Following the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011, the region experienced significant political, military, and economic transformations. While hundreds of thousands lost their lives and millions were displaced, the Kurdish-majority cities in northern Syria became a refuge amid widespread destruction and power struggles involving international forces.

 

The Rojava Revolution began on July 19, 2012, when regime forces withdrew from Kobane, marking the start of local self-governance in multiple towns. The establishment of the People’s Protection Units (YPG) and Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) in 2004 laid the foundation for a movement globally recognized for its resistance against ISIS, with women at the forefront.

 

Building on Abdullah Öcalan’s ideology of “women’s liberation, democracy, and ecology,” the revolution fostered inclusive governance involving all ethnic and religious groups. Military forces unified under the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), while councils and communes addressed social, judicial, economic, health, education, and cultural needs.

 

CONTINUOUS ATTACKS

 

Following regime losses, ISIS targeted the revolution’s core, notably besieging Kobane in 2014. Despite eventual ISIS defeat and heroic defense, Turkey launched extensive aerial and ground attacks on Northern and Eastern Syria, yet the revolution has endured, growing into a beacon of hope for the region.

 

On December 8, 2024, a new phase in Syria emerged as HTS overthrew Assad’s regime with international backing. However, ongoing tensions persist, as the Damascus interim government resists autonomous governance in the north and east. An eight-point agreement signed on March 10 between SDF Commander Mazlum Abdi and Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Shara has yet to be implemented.

 

‘KURDS CREATED AN ALTERNATIVE’

 

Perwîn Yusif reflected on the Kurdish struggle against assimilation and denial, highlighting how the Kurdish people built an alternative political system amid widespread uprisings. “While others failed to establish a new system, the Kurds organized a third way based on Öcalan’s ideology, uniting diverse groups in the region,” she said.

 

‘FROM SMALL ROOMS TO A FULL REVOLUTION’

 

Yusif noted that the revolution began in small community spaces and emphasized women’s central role: “Women have been the main actors during and after the revolution.” She added that today, communes and academies flourish, education is conducted in native languages, and the armed forces include Arabs, Syriacs, Turkmen, and Armenians.

 

‘NO RETREAT’

 

Despite 13 years passing, Yusif stressed that Damascus’ approach remains unchanged, rooted in denial and destruction. “They expect submission as if the revolution never happened,” she said. “But we will never step back from our rights. The Kurdish presence is a vibrant part of Syria’s diversity, and we reject any divisive, exclusionary agendas.”

 

‘OUR DEMANDS ARE UNIFIED’

 

Since HTS took control, Yusif criticized the neglect of Syria’s peoples’ demands. She affirmed that the Autonomous Administration represents all communities, fostering coexistence and mutual recognition. “Our revolution created unity among Syria’s peoples. If we stand together, we can overcome the system of denial,” she concluded.

 

MA / Ceylan Sahinli