Dear Friends,
Festival of the Return to the Culture of Mothers
For millennia, mothers have been the creators and preservers of social culture and traditions. In Kobanê, hundreds of women, along with representatives of regional institutions and organizations, celebrated the “Festival of the Return to the Culture of Mothers.” Their aim was to highlight how important it is for women and society as a whole to keep the region’s culture alive during the current process and to protect it from attacks and exploitation.
Women’s identity, culture, and achievements are under massive attack. That is why it is important for women to make their identity, their work, and their struggle visible in every conceivable way. Women in traditional dress presented regional dishes; handicrafts produced by women were exhibited; and dance and music groups from the women’s cultural movement Hîlala Zerîn showcased their talents.
Solidarity with the women of Afghanistan!
Kongra Star heeded the call from Afghan women to organize worldwide protests and solidarity actions on August 15, the fifth anniversary of the Taliban’s return to power. In a statement, the women’s movement reaffirmed its unconditional solidarity with the women of Afghanistan in their struggle against severe oppression by the Taliban. On the occasion of this anniversary, Kongra Star condemned the systematic disregard for women’s rights—including the right to education, employment, and participation in public life, as well as the right to freedom of expression—and called on international institutions and human rights groups to go beyond symbolic statements and take concrete steps to exert pressure on the Taliban and put an end to these human rights violations.
August 15 and the Legacy of Resistance
August 15 is considered a milestone in the Kurdish resistance struggle. In various cities across Rojava—including Qamishlo, Hasakah, Dêrik, Dirbesiye, Tirbespiye, Girke Lege, and Kobani—this day was commemorated with events and ceremonies. Everywhere, residents and representatives of local institutions and organizations gathered. Speeches were given, and there were cultural and artistic performances as well as traditional dances. All participants emphasized how important it is to preserve the achievements and values that emerged from this period of struggle.
Commemorating 745 Fallen Heroes
In Qamishlo, the Council of Families of the Fallen held a memorial service for 745 fallen heroes of the Kurdish liberation movement and from Rojava who lost their lives in various years and at different locations. Participants emphasized that commemorating the fallen must go beyond events and images. True solidarity with their sacrifice means continuing their path and upholding the values for which they gave their lives. The event also addressed the changing political circumstances in 2026, as well as the need to understand the challenges of the current phase and prepare for a new stage of the struggle. While a presentation reviewed key milestones in the Kurdish struggle—from the resistance of July 14 and the breakthrough of August 15 to the fallen of the Rojava Revolution—mothers of the fallen lit candles in front of their children’s portraits.
The Right to Return to Serekaniye
The governor of Hasaka met with representatives of international organizations as well as members of the committee responsible for implementing the January 29 agreement to discuss preparations for the return of the residents of Serekaniye.
At the same time, those displaced from Serekaniye continue to demand a safe, dignified, and organized return to their homeland. After years of displacement, the residents of the Washokani camp insist on their right to return and, in light of current developments, express concern for the safety of those returning. They are calling for stronger security guarantees, basic services, reconstruction efforts, and measures to ensure that returning families can live in their homes safely and with dignity.
With revolutionary greetings from Rojava.
