August 15 celebrations in Aleppo and Efrîn

Throughout Rojava Kurdistan several events were organised marking the 33rd anniversary of the 15 August Initiative, the operation in which the PKK launched its first action against Turkish forces.

Movement for a Democratic Society (TEV-DEM) organised celebrations in many districts of Efrîn Canton and in Aleppo on the occasion of the 15 August Initiative 33rd anniversary, with the motto "By the spirit of 15 August we will end the İmrali system and free Leader Öcalan".

ALEPPO

Hundreds of people from Allepo's Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah neighbourhoods attended the event in the big hall of Sheikh Maqsoud, along with representatives of the local councils, YPG/YPJ fighters and Asayish members.

The hall was emblazoned with flags of YPG/YPJ and pictures of fighters that fell martyrs in Sheikh Maqsoud resistance, as well as posters of commander Egîd and Kurdish people's leader Abdullah Öcalan. Banners were hung, reading "15 August is the step towards humanity” and “15 August is the revolutionary struggle against the enemies of humanity".

The program started after a minute of silence, with congratulatory speeches to Kurdish people's leader Abdullah Öcalan and all the people, made by TEV-DEM Sheikh Maqsoud executive Fehîme Silêman and Martyrs' Families Council administrator Remzî Bekir.

The event continued with music and halay dance performances of Band Martyr Serhed, groups of the Culture and Folklore Center and Band Zerhredîn from the Youths Union.

EFRÎN

The Efrîn Canton also housed several events marking the 33rd anniversary of the Day of Resurrection, as Kurdish people call August 15.

The celebration in Efrîn Canton's Raco district started with the return of the Youths that finished a march of six days for the freedom of Kurdish people's leader Abdullah Öcalan.

After the reception of the young people by the locals, TEV-DEM’s Dilêr Cûdî congratulated all mothers of martyrs and peoples of Kurdistan on the anniversary of the Day of Resurrection.

The celebrations continued with halay dances and performances by the theatre group Çiya Mîra.

The celebration event in Efrîn's Cindires district took place in the central school of Martyr Îsa where after a minute of silence, YPG commander Manî Egîd, Martyr's Families Council member Fewzî Seydo and TEV-DEM Council Co-chair Fatime Hesen stressed in their speeches, the historical importance of the 15 August initiative for the peoples of the Middle East.

The program continued with music and halay performances by folklore groups, with a festive participation of the people and YPG and YPJ fighters.

The Movement for a Democratic Society (TEV-DEM) and Kongreya Star organised a joint celebration event in Efrîn's Mabata district which was joined by hundreds of people alongside fighters of YPG/YPJ, Civil Defense Forces (HPC), Asayish forces and civil society organisations.

The scene was adorned by banners of Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan, pictures of martyrs, and flags of TEV-DEM and Kongreya Star.

The event started with a minute of silence for the martyrs of the freedom struggle, and congratulatory speeches by TEV-DEM administrator Öcalan Reşolan and Kongreya Star district coordination member Nazliye Mihemed to all peoples of Kurdistan and Kurdish people's leader Abdullah Öcalan.

Following the speeches, theatre group of Martyr Dilêşer staged a play on the life of the legendary commander Egîd, and concerts were given by the music groups Band Martyr Xwişnav and Band Çiya, which were accompanied by halay dances until the end of the celebration.

Another event organised by TEV-DEM at 'July 19' Square in Shiyê district of Efrîn was joined by hundreds of citizens and YPG/YPJ fighters, Asayish, PYD, Kongreya Star members. The spot was emblazoned with pictures of Öcalan and commander Egîd.

The event started with a minute of silence and continued with the speech of TEV-DEM member Mihemed Ekaş on the importance of the 15 August Initiative. The program continued with halay dances at the music of Band Martyr Xebat of Şiyê's Culture and Folklore Movement.

The event to mark the Day of Resurrection organised by TEV-DEM in Kîmar village of Shêrawa district was joined by hundreds of citizens and members of YPG/YPJ, PYD and Martyrs' Families Council.

The scene was emblazoned with banners of Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan and pictures of martyrs.

Starting with a minute of silence for all martyrs of freedom, the program continued with congratulatory speeches of TEV-DEM Shêrawa district administrator Zagros Tolhildan and Martyrs' Families Council member Mehmûd Cafo.

After the speeches, festive halay dances were accompanied by the music of Band Martyr Diyar from the local culture association TEV-ÇAND.