Beşîr Mele Newaf: Newroz 2026 highlights Kurdish unity, peace as historic imperative

Beşîr Mele Newaf, a Kurdish literature lecturer at Rojava University, spoke to ANHA agency about the messages from Newroz 2026, the “Peace and Democratic Society” process, its impact on Rojava and Northern Kurdistan, and the importance of enhancing Kurdish unity.

He noted that Newroz 2026 had a distinctive character, stemming from political changes in the Middle East and across the four parts of Kurdistan. He explained that attacks on the region elevated Kurdish sentiments to a historic level, adding: “The Kurdish rejection of measures imposed by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham was a historic reaction.”

Newaf pointed out that the Syrian Interim Government, supported by the U.S. and Arab countries, initially attempted to reject the process under the supervision of the Syrian Democratic Forces, which caused suffering for Kurds at both the Kurdistan and international levels, ultimately prompting a unified stance among Kurds.

“Governments did not recognize the importance of the process”

Newaf highlighted the “Peace and Democratic Society” process announced by leader Abdullah Ocalan, which changed the atmosphere of war and reduced Turkish state violence against Rojava and Northern Kurdistan. He said Newroz 2026 encouraged Kurds to voice a single message: they are advocates of peace and seek democracy among communities. Other societies should support them as much as Kurds are thinking collectively at this stage.

On the positions of occupying states toward this process, Newaf noted that these governments still do not recognize its importance and continue hate speech against the Kurdish people. Their media demonstrates a reluctance to remove the century-long destruction and injustice inflicted on all peoples.

“Only democratic integration can be seen as a suitable solution”

Newaf explained that, sociologically and politically, the root causes of foreign intervention against the occupiers of Kurdistan—from the Treaty of Lausanne to the present—stem from unresolved issues of other nationalities, excluding the ruling nationality. He emphasized that Kurds constitute a nation of over 60 million with a homeland, yet Turks, Arabs, and previous political entities deprived them of their lands.

He stressed that for Kurds, only “democratic integration” can be a viable solution. For this project to progress, ruling states with sincere intentions toward other nationalities must provide the proper conditions. While ruling powers have committed “white and black” massacres against the Kurdish people, they have not ended, and it is essential to establish citizenship rights democratically while guaranteeing cultural and identity rights.

“The national memory of the community is more sincere than partisan sentiments”

Newaf emphasized Kurdish unity, noting that in Rojava, following the increase in attacks, Kurds reached a historic level that benefited them—this level was built on Kurdish unity. He described this unity as a “historic opportunity,” saying:

"In terms of unity, Kurdish society precedes Kurdish movements and parties; the national memory and sentiments of the community are more sincere than the feelings of party members."

The Kurdish intellectual and literature lecturer concluded his remarks:

"Our parties must understand that unity is a golden prize granted to us, and we must invest it across the four parts of Kurdistan. The conflict should be removed from internal party disputes, and instead, efforts should focus on protecting Kurdish unity."

ANHA