Written statements were issued by the Free Women’s Movement (Tevgera Jinen Azad – TJA), the Democratic Regions Party (DBP), the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, and the Democratic Unity Initiative in commemoration of the day.

 

DBP: SYMBOL OF THE WILL TO LIVE FREELY

 

The DBP stated that World Kobanê Day has become a symbol of the will to live freely and the joint resistance of peoples: “The magical resistance that began in 2014 against the darkness of DAESH continues to influence the political and social dynamics of the Middle East despite its unique characteristics. Kobanê has been a source of strength and faith for peoples around the world in the journey toward self-governance, the development of the free women’s paradigm, and the construction of a new democratic life. Based on Mr. Abdullah Öcalan’s Manifesto for a Democratic Civilization, this resistance became the address of democratic modernity’s victory over capitalist modernity. This triumph opened the doors to a new model of life — not only for the Kurdish people but for all oppressed peoples.”

 

The statement continued: “Contrary to the nation-state system that targets the values of freedom and democracy, the Middle East today faces a call for a new era of democratic systems. The collapse of the Ba’ath regime and the achievements of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria are the most vivid examples of this reality. Rather than policies that divide peoples as if drawing borders around their values, hope for a democratic transition is growing stronger. The process that began with the Kobanê resistance and entered a new phase with the Rojava Revolution is now building a new future step by step for the peoples of the Middle East — one founded on freedom, equality, and justice for all, regardless of faith, culture, identity, or difference. Those who dreamed of the fall of Kobanê have for years sought to suffocate its will and the achievements of the revolution through trials, threats, and dirty political plots. In the face of this reality, the protection of Kobanê must stand as a moral and political responsibility on the world agenda — achievable only through the principles of the Third Way and the advancement of democratic politics. On this occasion, we once again salute the resistance of the century and remember with gratitude and respect those whose sacrifices have left an indelible mark on history.”

 

TJA: A RESPONSIBILITY FOR WOMEN’S FREEDOM

 

In its statement, the Free Women’s Movement (TJA) underscored that the struggle against DAESH was led by women: “In the 21st century, DAESH was unleashed upon the geography of Kurdistan as a tool of war not only against the peoples of Rojava but against all humanity — a war targeting women’s values, nature, and cultural heritage. Through this organization, femicide, cultural genocide, and ecocide were to be carried out in their entirety. Yet, through an unprecedented social resistance led by women, DAESH was defeated.

 

This resistance transformed into an unbreakable self-defense in which society was rebuilt upon democratic, ecological, and women’s liberationist values. Facing a war opened against all humanity, women-led social defense and the Jin, Jiyan, Azadî (Woman, Life, Freedom) revolution proved that freedom and democratic society can only be achieved through resistance. The liberation of Kobanê and the Jin, Jiyan, Azadî revolution both became gifts and sources of responsibility for all women and peoples of the world. Inspired by Kobanê’s liberation and the reconstruction of Rojava based on women’s values, we — as women — fulfill our historical responsibility through our own strength, will, and autonomous organization, continuing the building of democratic society day by day.”

 

DEM PARTY: WE SALUTE THE KOBANÊ REVOLUTION

 

In its statement, the DEM Party said: “On the 11th anniversary of humanity’s victory in Kobanê, led by women against the darkness of DAESH, we salute the Kobanê Revolution. Eleven years ago, with the awareness that ‘the fall of Kobanê would mean the fall of all Kurdistan,’ a resistance was organized there — one of the most magnificent struggles in human history against monist, sectarian, and patriarchal mentalities. This resistance, embodied in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria — where peoples live together in unity — continues to serve as a model for the entire world. The Kobanê resistance, led by the women’s struggle, laid the foundation for the development of the Peace and Democratic Society Process, which today stands as a beacon of hope for an equal and free life. The devastating social consequences of the power struggles centered in the Middle East once again demonstrate how vital Mr. Abdullah Öcalan’s Call for Peace and a Democratic Society truly is. The nationalism and sectarian conflict fueled by global powers through nation-states in Syria, and the deepening polarization of society, have shown that the social system taking shape in Rojava is the only viable alternative.

 

With the spirit of Mr. Öcalan’s paradigm of Peace and Democratic Society — where peoples write their own destiny through faith and solidarity — we salute the Kobanê Revolution and reaffirm our determination to develop and defend this revolutionary spirit. We celebrate November 1, World Kobanê Day, with the Kurdish people and all peoples of the world.”

 

DEMOCRATIC UNITY INITIATIVE: THE PEOPLES’ VICTORY

 

In its written statement, the Democratic Unity Initiative also celebrated World Kobanê Day, describing Kobanê as the victory of peoples, faiths, and women: “Through its unparalleled struggle, Kobanê today stands as a symbol of human values, a dignified life, and fraternity among peoples. The spark of liberation was ignited there with the slogan Jin, Jiyan, Azadî, a call that continues to echo across the world. For these reasons, November 1 was declared World Kobanê Day by peoples, intellectuals, revolutionaries, civil society organizations, and Nobel laureates worldwide.”

 

The statement emphasized that the Kobanê resistance laid the foundation for coexistence among peoples: “We call on the Syrian interim government to ensure that no one — including Kurds, Druze, Arabs, Alawites, and Christians — is excluded from the new Syrian system. In this context, all policies of assimilation and division must be abandoned, and steps toward democratic integration must be taken. A better future for Syria and the entire Middle East can only be achieved through a peaceful and democratic approach. With these feelings and thoughts, we once again honor the spirit of freedom that united around Kobanê against DAESH’s brutal attacks 11 years ago and celebrate World Kobanê Day.”