Music instructors Ferhat Ertaş and Evin Dulek shared their assessments regarding the attacks on Rojava. Ferhat Ertaş stated that the attacks were aimed at the gains of the Kurds, adding that nation states wanted to expand their borders through dirty politics. Recalling the attacks on Kobanê in 2014–2015, Ertaş reminded that Kurdish women showed great resistance and achieved success, emphasizing that this power still exists today. 

 

Ertaş pointed out that the attacks were carried out by Turkey, reminding that civilian areas and basic necessities were being attacked, and that electricity, water, and internet had been cut off in Kobanê. Ertaş, who stated that there was an attempt to carry out massacres against the Kurds in the Middle East, said: “No matter how much they say, ‘We will defend Kurdish rights, integrate with us,’ there is hypocrisy here. They want to use Kurds according to their own conditions, but Kurds are no longer the old Kurds. They have achieved success through their own strength.”  

 

‘IF THE KURDISH PEOPLE LOSE, HUMANITY LOSES’  

 

 

Ertaş said that the resistance that developed after the attacks revealed the unity among Kurds, adding, “No matter how much they said ‘Kobanê has fallen’ in 2014, it did not fall. Kobanê stood strong with the power of its people, its militant women, and its heroes. It defended its people and rights with its own local power and achieved success. Today the clothes have changed, but the same mentality has once again escalated the attacks. When ISIS attacked, it was not a state and was labeled ‘terrorist’ worldwide. But this time the attacks are being carried out by a state. Turkey openly provides support. It was the Kurdish people who caused humanity, the world, and enemies of nations to lose. Today, states have united against these heroes who resist filth and darkness and want to make them lose. If the Kurdish people lose there, humanity will lose. Everyone must know this. The Kurdish people must believe in their strength. Just as they have risen up and are resisting today, they must expand this struggle even further.”  

 

‘THE PROCESS CANNOT CONTINUE WITH ATTACKS’ 

 

 Drawing attention to the Peace and Democratic Society Process underway in Turkey, Ertaş said, “If you say ‘I will provide a solution’ here, but behind close the door you say ‘I will eliminate the Kurds,’ then there will be no solution there. There must be transparency toward Kurds, Turks, and everyone. Mr Abdullah Öcalan says, ‘I can resolve it.’ If the Leader Apo cannot play its role and mission in the Middle East, this problem will grow bigger every day. There has been a major massacre in Gaza. Leader Apo says, There could be 50 Gazas in Turkey, Bakur, and Syria. Whatever happens, this must be stopped. With aggressive language, there can be no peace, no freedom, no brotherhood among peoples. With these attacks, whether you want it or not, this process will not work," he said.  

 

‘WHAT ARE THOSE WHO DO NOT RISE UP WAITING FOR?’  

 

Emphasizing that everyone has a responsibility to oppose the attacks, Ertaş stated that Abdullah Öcalan’s manifesto is defined as a truth in Rojava in the struggle for Kurdish rights. He continued: “The loss of truth is also a loss in religion, philosophy, and art. If it is lost, humanity loses. Therefore, everyone living in the Middle East and the world must defend the truth. If we define this injustice, everyone must shoulder its burden. We must protect the truth and struggle accordingly. Our discourse, our art everything must be for this. Art must be for revolution. If our art and revolution do not serve the truth of society, it becomes empty art. If art and artists do not play their role in shaping society or say nothing against attacks targeting a people facing massacre, then that art is not art. This applies to all other fields as well. All Kurds in Bakur must rise up. No one can be liberated alone. In Bakur and other parts of Kurdistan, the people have risen up but those who have not risen up, what are they waiting for? Do they think they will be free? No. Freedom is collective.”  Ertaş stated, “We define the freedom of Leader Apo as the freedom of the people,” emphasizing that Abdullah Öcalan must be able to play his role in the Middle East, Rojava, and Syria. The freedom of Mr. Abdullah Öcalan will also affect Rojava and Syria. Massacres are being carried out against peoples in Rojava and Syria. Those who attack Kurds will lose.  

 

‘A MATTER OF EXISTENCE OR NON-EXISTENCE’  

 

 

Evin Dulek stated that all attacks around the world are “brutal,” but that the attacks in Rojava were intended to wipe out an entire nation. She noted that revenge was sought. Because in 2015 a very great power emerged; the Kobanê war was ended by women. This was very striking and something new for the world. For the first time in a war, women led and women ended the war. This became a great example for Kurds, the world, and all peoples. In 2014, yes, the attacks were massive; ISIS entered everywhere. Now ISIS has changed its name to HTS. The name may change, but unfortunately that fascist mentality never ends. For Kurds, this is a matter of existence or non-existence. They want to eliminate a nation. But Kurds always resist; there are leading women, comrades. We hold our heads high with them, and we are hopeful. We succeeded before. The war may be harsher now, but something very beautiful has formed in society. For the first time, Kurds have spoken with one voice across the world. That is why I firmly believe that the resistance will succeed.”  

 

‘ARTISTS MUST BE ABLE TO INFLUENCE SOCIETY’ 

 

Pointing to Turkey’s support for the attacks, Evin Dulek said: “They say history always repeats itself, and unfortunately their support for HTS proves this. We see that they attack and support HTS.This needs to be emphasized. As an artist in Bakur, this creates a sensitivity in me. Today it is Rojava, Kobanê, Aleppo; tomorrow it could be Amed, Pirsûs, Riha, Wan.So they will definitely come knocking on your door too. Considering the future, we need to react. " Evin Dulek emphasized that artists should both practice their art and be present in the streets during this period, noting that it is important to engage with society and communicate the process effectively. Adding that it is important to recognize the role artists play in this process, Evin Dulek said, “Artists should be able to influence their society through songs, speeches, photographs, films, and in every way possible.”  

 

MA/Rukiye Payiz Adıgüzel