The Turkish state has been attacking the Tishrin Dam and its surroundings south of Kobanê since December 8. As the bombardments on the area continue increasingly, people in North Kurdistan launched vigils in the border districts of Nusaybin in Mardin and Suruç in Urfa. The protest action launched on 9 January then spread to other cities in North Kurdistan, set to continue until January 31.

Mothers who are participating in the vigil at the Kobane border spoke to ANF about their struggle, motivation and determination.

‘Rojava means everything to us’

Nesibe Gençkılıç: We are here for peace. We are here for our brothers and sisters on the other side of the border, because we are relatives.  We don't want war anymore, we don't want our children to die. We are mothers who just want peace from our bleeding hearts. We do not accept the atrocities imposed upon Rojava. We are here to put an end to this persecution. We aren’t afraid of death. Rojava means everything to us, it means our leader.”

‘We want a fraternal peace’

Rahime Kızılkaya: We want a fraternal peace. Rojava is subjected to persecution. We are here just for peace. We are fighting for the construction of an equal life, we are fighting for our children. Rojava is us! We want the attacks on Rojava to end as soon as possible. We want peace in Rojava now.

‘We want all peoples to live in peace’

Meryem Soylu: Firstly, I salute our people resisting in Rojava. Everyone, especially the Kurdish people, should defend Rojava. Those who extend a hand of peace on the one hand are attacking Rojava on the other. We do not accept this. Women and children are being massacred. The addressee for a solution and peace is Mr. Öcalan, the leader of the Kurds. We want all peoples to live in peace. We must protect Rojava no matter what. We no longer accept the attacks. We do not accept this oppression. I thank everyone involved in this honorable resistance.

‘Rojava is the heart of the Kurdish people and Kurdistan’

Şahile Gülten: We are here for the attacks on Rojava to end as soon as possible. Enough is enough! That is their land. Why are they attacking it? We are here to be their voice. They can only make peace with the Kurds, so the attacks must stop. Rojava is the heart of the Kurdish people and Kurdistan. Rojava is everything to us. If Rojava succeeds, the whole Kurdish people will succeed.