6th Conference of Intellectuals Union kicks off in Jazira 

Under the slogan "The Intellectual is the Voice of a Free and Democratic Society," the Intellectuals Union in Jazira Canton held its sixth conference today at Afrin Hall in the Old Station neighborhood of Qamishlo. The event brought together 134 delegates from across the canton, representing institutions of the Autonomous Administration, cultural organizations, the Council of Martyrs' Families, the Democratic Society Movement, political parties, and civil institutions from the North and East Syria region.

The conference began with a minute of silence, followed by a speech from Anahita Sino, the co-chair of the Union of Intellectuals of Jazira Canton, who welcomed the participants.

She emphasized “the importance of utilizing such gatherings of intellectuals to honor the memory of the martyrs and their sacrifices and to ensure that intellectuals remain the voice of truth and pens that reflect reality. Since the founding of the union, many achievements have been made, and many comrades have given their lives along the way. Numerous issues have been addressed in pursuit of realizing the dreams of the martyrs. Despite the major challenges and hardships we’ve faced, from occupation to repeated attacks, we have continued with a spirit of resistance and revolution, never ceasing our efforts and perseverance.”

She noted that their primary goal is to stand by the people, amplify their voice to the public, and document every stage they go through.

She pointed out that the thousands of events held were meaningful steps within the Union’s work, stressing that “our efforts will continue with even greater momentum and collective dedication so that intellectuals may truly become the voice of freedom as the intellectual is the voice of a free and democratic society.”

Next, Ramziya Mohammed, co-chair of the Democratic Society Movement, delivered a speech, stating: “We are living through historical moments every day. Each new day is one where the voice of truth is written by the hands of those present. We have many living examples and remember our martyrs, thanks to whom we’ve reached where we are today.”

She added, “Every day, we write heroic epics through our writings, through the struggle of our fighters and our people, who have proven their deep connection to the land and their fight for freedom. Our people have demonstrated resistance at every stage, not only in Afrin and Serekaniye but also at Tishrin Dam, where people of all ages and backgrounds took part in the struggle. We must document everything we have experienced during those times so that it becomes part of history, and the efforts of our revolutionary and resistant people are not lost.”

Ramziya stressed the “importance of documenting the revolution and its events truthfully in our books, to prove that we have a history, culture, and struggle, and that the women’s revolution, which has been pioneering from the beginning, must be written about and given its due value.”

She praised the resistance of the people and the fighters who have become global symbols, noting that “the resistance in the region has drawn international attention. Many communities, including Alawites, Yazidis, and others, turned to the Syrian Democratic Forces seeking to live with freedom and dignity, in their own language, identity, and culture, without exclusion.”

She affirmed that “preserving the values and principles of the revolution is a duty for every individual and intellectual in North and East Syria, and that documenting everything we experience is a responsibility that rests on the shoulders of intellectuals, so it can reach the public and become a source of pride for future generations.”

Maria Aho, a member of the Culture Authority in Jazira Canton, also spoke, saying: “We must unite to draw new features for the cultural and creative life of our society and contribute to enriching and preserving this culture.”

Maria added, “Our culture is immensely rich and has been subjected to many attempts to erase its features, civilizational identity, and human message over time. Therefore, it is crucial to protect and revive it by building an aware and educated society in which everyone contributes to development.”

At the end of the session, a presidium of two people was formed, congratulatory telegrams sent to the conference were read, and a documentary film about the Union’s activities over the past two years was screened.

The remainder of the conference is being held behind closed doors, with no media coverage. According to the preparatory committee, the conference will include a reading of the Union’s activity report for the past two years, review of the internal regulations, discussion of participants' opinions and suggestions, drafting of a work plan for the coming two years, and election of a new administrative body.

A-H 

ANHA