Asmaa Mohammed

Qamishlo - The decision by the Syrian Interim Government to remove Martyrs’ Day from the list of official national holidays has sparked widespread anger and disapproval across Syrian society. Mothers of martyrs in the region of North and East Syria condemned the move as an insult to the blood of thousands of fighters - men and women - who gave their lives in defense of their land, freedom, and dignity.

On October 5, 2025, Ahmad Al-Sharaa (Al-Joulani) issued Decree No. 188, which redefined the official holidays recognized by the Syrian state. Under this decree, Martyrs’ Day (May 6th) was removed, along with other national occasions such as the October War Day, International Women’s Day, and Newroz. The government claimed the move was part of an effort to “reorganize official occasions in line with the new phase.”

However, many viewed this decision as a stab in Syria’s collective memory and an attempt to erase one of the most significant symbols of national history. Martyrs’ Day has long stood as a tribute to Syrians’ resistance against tyranny and occupation since 1916, commemorating generations who shed their blood for a free homeland founded on justice and equality.

In response, families and mothers of martyrs in North and East Syria raised their voices in protest, denouncing the move as an attempt to “erase the memory of sacrifice and devotion.”

 

“A Day for Everyone Who Believes in Freedom”

Dalal Badour, a mother and wife of martyrs from Qamishlo, said:

 “We, who bid farewell to our sons with ululations of pride — not tears of weakness — gave the most precious we had in defense of land, dignity, and freedom. Today we stand to say: we will not allow anyone to erase Martyrs’ Day from our hearts. It is our day — the day of everyone who believes in freedom.”

For her and for the families of martyrs, the day is not merely a national occasion, but a symbol of new life born from pain. “Our children’s blood was not spilled in vain; it illuminated the path of freedom for all peoples in North and East Syria. To abolish Martyrs’ Day is to abolish the very meaning of sacrifice- something we will never accept, no matter the political decisions.”

Badour explains that the families of martyrs remain loyal to the ideals for which their sons and daughters gave their lives - a loyalty embodied in protecting the institutions and councils built on the martyrs’ blood.“We will stand against anyone who tries to undermine the achievements of the revolution. The martyrs’ blood laid the foundations of the Autonomous Administration - a trust we must uphold until full victory is achieved.”

She reminded that the Rojava Revolution was never just a revolution of arms but one of human liberation and empowerment, which made it a target for many forces - especially the Turkish occupation, which sought to destabilize the region.

 “The enemy did not stop at targeting the fighters, but attacked the will of society itself. Yet, our peoples remained united and resilient. Today, our duty is to preserve this unity, for the unity of peoples is the strongest weapon against every attempt at fragmentation and occupation.”

 

Popular Solidarity

Badour recalled the resistance at Tishreen Dam, describing it as “one of the most magnificent scenes of popular solidarity in the face of aggression.”

“At the Tishreen Dam, women stood before men, mothers before sons. That moment was a lesson in dignity - when mothers’ tears mixed with the ululations of victory, and the earth sprouted pride that can never be defeated.”

She called for an immediate reversal of the decision to abolish Martyrs’ Day, stressing that it contradicts the spirit of national belonging.

“Canceling Martyrs’ Day doesn’t only erase May 6th - it strikes at the heart of every Syrian mother and every fighter who gave their life for the homeland. We call for honoring this day as a symbol of Syrian unity and safeguarding the rights of all communities within a fair, decentralized system that guarantees justice and equality for everyone.”

Regarding the media war and accusations of betrayal directed at the region, Badour clarified: “We are not seeking separation; we seek a homeland that embraces all its sons and daughters with justice and dignity. The Syria we dream of is for all its citizens - a Syria of freedom, dignity, and equality, built on the blood of martyrs, not on forgetting them.”

 “The mothers of martyrs will remain the living conscience of Syria - reminding future generations that freedom cannot be bought or erased. It must be preserved through loyalty and determination. They may erase Martyrs’ Day from paper, but they will never erase it from our hearts, because Martyrs’ Day is not just a date on the calendar — it is a heartbeat within us and a memory that never dies.”