Zübeyde Sarı wrote in Özgür Gündem about her recent visit to Serêkaniyê and conditions in the city. The Rojava Report website translated some parts of the article into English. In the excerpts she talks about the role that women are playing in the revolution and the new social model they are helping to construct. She also touches on the diversity of Serêkaniyê and the multi- ethnic and religious character of the revolution.

The Rojava Revolution has been Enlivened by the Color and Willpower of Women

In Serêkaniyê the system set up by the PYD is working to compensate for the ravages of war. It is an issue of complete struggle. Everyone from the age of seven to seventy is working for the revolution.

At the outbreak of the war the bakeries closed. Women who came together around the Collective Economic Model established by TEVDEM reopened the bakeries and are supplying the bread needs of the YPG and the people of Serêkaniyê.

Civîn, who works in the bakery, explains the situation of women who remained in Serêkaniyê: ‘Kurdish women are protecting themselves by working and fighting. War doesn’t just mean to take a weapon and go to the front. As women we are struggling in every area.’

Perhaps this is the first time in history that women have played such an active role in building a revolution. They are fighting on the front, serving in positions of command and taking part in production. There is no place in Rojava where you will not see women. They are everywhere and a part of everything.

The co-president of the PYD, Asya Abdullah’s words – ‘the Rojava Revolution has been enlivened by the color and willpower of women` – are ringing in my ears. Yes – the Rojava Revolution has been enlivened by the color and willpower of women and the faith of those clover scented women.

On the Walls of the Home are Öcalan, Che, Hazrat Ali, Mother Mary, Ahura Mazda

Night is falling over Serêkaniyê and everyone is in an evening rush. People are walking quickly to their homes with bags in their hands’ women are talking in front of their doors and children are running around. On the front clashes are ongoing but the center of the city is safe. It is possible to feel the seriousness of the war, but life is still going on at its normal pace.

We head toward the house where we are staying. Ahead of us is a pleasant building with a courtyard full of flowers and it is as if the war never came here. I enter into the house with care.

A photograph of Abdullah Öcalan, the President of KCK, dominates the living room. Across is a photograph of Che Guevera…on another wall are images of Hazrat Ali and Mother Mary. There is also a poster explaining the Persian Empire and Ahura Mazda.

The owner of the home explains this scene: ‘I am a Muslim but Syria is a cosmopolitan country, and Serêkaniyê as well. My home is the home of all people. We do not discriminate based on language’ religious or race. My goal is that my guests find a part of themselves here and feel comfortable.

His words are a veritable summary of Syria. Yes I find a part of myself in that home and was very comfortable.

Despite everything that has happened, `the blanket of stars captivates me. At night I went up to the roof and slept there. At dawn I awoke to the sound of shooting, but I had no fear left in me. Serêkaniyê is a safe place. The local security forces in the city center are protecting it well…