Autonomous Administration west of Kobane and on the banks of the Euphrates. Turkish-backed jihadist mercenaries, after occupying the city of Manbij, continued east intending to sweep across the regions of the Autonomous Administration. This attack was coordinated with Turkish airforce drone strikes, and timed to coincide with the Hayat Tehrir-al-Sham takeover of Damascus and other key Syrian cities in the west.

In early December, the so-called ‘Syrian National Army’ (SNA) and other related jihadist gangs were halted in their campaign. Despite a ground invasion supported by Turkish airstrikes, the SDF, YPJ and YPG stopped the onslaught in its tracks and since then for several weeks the mercenaries have been held back, unable to take the key sites of the Tishreen dam to the south and Qereqoz bridge to the north, and in doing so cross the Euphrates.

This line of defence is protecting not only the regions of North and East Syria in general, but specifically an attack on the city of Kobane, which is clearly next in the sights of the Turkish-backed gangs. We hear talk of a threat on Kobane, of the ‘possibility’ of an attack. But the reality is the attack has already started. The Turkish state wanted to create a pincer movement, and fighters of the YPJ, YPG and SDF in Tishreen and Qereqoz are right now defending Kobane, that historic symbol of anti-fascism, and freedom. They need international solidarity and support, now more than ever as attacks intensify.

Heavy bombing from drones and warplanes is also targeting the Tishreen dam itself- intentionally threatening a human crisis and ecological upheaval that would spread from North Syria all the way to Iraq if the dam breaks. Facing this alongside gangs famous for misogynist violence, looting, and arbitrary killings, the material reality that our forces are defending women, nature, and society is clear. The three pillars of the democratic nation of gender liberation, ecology and democracy; otherwise expressed in the cry that has gone up from the Kurdish Freedom Movement and echoed across the world: Jin, Jiyan, Azadi!

While the world’s media debates Syria’s future through the lens of HTS, Al-Jolani and the interim government, the heavy war being fought in the Manbij region and across North and East Syria goes unremarked. In doing so, the press is ignoring not only a humanitarian crisis, a dirty war and an unjustifiable invasion, but the alternative proposals for a new Syria flowing from the example set by the political system of the Autonomous Administration.

We honour and salute all those who have given their lives on the frontline. In Tishreen and Qereqoz, men and women fight together, shoulder to shoulder, for a free life. As the bombings increased, the people of North and East Syria also flooded to the dam to defend their land, infrastructure, and sons and daughters. Civilians have put their bodies on the line and are falling martyr under Turkish bombs, but stand firm with their fighters, embodying the spirit of the revolutionary people’s war. Across North and East Syria, nearly 300 fighters and civilians have so far lost their lives in this new phase of war.

Women comrades of the YPJ are playing a vital role in the defence, from fighters to commanders. Coming from many different regions of North and East Syria and different backgrounds, ages and ethnic groups, their many colours show the powerful diversity of the life they fought to defend. We honour their struggle and everything they fought for: for their comrades, for Kobane, for a free land and a future. Arjin Marwan, Zeinab Welat, Avashin Rustem Judi, Ronahi Yekta, Yildiz Çiya, Jinda Botan, Dilan Şoreş, Berfin Çem, Ahîn Delkash, Silav Öcalan, Beritan Şoreş, Avzem Çiya, Avashin Afrin, Tolvin Şahin, Beritan Amanos, Berfin Heseke, and all our other fallen comrades across the ranks of the YPJ, YPG and SDF.

We carry them with us and we will bring their dreams to life.

 

The words of their comrades and the fire in their eyes:

Our comrade Zeinab Welat was born in the city of resistance, Kobane.  The epics of the martyrs of the Kobane resistance inspired every moment of her life, making the love of freedom a cornerstone of her existence. Her heart was filled with a burning desire for revenge against all forms of attacks and occupations on her homeland. She lived a dignified life, aware that life holds no value without freedom and honour. For her, life had to be lived freely or sacrificed in the pursuit of freedom.

 

 

 

 

Comrade Arjin Marwan built her revolutionary journey following in the footsteps of her uncle, the martyr Welat Afrin, who fought against occupation in the free mountains during the 1990s and was martyred there, and her cousin, the martyr Welat Erish, who was martyred in 2013. Comrade Arjin possessed a humble and sociable personality, always standing by her comrades. She embraced revolutionary life and taught it in detail to others. As such, camaraderie and revolutionary principles were always at the forefront for her. She pursued her struggle with radical determination, never compromising her principles.

 

 

Avashin Rustem was a very ethical young woman who grew up connected to her community. From an early age, she recognized that our homeland and people were under relentless attacks and that the enemies of the revolution sought to destroy it, and also aimed to erase the concept of the brotherhood of peoples in the Middle East. Comrade Avashin viewed protecting the homeland as a responsibility she must shoulder; when the Turkish occupation launched its attack on Afrin, she decided to join the ranks of the protection forces. As a young Arab woman, she deeply felt the pain of Arab women in areas occupied by mercenaries and aspired to be a role model in resistance.

 

Our comrade, Commander Ronahi Yekta, was a figure of high revolutionary spirit, courage, and determination. She possessed a great heart, rejecting all forms of domination over society. As a child, she participated in cultural and artistic activities, touching life with the precision of an artist creating their masterpiece. Later she became part of the revolutionary youth movement, contributing to training young men and women. She became a comrade who inspired them with a love for the revolution. When the Turkish state launched its attack on Afrin, Ronahi made a solemn vow of revenge. She became one of the young commanders of the YPJ. Working tirelessly, she trained fighters and performed her duties with great seriousness.

 

 

 

Our comrade Yildiz CÇiyahiya was a dynamic figure in her surroundings and was always present to spread morale among those around her. With her love for discipline, she was ready to take on all revolutionary tasks and responsibilities. The resistance born in Kobane, Abdullah Öcalan’s philosophy, and the principles of revolutionary life as embraced by young women, all inspired our comrade Yildiz in her journey toward freedom. She joined the ranks of the YPJ in 2021. The ideals of a free life became the foundation of her struggle. In a short period, she learned the revolutionary way of life, studied combat techniques, participated in military and intellectual training, and prepared herself to shoulder the responsibilities of the revolution.

 

Commander Jinda joined the YPJ as a young woman following the liberation of Kobane from ISIS. She lived her revolutionary journey for over ten years with a humble, self-sacrificing, and determined stance, full of enthusiasm. In 2019, she was injured while defending the women’s revolution against Turkish occupation. Despite her injury, she pursued specialized military training and emerged as a pioneering leader in terms of tactics and contemporary strategy, with a deep understanding of modern warfare. She participated in all operations and led numerous campaigns in Qereqoz. She stood with great enthusiasm and morale, remaining committed to defending her homeland tirelessly and sincerely until her final moments.

 

 

Comrade Dilan Şoreş from Afrin, and her father from the Arab community in Shadadi. She grew up in an environment that built on the unity of Kurdish and Arab cultures. Dilan’s family was one of the families that instilled love for the homeland and the responsibility of protecting it in their children. Comrade Dilan embodied the unity of two nations. In 2020 she followed in her sister’s footsteps and joined the YPJ, becoming a revolutionary fighter defending women’s rights and freedom. She chose nothing but victory and lived and fought with a spirit driven by the certainty of freedom. As she often told her comrades: “We must never look back; our direction must always be toward victory. We have chosen the path of victory, and as fighters, we believe only in victory.”

 

 

 

Our comrade Berfin Çem was born in Kobane, the city that became a global symbol of resistance. She grew up in a patriotic family immersed in Kurdish cultural values. As a young woman, she rejected an ordinary life. Instead, she attached her identity to her land and people, and quickly became an exceptional fighter in the struggle. Known for her humility, radiant smile, and strong sense of camaraderie, Berfin left a profound impact on all her comrades. For the sake of her homeland and the quest for freedom, she selflessly gave her life and etched her name into the golden pages of history.

 

 

 

 

Our comrade Ahîn Delkash was also born in Kobane. From a young age, she was inspired by YPJ fighters. Pursuing her dreams, she joined the ranks of the YPJ. The more she discovered the essence of women’s armed struggle, the stronger her resolve grew. She embraced life and struggle with profound understanding. She combined her love and knowledge of her land with the principles of women’s freedom and military discipline. This enabled her to take on responsibilities and excel in many areas. With each attack by the Turkish state and its mercenaries on North and East Syria, Ahîn’s hatred for the enemy grew. She couldn’t turn a blind eye to the suffering and the threats to the women’s revolution. This reality drove her to rapidly prepare herself and stand firm against aggression.

 

 

 

The family of our comrade Silav Öcalan was was among those who opened their doors to revolutionaries in the early years of the national struggle in Rojava. With this grounding, Silav matured and embraced the ideals of defending revolutionary values. She confronted the enemy with steadfast resolve and joined the YPJ. Excelling in the specialization of heavy weaponry, Silav prepared herself with skill and determination. She aspired to develop a strong personality and fight according to the principles of women’s militancy. This goal gave her immense inner strength. She fully embodied the spirit of a YPJ fighter, becoming a model of a woman dedicated to her community’s values, living communally, and sacrificing herself for the socialist ideals of a democratic society.

 

 

Commander Beritan Şoreş was born in Serekaniye. Many members of her family also joined the freedom revolution, which had a profound influence on her. Beritan’s brother and sister both fell martyr in the freedom struggle. In 2015 Commander Beritan adopted her sister’s name and joined the ranks of the YPJ. Throughout her revolutionary life, Commander Beritan was an exemplary revolutionary woman, dedicated to the struggle for freedom and a source of morale for her comrades. She proved her strength and determination as a female leader at every stage of the fight to liberate her homeland. She trained hundreds of Arab and Kurdish female fighters, becoming a role model for them. She fought against ISIS, especially active in the liberation campaigns in Raqqa and Baghouz.

 

 

 

Our comrade Avzem Çiya was born in the rebellious city of Qamishlo. Despite the pervasiveness of the modern oppressive system, she consciously chose the path of struggle for the liberation of the homeland. In 2022, Avzem joined the YPJ and embarked on the freedom struggle. Avzem Çiya was a skilled fighter who, thanks to her military training and tactical and strategic expertise, played a significant role and embodied all she had learned, standing alongside her comrades. Comrade Avzem Çiya was loyal, brave, and hardworking. With these qualities, she earned her place among her comrades and fought to the very end.

 

 

 

Our comrade Avashin Afrin, after receiving training for new fighters, sought to further develop herself and master military skills by enrolling in a military academy for operations. As a woman, Avashin Afrin deeply understood the concept of women’s freedom, which further strengthened her confidence in this ideology. The Rojava Revolution, which is also a women’s revolution, became a guiding principle in her life. Freeing herself from patriarchal thinking, Avashin also sought to represent the identity of women in the field of defence. For her, every martyr was a reason to strengthen the resistance. The resilience and lives of her fallen comrades were her foundation. Thus, she lived her life with devotion, fought fearlessly in her struggle, and adhered firmly to fundamental principles in her relationships.

 

Comrade Tolvin Şahin was born in Afrin. For her, life was above all full of meaning and values. Therefore, she embraced a life where she could create and live passionately. Our comrade Tolvin deeply believed that only the path of revolution could answer her aspirations and goals. Comrade Tolvin Şahin found herself in the ranks of the YPJ, finding more meaningful answers to her inner conflicts. By undergoing specialized sniper training, she further advanced herself in the military field.

 

 

 

 

 

Beritan Amanos belonged to a resilient Arab tribe, the Al-Bakkara tribe. The spirit of rebellion inherent in her tribe greatly influenced her personality. For this reason, she never accepted gender, class nor any systemic oppression. Her rebellious spirit led her to the path of struggle. She initially joined the ranks of the revolutionary youth and then moved to the ranks of the YPJ. She saw the spirit of unity among peoples more vividly in the comradeship of women, which became the foundation for building herself.

 

 

 

 

Comrade Parvin Heseke, was born in her namesake city of Heseke. As an Arabic woman growing up amidst the cultural diversity of Heseke, she found herself deeply connected to the issues of the Syrian peoples. One of her childhood dreams was to grow up and join the YPJ to defend women from all forms of attack. She took revolutionary responsibilities as a core principle in her life and fulfilled them with dedication.

 

 

 

 

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