Shahba- Thousands of pioneering women have emerged in the Kurdish women's struggle for freedom that has lasted half a century. Zelal Hêvî was one of them. She gave a pure hope like her name (Zelal is a Kurdish name meaning pure, clear and bright).

Born in 1973 to a patriotic family on the slopes of Mount Kurmênc, also known as Kurd Mountain, in Afrin, Zelal Hêvî was named Fidan (a female name means ‘sapling’) Fatê by her family out of their devotion to the land and nature so that she could take root in the soil and grow like a sapling. Throughout her life, Zelal took root in four parts of Kurdistan.

Realizing what people and women were going through at a very young age, Zelal got involved in the activities of the Kurdish Freedom Movement in the 90s. She carried out many activities between 1990 and 1999 to explain the philosophy and thoughts of Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan. Based mostly in Afrin, Zelal continued her journey for freedom as a revolutionary.

After the international conspiracy against the Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan on October 9, 1998 and his arrest on February 15, 1999, Zelal Hevi became a Kurdish freedom fighter

Women’s Revolution

When the women’s revolution, also known as the Rojava Revolution, started in North and East Syria, she returned to Rojava Kurdistan in 2012. She took part in the construction of the revolution that has inspired women all over the world. She went to Kobanê and fought ISIS.

In 2016, she went to Shengal (Sinjar) and worked there for seven years. She made great efforts for the establishment of the Yazidi Free Women's Movement (Kurdish: Tevgera Azadiya Jinên Êzîdî-TAJÊ).

She returned to Rojava in 2022 after her hometown, Afrin, was occupied by the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions in 2018.

On October 9, 2024, Zelal Hêvi was killed along with her two comrades, Mazlum Antep and Alaf Murad, in a Turkish drone attack in Shahba.

‘We will follow in the footsteps of Comrade Zelal’

“She always stood with women,” said Fatimê Dewod, one of the women inspired by the struggle of Zelal. “Comrade Zelal always made great efforts for her society. She used to visit homes to talk about women’s struggle for freedom. I still remember her words and speeches. Her death affected us deeply. She will always live in our heart. People loved the fighter Zelal very much. Thousands attended her funeral. We will always follow in the footsteps of Comrade Zelal.”

‘Thousands will follow the path of Comrade Zelal’

Rûken Elo was inspired by Zelal Hêvî and joined the Kurdish Freedom Movement. “Thanks to her, I am a part of this movement. Comrade Zelal had a beautiful soul; she always supported me. I will never forget her. She was our friend and our comrade. The enemy keeps targeting pioneering women because the enemy is afraid of women. Thousands will follow the path of Comrade Zelal.”