Raqqa — On the eighth anniversary of Raqqa’s liberation from ISIS, its residents celebrated a historic achievement that restored hope and dignity after years of oppression and destruction. Women wore colorful traditional dresses, creating a vibrant mosaic that reflected their diversity and resilience.

The people of Raqqa participated in the mass celebration organized by the Executive Council of Raqqa Canton on Monday, October 20, under the slogan “Eight Years and Raqqa Remains Free, Proud in Safety, and Blossoming with Dignity.”

Women considered this occasion a pivotal milestone in their ongoing struggle for freedom and dignity, renewing their pledge to continue their fight for every woman’s liberty. They affirmed that Raqqa would remain a symbol of safety and women’s free will.

Women of Raqqa at the Forefront of the Celebration… From Darkness to Leadership

The celebration began with a military parade by the Syrian Democratic Forces, marking the start of the festivities. The event included several powerful speeches, such as one by Zahra Mohammed, a member of the Council of Martyrs’ Families, who praised the tremendous sacrifices made by the people of the region in confronting ISIS. She emphasized that they gave their lives for freedom and deliverance from tyranny and darkness.

Jihan Mohammed, speaking on behalf of the Zenobia Women’s Gathering Council, expressed pride and gratitude on this occasion:

We dedicate this great achievement to our leader Abdullah Öcalan, as an expression of our joy for the liberation of our ancient city from the forces of darkness — ISIS, who distorted the image of Islam and destroyed the country and its people. This historic moment is the fruit of our martyrs’ sacrifices and the endurance of our great women.”

She affirmed that “women were not mere spectators or victims in the battle for liberation. After years of oppression, marginalization, and enslavement, they were present in every detail of the struggle — standing firm in refugee camps, preserving family unity, working as journalists and activists who broke the siege of darkness with words and images, and as intellectuals who safeguarded the true Syrian identity from being lost.”

She pointed out that the real challenge now lies in building a new Syria, where women are the cornerstone of this national project. She stressed the need for women to have an active role in all governing institutions, both local and central, and in drafting the constitution and decision-making processes, asserting that true democracy cannot be achieved by excluding half of society.

She also called for involving women in reconstruction efforts, empowering them to lead projects of all scales, and fully integrating them into the labor market in all sectors to ensure full citizenship and eliminate all forms of discrimination.

Her speech concluded with a tribute to the martyrs whose pure blood nourished Syrian soil in the struggle for freedom and dignity, vowing to continue the path they started. “Their sacrifices will not be in vain; they will remain a guiding light toward freedom and justice.”

The celebration featured artistic and cultural performances, including traditional dances from Raqqa and Tabqa, along with folk songs that expressed local heritage and the spirit of the occasion.

Families of martyrs and war victims were honored with symbolic shields in recognition of their sacrifices and resilience. The event concluded with collective dabke dances, in a scene that embodied joy, belonging, and attachment to cultural identity.

"A New Syria Cannot Be Built by Excluding Women”

On the sidelines of the event, Fatima Mohammed, one of the participants, compared the situation of women before and after liberation, stating that the liberation of Raqqa marked a rebirth for women after years of marginalization and exclusion.

“Today, women play leading roles in political, economic, and social fields. They have contributed effectively to rebuilding their city and reviving it, serving as true voices for their people and as representatives of all women in political arenas — including on the frontlines of the battlefield.”

She added that women fought in the front lines to liberate their city, organized themselves within the military structure, and defended their land against ISIS, proving themselves as essential partners in achieving freedom and protecting society.

She called on all residents, especially women, to stand united against any attempts to undermine the gains of their revolution, emphasizing the importance of continuing the struggle to protect the city and prevent the return of ISIS. She stressed that women must fight with the spirit of free will and never allow any authority or law to push them back into the circle of marginalization.

 

Supporting the Syrian Democratic Forces Is Essential to Confront Discord and ISIS

For her part, Abeer Mohammed, an administrator in the Social Justice Committee, congratulated the people of Raqqa on the eighth anniversary of the city’s liberation from ISIS mercenaries. She praised the courage of women who defied ISIS’s brutality and resisted it with bravery until this historic day.

She extended special thanks to the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) for their leading role in the liberation process and their ongoing responsibility in protecting the city despite challenges — including attempts to incite sectarian strife and hidden hands seeking to revive ISIS and destabilize Raqqa.

She emphasized that the region is going through a sensitive stage, especially after the fall of the former Syrian regime and the takeover by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham jihadists in parts of Syria, accompanied by massacres against the people of the Syrian coast and Sweida.

She noted that these events and political turmoil created a fertile ground exploited by ISIS to regain activity amid the chaos. Therefore, she stressed the need to support the Syrian Democratic Forces to strengthen their ability to counter any movements and thwart all plots aimed at undermining security and stability in the region.