Comrades speak about Nazem Dashtan, Jihan Belkin

NûJinha correspondent Surkol Shikho and Ronahi TV photographer Osman Bulut spoke to ANHA agency about martyr Jihan Belkin and martyr Nazem Dashtan, who were martyred on December 19 last year over attack by a Turkish armed drone Tishrin Dam clashes. They highlighted their work and the moments spent with them.

Surkol Shikho noted that a year has passed since the martyrdom of Jihan Belkin and Nazem Dashtan and expressed how quickly time seemed to have passed. She emphasized that their deaths saddened not only the people of Kurdistan but also people from different communities, saying: "Mothers from various components, whether in Kurdistan, the Middle East, or the world, were affected by Jihan Belkin. We want to tell her mother that she cannot be forgotten."

She explained that the cameras of Jihan Belkin and Nazem Dashtan continue to convey the truth, and many of their comrades follow in their footsteps. She added: "We will continue our struggle in media along their path."

Surkol Shikho also recalled working with martyr Jihan Belkin for months, sharing both beautiful and difficult moments, and never imagining that she would no longer see her by her side. She said: "We promised each other to walk this path side by side until the end, and even if the end is martyrdom, we will become martyrs together."

She attributed the targeting of Jihan Belkin and Nazem Dashtan by the Turkish occupation to their efforts to hide the truth about the crimes and massacres it committed.

Shikho emphasized that Jihan Belkin and Nazem Dashtan represent the memory of free media, concluding: "We will always honor their memory."

Osman Bulut, who met Jihan Belkin in 2018 while covering attacks on Serekaniye and later in Tal Tamr, described her as experienced in media, giving strength and confidence to those around her during work. He said she was always laughing and joking, helping people forget the fatigue of work while exposing the truth about mercenaries at the frontlines.

"Some people have unique personalities and qualities, and Jihan was one of them. We also called her ‘Jiyan.’ Her name suited her well. She was humble in her interactions with people," Bulut added.

He also highlighted her work in Northern Kurdistan despite pressure and obstacles from the Turkish state, including an arrest warrant against her. By coming to Rojava Kurdistan, she aimed to expand her work in documenting the truth about the occupation, becoming a support for her comrades in media. Bulut added: "She insisted on extensively covering campaigns. In her work, she never accepted injustice and never gave up when she knew she was right.

Bulut recalled both happy and painful memories with Jihan Belkin. He added: "Recently, when the people of Afrin were displaced from Shahba to other areas, Jiyan said to me: ‘Come with me, you are displaced and understand the situation of the displaced.’ We also communicated while covering the attacks on Manbij, and at that time, she and Nazem were together, strong and determined."

Regarding martyr Nazem Dashtan, Bulut said he got to know him more in Kobani, where they worked together and made a documentary on a certain topic. "He worked in Northern Kurdistan for a long time, capturing scenes of cooperation between the Turkish state and ISIS and exposing them to the public. He had a great impact. He was a cheerful comrade, sharing what he had, passing on his experiences, and helping people develop their character. With him, no one felt alone or alien. He became the memory of Rojava Kurdistan," Bulut said.

About the last days with Nazem Dashtan, Bulut said he always advised them to take care of themselves rather than focusing on others. He concluded: "We will preserve the legacy left to us by Jihan Belkin and Nazem Dashtan, with determination and resolve."

a.k

ANHA