Certain moments become etched into a people’s history, echoing from generation to generation like a legend, an oath, a flame. 5 October 2014, is such a moment for the Kurdish Freedom Movement. Arîn Mîrkan embraced the legacy of Zîlan (Zeynep Kınacı) and carried out a self-sacrificing action on Mishtenur Hill in Kobanê, mounting an epic resistance against ISIS.

Her courage turned the struggle for women’s freedom into a global symbol, proclaiming the unbreakable spirit of the Kurdish people to the world.

Arîn Mîrkan was born in 1992 in the village of Mirkan (Husê), located in the Mabata district of Afrin (Efrîn) Canton in Rojava. Born as Dilara Kênc, she grew up in a patriotic Kurdish family. Despite the Syrian regime’s assimilation policies, her family preserved their Kurdish identity and remained deeply committed to the Kurdistan Freedom Struggle.

Her childhood was shaped by the rich values of Kurdish culture. During her years in the village, her inclination toward freedom and justice became increasingly visible. Arîn completed her education in the village of Mirkan, and a moment during her school years became a turning point in forging her militant identity.

When a teacher insulted a bracelet she wore that had Kurdish inscriptions, it ignited a deep anger in her toward the system. That moment became a decisive spark for Arîn, who already felt a strong sympathy for the Kurdish Freedom Struggle.

Joining the freedom movement

Arîn Mîrkan was only 15 years old when she decided to join the ranks of the Kurdish Freedom Movement, one of the most defining choices of her life. Her family’s patriotic stance and her admiration for President Öcalan’s philosophy were among the core motivations that guided her onto this path.

As ISIS launched its attacks against Rojava, Arîn deepened her commitment by joining the Women’s Defense Units (YPJ). She quickly earned the love of her comrades. Known for her warm smile, sincere spirit, and resilient character, she stood out for the depth of her thoughts and her unwavering determination in the struggle.

She rose as a militant in the women’s resistance through her work within the YPJ. Her disciplined, passionate, and self-sacrificing nature became a source of inspiration for those around her.

Through the training she received in the YPJ, Arîn developed herself both ideologically and militarily. She believed that women’s freedom was inseparable from the freedom of the Kurdish people. Embracing President Öcalan’s philosophy that “a free woman means a free society,” she shaped her struggle accordingly.

The Kobanê resistance and Mishtenur Hill

The year 2014 marked a historic test for both Rojava and Kobanê. ISIS launched brutal assaults backed by heavy weaponry in an attempt to occupy the city.  The siege that began on 15 September 2014 was met with the epic resistance of the People’s Protection Units (YPG) and the YPJ.

Arîn Mîrkan played a critical role in the defense of Kobanê. On 5 October 2014, ISIS launched an intense assault to seize Mishtenur Hill. Fierce clashes erupted on the hill as YPG and YPJ forces resisted under harsh conditions and with limited ammunition. Mishtenur Hill held strategic importance for control over the city.

Fighting alongside a small unit, Arîn took a decisive step to halt the advance of ISIS mercenaries. She ran toward the enemy and detonated the explosives strapped to her body, carrying out a self-sacrificing action.

Her act neutralized dozens of ISIS mercenaries and thwarted their attempt to capture the hill. In an official statement, the YPJ emphasized that Arîn’s action embodied “the spirit of the Kobanê resistance and the leading role of women in the struggle for freedom.”

Arîn’s self-sacrificing action marked a new phase in the Kobanê resistance and showed the world that ISIS could be defeated.

Global and regional impact of the action

Arîn Mîrkan’s self-sacrificing act on Mishtenur Hill brought the Kobanê resistance to the attention of the world. Her courage awakened the conscience of humanity against the barbarity of the ISIS mercenaries. The impact of her action resonated not only in Kobanê, but across all of Kurdistan and around the world.

In Northern Kurdistan (Bakur), mass protests were held between 6–8 October 2014 in support of Kobanê, influenced in part by Arîn’s action. These demonstrations spread to Eastern Kurdistan (Rojhilat) and Southern Kurdistan (Başûr) as well, reflecting the spirit of Kurdish solidarity.

Across many cities worldwide, Kurdish allies and supporters of freedom took to the streets to show their solidarity with the Kobanê resistance. Arîn’s action played a pivotal role in the declaration of 1 November as the “Global Day of Solidarity with Kobanê.”

Her sacrifice also transformed the women’s leadership of the Rojava Revolution into a global symbol. The YPJ described Arîn’s stance as a manifesto of “women’s unwavering determination in the struggle for freedom.”

Her action inspired freedom-seekers across the globe to join the ranks of the YPJ and the YPG. Following in the legacy of Kurdish women resistance fighters like Zîlan and Bêrîtan (Gülnaz Karataş), Arîn showed the world that Kurdish women will never surrender.