SORGUL ŞÊXO

Hasakah-The assimilation policies of the sovereign systems aims to destroy culture, one of the cornerstones of society. The Turkish attacks on North and East Syria are also a part of this mentality. Hîlala Zêrîn and Demokratîk Tev-Çand play a very important role against these assimilation policies. The Hîlala Zêrîn Movement in Til Temir has founded a folk dances group named “Ş. Sosin Goven Group” despite the ongoing Turkish attacks on the region. Reşa Elo, head of the Hîlala Zêrîn Movement in Til Temir, spoke to NuJINHA about the activities of the movement.

‘Cultural values are targeted in the attacks’

Stating that they are subjected to many attacks by the Turkish state since they are on the firing line, Reşa Elo said, “Whoever you ask will say that culture has a fundamental role in societies and it is a means of socialization. Culture brings many nations together and creates a spirit of solidarity among nations. Today, the culture of people is targeted in the attacks on our region. We will continue to preserve our culture inherited from our elders.”

‘We have realized the dreams of our comrades’

Adding that they want to realize the dreams of those who lost their lives in the resistance of North and East Syria, Reşa Elo continued her speech as follows: “Undoubtedly, we have been going through a very difficult process, we are subjected to genocidal attacks every day. Until now, many comrades, commanders and female leaders of our revolution have lost their lives. Ş. Sosin Bîrhat was one of them. In order to build women's unity and to realize the dreams of our comrades, we have founded the Ş. Sosin Bîrhat Folk-dances Group. The group has been newly founded by two folk-dances teachers. The aim of the group is to preserve the folk dances of the region and all parts of Kurdistan. Culture includes many things; it is the unity of people from all nations.”

‘The reality of women's art has been revived in the 21st century’

Underlining that the Hîlal Zêrîn Culture and Art Movement has revived the reality of women's art in the 21st century, Reşa Elo said, “The role of women in art was neglected particularly in Rojava by the patriarchal mentality. The Hîlal Zêrîn Culture and Art Movement has been playing an important role in reviving the role of women in culture and art. The movement supports women to return to their nature and originality.”

‘They separate women and society from each other’

Drawing attention to the women’s solidarity in North and East Syria, Reşa Elo emphasized that the Turkish state aims to separate women and society from each other. “There are dozens of Arab countries; however, there is no unity among them to respond to attacks on them. In North and East Syria, we have the Democratic Nation project led by women to unite people from all nations and religions. If our people do not understand the plans and policies of Erdoğan, they cannot resist his plans and policies.”

‘We take art from closed spaces to the streets’

Saying that they take art from closed spaces to the streets, Reşa Elo said, “There are many parents who are deprived of education. They are touched by theatre plays and other art works. The theatre plays have a great role in conveying messages to people. Songs and poems also have a great role in conveying messages.”

Ş. Sosin Bîrhat was one of the commanders of the Women's Protection Units (YPJ). She lost her life in an airstrike launched by the Turkish state in Til Temir on August 19, 2021.