Gülçin Hiso never gives up on her dreams even if she was forced into child marriage; she has worked in theatre for 13 years. She is both a theatre player and instructor of Hilala Zerin Cultural Center located in Kobanê. Women have carried out a great struggle in the field of culture and arts, says Gülçin.

BERÇEM CÛDÎ

Kobanê - Throughout history, the first target of states attacking people has been to destroy the culture and art of that people. Although the Ba'ath regime kept the people living in NE Syria-Rojava under pressure for years, the people have managed to protect their language and culture despite pressures on them. 26-year-old Gülçin Hiso, who lives in Kobanê city of NE Syria-Rojava, was forced into child marriage like many women. Mother of four, Gülçin always dreamed to join the cultural and artistic works and when she was 13 years old she began to perform theatre plays.  She manages to realize her dream and she has worked in theater for 13 years. Gülçin is now a theatre player and instructor of Hilala Zerin Cultural Center in the Euphrates Region.

“Women have shown a great struggle in the field of art”

Stating that she is from Muman village located in the western of Kobanê, Gülçin says, “Male mindset has always drawn boundaries for women. Women have been blocked particularly in the field of culture and art. I participated in cultural and artistic works when I was 13 years old; we faced the pressures of the regime at that time. There were many challenges but they never stopped me. My family supported me. Although my mother sometimes tried to prevent me due to social pressures, it didn’t prevent me from realizing my dream.” Noting that her love for the theater has not decreased even though years have passed, Gülçin says that women have shown a great struggle in the field of art like they do in every sphere of life.

“I should learn more”

Stating that theater is an important field, Gülçin continues to talk as follows: “Folk dances, music, unmetered folk songs, poems, stories, and other artistic works are performed on the stage. When I first got involved in theatre, I just wanted to perform on the stage. My only wish was to perform my role very well. After I received training for a long time, my dreams grow. My favorite role in the theater is to act as a mother. Now I am a theatre instructor for children. I have become an instructor but I know that I should learn more. I share what I have learned with children.”

“Our door is open for all women”

Noting that culture and art have been passed down by women, Gülçin calls on all people to stand by their culture and art. “Every day, I start the day by growing my dreams and desires. For this reason, I always struggle to achieve my dreams. Revolution in Rojava started thanks to women. Therefore, women should grow and keep alive the art inside them. We must protect our culture and art. The door of our center is open for all women. Let’s protect our culture and arts together.”