The act of writing or describing is as significant as resistance itself in every piece penned by a guerrilla. The harsh conditions of guerrilla life often make it difficult to record these historic moments. It is at such times that one realizes that living the moment is not limited to the present. It is, in fact, a connection between memory and freedom, bridging the past and the future. Martyr Bercem Avareş was one such courageous fighter who, through her efforts and struggle, left behind a meaningful legacy.

She expressed her love and commitment to freedom in her diaries with simple sentences: "I have come to fulfill my dreams."

We publish an excerpt of Martyr Bercem Avareş's diary. 

"I am currently on Martyr Elîşêr Hill. My dream has always been to approach the enemy. I am no longer defenseless as I once was. I hold a weapon to defend my homeland. I have comrades deeply devoted to this cause, and I stand tall against the enemy with the great will and courage instilled by Abdullah Öcalan. My duty is to ensure that the enemy never gains a foothold on these hills, day or night. In the past, when I saw military vehicles from home, I would hesitate. But now I am part of the struggle, and the roles have changed. The enemy, who wants to occupy our free mountains, is very close now. They have various types of technology, but we have the strength to shake their morale. Now, when I look through my scope, I can clearly see them.

We now know that the enemy is preparing a large-scale offensive. However, we are eagerly waiting for them. We will meet them with such a surprise that they will regret coming. My comrades continue their preparations without pause. Maybe our technical capabilities are not as strong as theirs. But what makes us strong are the ideas of Mr. Öcalan, our martyrs, and our camaraderie. I am the least experienced in our group. Even if I cannot contribute much militarily, I try to be a part of the effort in every way I can. During training, I struggled to learn how to handle some weapons. But now I know them all, and I can use them. I am eagerly waiting for the moment when I can put my weapon to use on that front, making sure my anger is not in vain. What has given me such confidence is the love and faith I feel for my comrades here. Since the very beginning, they have supported me in every way. I have never felt like a newcomer; it feels as if we have been living together for years. When the day comes, I will not let their efforts go in vain, and I will prove myself worthy of their sacrifices. Now is the time for honorable battle and victory.

My promise to you will be freedom

Guerrilla life reminds one of a bird’s existence. Mr. Öcalan often says that birds build their nests in such unreachable places that even snakes cannot get to them. Our home is like that too. In the mountains of Kurdistan, which symbolize freedom, we live at the highest peaks, tasting the essence of a free life. But the longing we feel for Mr. Öcalan, who has granted us this life and struggle, never fades from our hearts. The greater my longing for Mr. Öcalan, the greater my hope becomes. With tears in my eyes, I look to the future with hope. When I joined the party ranks to participate in the fight, I discovered life, freedom, and Öcalan's ideas. As I feel the flow of time, I ask myself, “Where am I?” What boundaries have I crossed? Here, I found the hidden treasure of hope, the meaning of the beauty I longed for. I am now at the heart of a free country. I am no longer at a place left on the edge of time; I am exactly at the center of a free homeland.

The longing for a free country echoes within me, and I embrace that longing. It’s no longer just a dream of seeing that country; I now want to walk forward, keeping those moments alive, toward a free future. Nothing can stop me from pursuing this vision anymore. Because now, that vision has started to take shape. To not take hold of this vision, to not be a part of this struggle, was never an option for me. Undoubtedly, a country’s liberation begins with the liberation of women. At that moment, your dream of freedom and your love for your homeland engrave themselves more deeply into your heart and soul than anything else. This is why it is so important to speak about the fight for the country. With this truth in mind, I fought as a woman militant to establish my identity as a woman. When you, as a woman, reach this truth, life becomes clearer—both spiritually and mentally. In a place free from oppression, walking toward tomorrow like a free child stirs the heart. I embraced this truth within myself and walked proudly in the fight for freedom.

To my dearest mother,

If you ever hear of my martyrdom, do not grieve, mother. Let no tears run down your face. Know that I became a lover of this land and my beautiful homeland. Martyrdom is the most sacred thing for me. Know that I am following the path of the martyrs. There is a great passion within me, a passion for a free country and an honorable life. If they ask about me, tell them that I pursued that sacred love. Mother, you must know, Kurdistan was always in my heart. My love was immense, and I always longed for it. My heart belonged to Mr. Öcalan, my country, and my people. I had only one path, and that was the path of freedom. The martyrs of my homeland were my greatest reason to climb the mountains and fight. I embarked on a sacred and distant journey. I was wounded, carrying a deep scar. With the light of my homeland, I became a flame. Perhaps I will be martyred but let the blood that flows from my body mix with the soil and become sacred land within my country. I know you will be proud of me. I will be a star in the green of your eyes, a song always on your lips. I will be a story you will forever tell. When I fall as a martyr, sing songs, and strike fear into the eyes of the enemy. I am a seeker of freedom and humanity. Be forever proud and honored by my martyrdom, mother."