Mothers support Kurds’ peace move, call on Turkey to respond

In an unprecedented historic scene, in response to the call of leader Abdullah Ocalan, a group of Kurdish fighters burned their weapons in a symbolic ceremony as part of the peace process and the building of a democratic society. This step carried a multifaceted message on both political and social levels, resonating widely within and beyond Kurdistan. It revived hopes among people for a new opportunity for resolution, amid growing calls for the Turkish state to take responsibility for advancing and completing this process.

In Tel Tamr, one of the most prominent arenas of struggle in the region of NE Syria, ANHA correspondent met with several mothers of Kurdish fighters to capture their views and stances on this step.

Hamdia Koti, the mother of the martyr “Jinda” and the fighter “Dilber” from the People’s Protection Units, said: “I couldn’t sleep that night; images were spreading, and people were talking. I felt that the fire that burned the weapons didn’t destroy anything but lit a path. My daughter’s rifle became part of the ashes of peace that may be born.”

She added: “We don’t want to be deceived again, nor do we want a peace used as a cover for oppressive policies. We want a peace that preserves lives, brings back the missing, and grants us the right to name our children in our language without fear.”

In the same context, Janar Al-Youssef, the mother of the martyr “Bahoz Jinda” from the People’s Protection Units, said: “When I saw the flames consuming the rifles, I felt for the first time that the war might stop, and that the heartbeat of my martyred son Bahoz, which had stopped, might return in a child born without fear. Burning the weapons, for us, is like burning a bullet that could have struck another mother’s heart.”

She emphasized: “The scene of burning weapons was not only symbolic but was seen as a profound political declaration, holding the Turkish state clearly responsible for the future of this process. The Kurds took a step that was not easy, but it reflects an uncommon political maturity in battlefields.”

She added: “The step taken by the Kurds must be embraced politically and popularly, as it represents a civilized and ethical direction that aligns with the aspirations of the region’s peoples. Everyone must contribute to protecting and developing it.”

Amid this initiative, the mothers held the Turkish state’s official authorities responsible for the future of the process, stressing that the success of the peace path depends on the other side’s readiness to engage positively and recognize the people’s will.

Fahima Ibrahim, the mother of the fighter “Jiyan Tel Tamr,” said: “This step should not be met with neglect or escalation. The Turkish state must show sincere intent to stop the war and start a serious dialogue to end the ongoing humanitarian tragedy.”

The mothers believe that the Kurds’ recent step reflects a deep understanding of the importance of the political moment and a commitment to shifting the conflict from battlefields to the arena of political solutions. They emphasized that this initiative carries a moral dimension before being a military decision.

The mother of the fighter Jiyan Tel Tamr said: “This step is not a retreat but a significant advance toward a comprehensive and just peace. The Kurds are confirming they do not want war, but at the same time, they will not compromise on their rights. The Turkish state must understand this message and deal with it responsibly.”

Qamra Hassu, the mother of the fighter “Jiyan” from the People’s Protection Units, affirmed that this flame “will burn down the wall of fear between peoples, and no matter how they try to extinguish it, hope will reignite.”

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ANHA