Commander Nûreddîn Sofî, one of the pioneers of the Rojava-North and East Syria Revolution, who fell as a martyr in the Gare region of the Medya Defense Zones on April 6, 2021, and whose martyrdom was announced on August 11 by the HPG Press and Communication Center, was brought from Dêrik to Qamishlo.
The funeral procession, which set out from Dêrik, was greeted with slogans by hundreds of people in the cities of Girkê Legê, Çilaxa, and Tirbespiyê. Upon entering Qamisho, thousands of people from the region created processions representing different components and welcomed Nûreddîn Sofî. The funeral convoy was met by regional components at the checkpoint at the entrance to Qamishlo.
Tens of thousands attended the funeral
The coffin was carried on shoulders amidst slogans of “Şehîd Namirin” (Martyrs are immortal) and the song “Ay Gewrê” by Kurdish artist Mihemed Şêxo. Mothers received the coffin with roses and ululations, while the Internal Security Forces Protocol Group sang the anthem “Ey Reqîb.” A funeral convoy consisting of hundreds of vehicles passed through the main streets of Qamishlo and arrived at the Qasimo Mosque in the Xerbî neighborhood.
The coffin was then taken to the 12 March Martyrs’ Stadium for the funeral ceremony. Tens of thousands of people from the North and East Syria region, from Derik to Kobané, attended the ceremony. People’s Defense Units (YPG), Women’s Defense Units (YPJ), Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commanders, Autonomous Administration Co-Chairs, and representatives were present at the ceremony.
Citizens, women, people and mothers entered the ceremony area carrying photos of Commander Nûreddîn Sofî. Dozens of media outlets covered the ceremony, which began with a military parade led by the YPG, YPJ, and SDF,
Commander Abdi paid tribute to Sofî
SDF Commander Mazlum Abdi expressed his feelings in a speech at the ceremony, saying: “The people of North and East Syria are grateful to Nûreddîn Sofî for his efforts in the revolution. In the presence of the martyrs and the people, we promise to take the flag you left behind.”
Mazlum Abdi said that Nûreddîn Sofî’s revolutionary journey began in the 1990s, saying: “He fought for the revolution for nearly 35 years. He fought in all four parts of Kurdistan, traveling through the mountains and regions of Kurdistan for 24 years, and got to know them very well. He rose to the highest levels of guerrilla warfare. The guerrillas in the mountains of Kurdistan know him as a courageous fighter and commander.”
Abdi added: “After 24 years, he wrote his name in golden letters in the mountains of Kurdistan. At the request of his friends and all of us, he participated in the Rojava revolution from 2013 until his martyrdom. His efforts are present in all institutions of the revolution. All his friends in Rojava know him as a pioneer.”
Mazlum Abdi emphasized Nûreddîn Sofî’s significant contributions to the education and unity of the peoples, saying: “In 2017, he actively participated in the war against ISIS. He was involved in all operations from Raqqa to Deir ez-Zor and commanded them. He was the commander in the battle of Baxoz.”
His legacy is everywhere
Abdi added: “Commander Nûreddîn led our forces in the Resistance of the Age. He managed this resistance until the end. The revolution in Rojava and North-East Syria has his influence at every level and in every area. He had a huge personal contribution. For this reason, the North and East Syria Revolution is grateful to him. SDF is also grateful to him. The development of the alliance of the peoples is his legacy,” Abdi stated.
Mazlum Abdi continued: “He was in contact with everyone because he was a leader; with Arabs he was Arab, with Kurds he was Kurdish, and with Syriacs, he was Syriac. This unity brought success to the Rojava Revolution.”
Abdi said, “Our work will continue. Today, after 14 years of difficult struggle, we are in a process of dialogue. Our martyrs’ blood will not be in vain. We want to achieve results. In the presence of the martyrs, we promise to continue this work just like we did in the fight against ISIS. The SDF will take its place in the new Syria, and our people will be with our forces.
A message to the Arab people
Mazlum Abdi addressed the Arab people in Arabic, saying: “Nûreddîn believed in the unity of the peoples and had strong relations with the Arab people. Our Arab forces trusted him greatly. He was one of the first comrades to establish this structure within the Autonomous Administration. We are proud of him.
Mazlum Abdi concluded his speech with the following words: “In the presence of the martyrs, we say that we are proud of the great revolutionary, the valuable commander, and comrade Nûreddîn Sofî. Your friends and people are proud of you. May your soul rest in peace. Don’t worry, we will carry your flag as your comrades. We promise you victory. Farewell, dear comrade Nûreddîn, farewell, martyr.”
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