A vigil has been taking place in Mardin’s Nusaybin district, at the border with Qamishlo, in protest at the ongoing invasion attacks by the Turkish state and allied SNA (Syrian National Army) gangs against Northern and Eastern Syria.

The demonstration, organised under the leadership of the Free Women’s Movement (TJA), was attended by people from Mardin and neighbouring cities as well as the Religious Scholars Assistance and Solidarity Association (DİAYDER) on its 17th day.

Speaking here, Peace Mother Ayşe Hezer said: “I congratulate the Rojava resistance. How long will this persecution continue? Enough is enough. We call on the government to end this war. Let our children be free.”

Abdulbali Tiryaki, a member of DIAYDER, said that fighting against oppressors is also mentioned in the Quran and added, “All holy books emphasise being in favour of peace. In our religion, our prophet says that peace is a greater reward than prayer. For this reason, we celebrate those who resist in Rojava. We also congratulate those who are resisting here. We hope that winning will be our share. The Qur'an also says that hiding from fear is a great sin. We have come here to stop the war. The rulers of the Turkish state say ‘Kurds are our brothers, they have a place above our heads’, but we do not want to be above anyone's heads, we want to be on our own soil. Nusaybin and Qamişlo are part of each other and the people there have to defend their land. A message of brotherhood came from İmralı. Just like all holy books, a message of unity and brotherhood came from İmralı.”

DEM Party Mardin MP Kamuran Tanhan drew attention to the meeting of the DEM Party with Abdullah Öcalan and said: “The biggest message is to stop the war. We have seen many wars and many people have lost their lives. The Kurdish people are always ready for peace and unity. What is happening in Rojava today is the defence of land. No one's property is being plundered, they are not attacking anyone. They just want a free life. The whole world and especially Turkey should take the messages from İmralı into account. This outstretched hand should not be returned. It is an indication of an honourable peace. We want the unity of our history to spread to a great Kurdistan and the world. The Kurdish people want their status. The Kurds of a hundred years ago have changed and want their status.”