BÊRÎTAN ZINAR

Kobanê –I always wanted to write about Kobanê, which unites four parts of Kurdistan with its resistance. However, writing about the feelings of resistance, the roads passed by many heroes, the houses of resistance, every tree, every leaf and the smiles of children was not easy. After years of dreams, we are in Kobanê, the stronghold of resistance.

There are many articles, books, stories and documentaries about Kobanê, about its resistance. But as a Kurdish woman, I had the opportunity to see this sacred land after years and decided to write about it.  

The first thing that drew my attention when I arrived in Kobanê was the hospitality of the people and the fighters. Everyone I met on the way wanted to tell me the history of the city. I learned everything about Kobanê from books and films and now I can imagine what I learned from books and films in Kobanê. Now, I am in front of the house, where Arîn Mîrkan resisted.

Mothers talk about attacks and resistance

The first place that greeted us was the village of Dubirke. We arrived at the village after watching the beautiful spring flowers and trees and the borders drawn between the west and north of Kurdistan. It is a beautiful village; it is a green village and smells like spring. There are ancient caves near this village. The villagers welcomed us warmly. Mothers tell me stories. I listen carefully to them in order to understand what ISIS did and how they protected themselves from ISIS. Meanwhile, 4-year-old Cudi, named after a saint, tries to warm my frozen hand by taking it between her two hands. I want to listen to every story told by mothers. Mothers tell me the moments of occupation, attack and resistance.

The symbol of the resistance

After the warm welcome of the villagers, we returned to the Kobanê center. Press workers are traveling around the streets and neighborhoods of Kobanê in a car that has witnessed many battles and attacks. They say that this car has been used by fighters to reach many places under attacks, such as to Girê Spî when the Turkish state attacked there. It has been repaired and used again whenever it was damaged or subjected to invasion attacks. This car has witnessed many attacks so it is also a valuable story and the symbol of the resistance.

Kobanê is the turning point in my life

Years ago, I met a fighter, who fought in Kobanê. While talking about Kobanê, she said, “Kobanê is my temple.” Although years have passed, I still remember the words of this fighter. I often thought about what Kobanê means to me. What does Kobanê mean for the Kurdish people, Kurdish women and for fighters? To understand what it means, you have to see it. The answer of each one can be different, but I know that Kobanê is a turning point in my life. Kobanê has become our temple of freedom.

Statue of Arîn Mirkan, goddess of resistance

In the city, you see the statue of Arîn Mîrkan, one of the goddesses of resistance defending in Kobanê. While one of her hands is stretched out to the sky and the other is just above her heart. She has wings. She greets the sun every day. When you look at the statue, you feel this: This city is a city of resistance. We continue our tour in Kobanê with joy and excitement. Every house, every neighborhood and every street in the city smells like resistance. I feel like I should write about each of them. As I wander the streets of Kobanê, I take pictures of each house and try to learn its story.

I see a house. What happened to this house having only stairs? Were the stones of the stairs of this house a shelter for many warriors? I really want to learn the story of this house but who will tell me its story? I wish these stones could talk and tell me its story.

Kobanê is the success point of the “Jin, Jiyan, Azadî” philosophy. Kobanê is subjected to Turkish attacks every day. We could not see many parts of Kobanê due to ongoing attacks and threats of the Turkish state. The Turkish state has attacked and shelled Kobanê and has cut off the water of the Euphrates River flowing from Northern Kurdistan to Kobanê for years. The Turkish state continues its inhuman attacks by using different methods. For this reason, the people of Kobani suffer from an electricity outage.

We have taken strength from the people and fighters

During my visit, I realized once again that Kobanê is the breath of resistance. Hundreds of beautiful heroes lie on the chest of Kobanê. Kobanê witnessed great resistance. Every street and every house of Kobanê makes you feel proud. We have taken strength from the people and fighters of Kobanê. Kobanê always exists with its name and resistance.