Naghm Jajan

Qamishlo — Jihadists of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham and Turkey-backed mercenaries are carrying out brutal attacks on areas of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria. The Autonomous Administration declared a general mobilization in a statement condemning the attacks, calling for “joining the struggle to protect existence.”

The Democratic Culture and Arts Movement of Mesopotamia (TEV-ÇAND) announced in a statement that its artists will join the general mobilization with the spirit of popular revolutionary struggle.

“Our unity will not be broken”

Somaya Mohammed, co-chair of TEV-ÇAND in Rojava, affirmed their faith in their strength and their people, saying:

“The Kurdish people do not accept slavery and oppression. As artists, we stand alongside our forces and our people. We will never retreat from the movement’s decision, because we believe in our people and their strength. Artists are the revolutionaries of the people, and we will stand by our people until the end.”

“Today is the day of our existence”

Artist Nesrin Botan emphasized artists’ support for the demands of the Kurdish people and their support for the military forces, saying:

“We are the people of Rojava. No matter what challenges we face, we as artists are ready. Since the sixth of this month, our people have been subjected to violent attacks. The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria has declared a general mobilization against the attacks by armed groups on the region. And we, as artists, are joining this mobilization.”

She added:

“We call on all segments of Kurdistan to stand united and support the people of Rojava. Rojava Kurdistan is facing genocide. Today is the day of our existence. Let us all take up arms and stand behind our fighters until we liberate it.”

“We will not submit”

For her part, Newroz Selman, co-chair of the Jazira Music Band, pointed to attempts to erase Kurdish culture, stressing that no one can destroy the culture of the Kurdish people. She said:

“As artists, we will remain steadfast and will not submit. We will carry our stance, our voice, and our artistic cry to the entire world, affirming that no one can destroy the culture of the Kurdish people