Nihat Kaya: Jihan and Nazım followed in footsteps of Uncle Musa; Gürbetli Ersöz

Journalist Nihad Kaya spoke to ANHA agency on the occasion of the first anniversary of the martyrdom of our correspondent Jihan Belkin and journalist Nazım Daştan, who were martyred on December 19, 2024, due to being targeted by a Turkish drone while covering the attacks on the Tishrin Dam.

Nihad Kaya pointed out the passing of a year since the martyrdom of his companions and the change in the regime in Syria. After 2011, Syria witnessed a radical transformation in all fields and a civil war broke out, where the freedom-seeking Syrian people fought a long, exceptional, and strong struggle to achieve it. Many were displaced, and others were forced to seek refuge and migrate. In this region, some journalists, loyal to their profession, sacrificed themselves and went to Rojava to convey the suffering and pain of the people to the world, among them were Jihan Belkin and Nazım Daştan.

Nihad Kaya continued his talk, saying: "They gave up their safety, comfort, and the life they were enjoying and came to Rojava to live a difficult life. Living in the shadow of war was extremely hard for them, but they worked with joy despite the difficulties."

Nihad Kaya spoke about the martyr Nazım Daştan, explaining that he met him in Kobani. He had heard his name before, but met him for the first time in Kobani. Nazim was a cheerful person, and they stayed together in Deir ez-Zor for a long time. Despite some difficulties, joy and happiness never left Nazım Daştan face.

He continued, saying, "He would lighten a person's mood with his cheerful face; people would forget their worries because of him. He was a great support to everyone, both morally and materially. It is clear from his photos and videos that he helped everyone and gave life meaning. He taught people thru his behavior and relationships, and he never chose a path of empty life. He worked as a journalist in Northern and Southern Kurdistan, and recently in its western part (Rojava)."
Nihad Kaya recounted one of Nazim Daştan's dreams, saying: "This was his greatest dream; he said that when he was young, there was a girl in his village who was like a sister to him. She raised him and took care of him. After a while, he couldn't remember her exactly, the girl got married, and this had a significant impact on him. He said he would never forget it, and the scene is still vivid in his mind.

When they took that girl away and as she was leaving thru the door, there was snow, and he was looking at her, wishing she would turn around and look at him. But she didn't turn around or look at him; she left like that and never returned. His greatest dream was to have the opportunity one day to go see her, make a movie about her, and write a book about her. This regret remained in his heart."

Nihad Kaya referred to the incident of targeting journalists Gulistan Tara and Hero Bahaddin, who were martyred in an airstrike by a Turkish drone in Southern Kurdistan on August 23, 2024. He mentioned that Nazım Daştan was one of the witnesses to that incident, saying: "Nazim was in the car in front of the car of Gulistan and Tara. Nazim could not accept such martyrdom. He had witnessed many martyrdoms, but the martyrdom of Gulistan and Tara had a significant impact on him."

Nihad Kaya confirmed that Jihan Belkin and Nazım Daştan represent a significant loss for free media.

"Jihan Belkin's love for conveying the people's feelings was paramount."

Nihad Kaya highlighted the character of Jihan Belkin, pointing out that she was just like her name. Her presence eased people's burdens and made life beautiful. Her love for conveying the feelings of the people was paramount, and her trip to Manbij was for this purpose, as she felt a strong motivation to go, document the events, and convey them.

Nihad Kaya added that the martyrdom of Jihan Belkin and Nazım Daştan left a significant void for everyone who knew them, as their absence has increased the weight of life. He said, "For us, as members of the free media, the martyrdom of Jihan and Nazim is a reminder to follow in their footsteps.

They deserved to walk in the footsteps of Uncle Musa, the people of Gürbetli Ersöz, and Sid Ifran. We, in turn, pledge to follow the path of our comrades."

ANHA