The “Mothers’ Workshop,” organized under the slogan “Truth Is the Path of the Mother” by the Women’s Assembly of the Democratic Alevi Associations (DAD), continued with its fourth session in Dersim. Moderated by Sevim Şaylı, the session focused on the theme: “Reconstructing the sacred hearth culture through maternal wisdom and our responsibilities.” The speaker of the session was Çiğdem Kılıçgün Uçar, Co-Chair of the Democratic Regions Party (DBP).
Emphasis on the Rojava Revolution and women’s leadership
Çiğdem Kılıçgün Uçar began her speech by noting that July 19 marks the anniversary of the Rojava Revolution. She described this revolution, led by women, as one of the most significant freedom struggles in the Middle East. Uçar also emphasized that the system established in Rojava draws inspiration from the historical values of the Alevi faith.
We will either repeat the past or build a new century
Çiğdem Kılıçgün Uçar described the current moment as a historic threshold and stated, “We will either be forced to relive the past century as it was, or, guided by the duty and responsibility placed upon us by this faith, we will find the path and the means to build a new life, a new century, together.”
The hearths were shaped by women’s labor
Çiğdem Kılıçgün Uçar drew attention to the historical role of women in the Alevi faith and stated: “The hearth culture was nurtured by women’s labor and shaped by women’s hands. The hearths are not only centers of faith, but also spaces of self-defense, solidarity, and education.”
The state’s approach to cemevis contradicts the spirit of the faith
Uçar stated that Alevism cannot be defined through state institutions like the Presidency of Cemevis (Alevi houses of worship) and said: “Alevism is the vastness of the heart; it is a way of life in harmony with nature and the universe. The state’s offer of desks, chairs, and a fresh coat of paint is in direct contradiction to the spirit of this faith.”
Alevism is a societal alternative
Uçar added that Alevism is not merely a belief system, but also a communal and egalitarian alternative for society. She said: “We do not represent a threat; we represent an alternative. A system is possible in which women and men are equals, and where different faiths can coexist side by side.”
A system where everyone can exist with their identity is an urgent need
Çiğdem Kılıçgün Uçar stated that the current system is built on suppressing differences. She said: “In the Middle East and across the world, displaced peoples now urgently need a system where everyone can exist with their own identity.”
Women, Kurds, and Alevis are under attack from the same source
Çiğdem Kılıçgün Uçar stated that the current system is built on suppressing differences and said: “Being unable to practice one’s faith, to speak one’s language, or to express oneself as a woman are all forms of attack that stem from the same source. This reality alone compels us to stand side by side.”
We are very close to meeting the imagined truth
Çiğdem Kılıçgün Uçar stated that the long-standing resistance of women, Alevis, and Kurds is now very close to meeting the imagined truth. She said: “Voices of dissent in this country have never fallen silent and today, those voices are being heard more strongly in the name of a shared future.”
Uçar also emphasized the need for collective struggle: “The Kurdish question cannot be resolved merely by disarmament, and Alevism cannot be reduced to the issue of Cemevis. These problems are deep-rooted, and the solution lies in democratic unity.”
The contribution of Alevis to this process is deeply valuable
Finally, Uçar highlighted the importance of Alevis taking responsibility in this process and said: “We are in a period where we must sit down again and speak, where identities must be able to exist in their own right. I truly believe that Alevis can make great contributions to this country.”