Gülcan Kaçmaz Sayyiğit, an MP for Van (Wan) from the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), who traveled to Rojava for the Rojava Kurdish Unity and Common Stance Conference held in North and East Syria, answered ANF’s questions regarding the outcomes of the conference and her impressions from Rojava.

What are your impressions of the governance model implemented in North and East Syria?

Even though this was our first time visiting North and East Syria, we were already familiar with the model here. In fact, it is a model we have been following from Northern (Bakur) Kurdistan and Turkey. As you know, this is one of the places where many different peoples live together, both in terms of religion, ethnic and cultural identity, and language. The model here views this diversity as a richness and strives to bring it to life. It is truly a model that could serve as an example for the world. I can say that it is a remarkable and very important model where everyone can live together, respecting each other's sensitivities.

With what objectives did you participate in the Rojava Kurdish Unity and Common Stance Conference as a delegation from Turkey?

Mr. Abdullah Öcalan has been held in isolation in Turkey for nearly 27 years, and these isolation policies continue to this day. For the past four years, he has been subjected to what we call a state of absolute incommunicado detention. As you know and have closely followed, a new process began with Devlet Bahçeli's handshake with the DEM Party group on 1 October. Shortly after, Ömer Öcalan visited Abdullah Öcalan at Imralı Prison. At that time, Mr. Öcalan reiterated what he had already stated back in 1993: "I believe the Kurdish question must be resolved through democratic and peaceful means, and I am ready for it." Following this, a delegation, including Pervin Buldan and Sırrı Süreyya Önder, who were also part of the previous Imralı delegation, met once again with Mr. Öcalan.

During that meeting, Mr. Öcalan expressed the following views: 'I am ready for this, but every party must fulfill its responsibilities.' He entrusted much of the work to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), proposing that a commission including representatives from all parties be formed to carry out the necessary legal and political work. He conveyed his suggestions and messages accordingly. In that meeting, Mr. Öcalan also expressed his desire to learn how the actors in each part of Kurdistan viewed this process, what their thoughts were, and whether they had any proposals. As you know, based on this, we previously made a visit to Southern Kurdistan (Başûr), though unfortunately, we had not been able to visit Eastern Kurdistan (Rojhilat) and Rojava (Western Kurdistan) at that time.

Today, under the framework of the call made on 27 February, which we describe as a historic call, titled "Peace and Democratic Society" by Mr. Öcalan, we have held meetings not only in Northern Kurdistan but also across all parts of Turkey. We held extensive meetings with civil society organizations, political parties, women's organizations, and our people. We held these meetings in over 100 centers, working together with our people to draft a roadmap regarding what this Peace and Democratic Society Call entails, how it should be realized, and what we must do going forward. Within this framework, our delegation visited Southern Kurdistan again and conducted two rounds of meetings.

It is within this same context that we are here now, and the timing of the Rojava conference aligning with this process has been a very fortunate coincidence for us. Witnessing such an important conference, dedicated to efforts for unity, building a democratic society, and working towards the peaceful resolution of the Kurdish question, and being present at such a historic moment, have been extremely meaningful for us. I can say this confidently on behalf of our delegation from Northern Kurdistan and our party.

How could the outcomes of the conference affect the discussions on the Kurdish question in Turkey? What kind of message do you plan to deliver from this conference to the Turkish public and political actors?

I can say that this conference is truly a historic one. As you know, Rojava has long been a region engaged in struggle. It is extremely valuable for us that such a pioneering step has emerged from this struggle. Today’s conference marks the beginning of a process that will be written into history with golden letters. The developments that will arise from here, particularly the recognition of the Kurdish identity and status within Syria, will undoubtedly have an impact on the other parts of Kurdistan as well. Every action, initiative, and legal regulation that will be built towards that recognition will influence the broader region. For example, the potential resumption of meetings with Mr. Öcalan and his insistence on resolving this issue through democratic means, along with his call for a Democratic Society, draw their strength from this environment.

Today, the reason we are here in Rojava is precisely the effect of this momentum. It is thanks to this strength that we are able to conduct these meetings and witness such a historic conference. Any achievement in one part will inevitably positively influence the other parts. As we have said before, the Kurdish people cannot afford to lose another century. As you know, for the past hundred years, we have lived divided by physical borders drawn between the four parts of Kurdistan. Yet despite these physical borders, the Kurdish people have never internalized these separations, either mentally or spiritually. We believe that in the coming period, this spirit of national unity will emerge even more clearly, overcoming these artificial divisions both in mind and in spirit, and paving the way for stronger collective action.

Could this conference lead to a change in Turkey’s policies towards Rojava? How could it contribute to the resolution of the Kurdish question in Turkey?

I believe that Turkey must now eliminate its prejudices against the administration of North and East Syria. If we are speaking about peace with the Kurds within Turkey today, we must also seek peace with the Kurds everywhere. In fact, such efforts must be conducted jointly with Kurds in all regions and in a way that respects their achievements. Attempting to make peace with the Kurds within its own borders while maintaining hostility toward Kurds beyond those borders will benefit neither Turkey nor the other parts of Kurdistan. Therefore, Turkey must truly put an end to its prejudices against the Autonomous Administration here. It must also foster positive attitudes toward the rights of the Kurdish people and all other communities living together in this region.

What are your thoughts on women's organizations in Rojava? How does it offer a model for other women's movements in the Middle East?

Let me state this very clearly: firstly, I must say that I truly admire the women's organization here. Everything that is being done is carried out under the leadership of women and brought to life through women's initiative. This model is truly ambitious. It is a model that can serve as an example for the entire world. Right now, there is a life model here that the whole world is curious about, inspired by, and observing closely, a model that has emerged under women's leadership. Even though this is our first time visiting here from Northern Kurdistan, we can already hear and see this reality. It becomes even clearer through conversations: friends here mention that delegations from many different countries are constantly visiting to witness firsthand how this new model of life is being built. They want to see and experience it for themselves. This, frankly, appears as a very exciting and inspiring reality for us Kurds in Northern Kurdistan as well. This paradigm of living together, this model of coexistence, is truly precious to us. We believe that such a democratic model, one that defies the nation-state mentality by emphasizing coexistence, must emerge everywhere.

We draw strength from the organization that has been built under women's leadership. Even when the women here simply speak, they do so with such confidence that you can feel the success, the struggle, and the victories achieved through that struggle. The achievements of women here now serve as an example to the entire world. At the same time, the pride and honor of leading such a process is reflected in every aspect of their work.

How could the Rojava Kurdish National Conference contribute to the regional and international recognition of the Autonomous Administration model?

The governance model here is one that is being closely observed by many. It is a model that can serve as an example for everyone who wishes to live a democratic life. However, it also stands as a model that is inconvenient for the capitalist system and the nation-state mentality, because it represents a third path. This third path is crucial for those who want to live democratically, and it is a model that is being recognized, evaluated, and discussed in many parts of the world through panels, conferences, and symposiums.

The conference held today in Rojava is not only a step for Rojava or the other peoples currently living here; it is an important step for all parts of Kurdistan. Initially, it may be most significant for the people living in Rojava, but it will also impact the four parts of Kurdistan and the entire Middle East. With this conference, the seeds for that broader impact have been planted here. There is also an important next phase: after the conference, meetings will be held with Damascus both on legal and political grounds. Once the work that gained official status at the conference is solidified, international powers will be compelled to recognize this administration.

Lastly, do you have a message from Rojava to political circles and the people?

As North Kurdistan, we have always followed the struggle in Rojava from afar. Yet we have always admired this struggle. Being here now, on these lands, seeing it, feeling it, touching it, and having conversations with the people is truly very valuable for us. As you know, just a few hundred meters away from us is Nusaybin. In Nusaybin, there are many people who are siblings, cousins, and relatives of those here, but because the border gate is closed, they cannot communicate or visit each other. We ourselves came here via Erbil (Hewlêr), even though it would have been much shorter to come through Nusaybin. These gates must be opened. The Turkish state must take the necessary steps in this regard. Preventing contact does not halt the Kurdish people's struggle; Kurds will continue to fight in every way.

From now on, they will pursue this struggle even more strongly with a spirit of unity. Therefore, these borders, these gates must be removed. The problems arising from these closed borders do not benefit Turkey either. This must be clearly stated. If Turkey truly wishes to achieve peace with the Kurds within its own borders, it must also recognize and make peace with Kurds in the other parts. Believe me, in doing so, Turkey will benefit, all peoples in Turkey will benefit, and above all, the Kurdish people will benefit. I am very happy to be here. I am proud to witness this historic conference. I am also very happy that we will be able to carry the experiences we have gained here back to Northern Kurdistan and to Turkey.