The 33rd International Kurdish Culture Festival in Dortmund, one of the largest Kurdish cultural gatherings in Europe, continues with great enthusiasm.
The festival continued with the reading of Abdullah Öcalan’s message and the screening of Murat Karayılan’s video message from the mountains of Kurdistan, followed by a musical performance by Zelemele.
Cansu Özdemir, Foreign Affairs Officer of the German Left Party, stated in her speech in German that the Kurdish people have been fighting for their freedom and identity for a long time. She remarked that her party has been fighting for years to have the Kurdish Freedom Movement removed from the terrorist list. Commenting on the developments in Rojava and Syria, Özdemir stated that they will pursue diplomatic efforts in all areas to ensure that the Kurdish people are not left without status in Rojava. She underlined that the HTS (Hayat Tahrir al-Sham) and its leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, are on Europe’s terrorist list and that this cannot be preferred over the legitimate Kurdish administration and resistance.
Following Cansu Özdemir’s speech, artist Ruken Yılmaz took the stage.
‘We will march towards freedom’
Kezban Doğan, spokesperson for the Kurdish Women’s Movement in Europe, said, “The paradigm developed by Leader Apo [Abdullah Öcalan] has had a significant impact, primarily in Kurdistan and the Middle East, but also throughout the world. Leader Apo’s paradigm provides answers and solutions to women, current politics, social life, youth, and many political and social deadlocks.”
Doğan emphasized that the Turkish state has adopted an unserious attitude toward the process developed by Leader Öcalan: “The will expressed by Leader Apo is the will of 50 million Kurds. Today, we pledge in this field; we will march towards freedom until a democratic society is built.”
‘Kurdistan exists today owing to the sacrifices made’
Another guest speaking on stage was Sheikh Murşîd Xeznewî. Xeznewî stated that the Kurdish people have faced great suffering, exile, and heavy sacrifices throughout history, saying, “We were scattered across the world, passing through forcibly drawn borders, occupations, and deaths. Despite all this oppression, the people of Kurdistan preserved their identity, culture, and quest for freedom.”
Xeznewî emphasized that the festival is not just a celebration, but also a space of existence and resistance, stating, “This festival is part of our struggle for freedom and unity. Our enemies divided Kurdistan into four parts, but your struggle and resistance are what hold this country together today. Every martyr, every mother, every child lives on in memory in Kurdistan. Kurdistan exists today owing to the sacrifices made. We are here for our freedom and independence. Long Live Kurdistan.”
‘We will never surrender’
Addressing Kurdish youth, Xeznewî said, “Expand the cause. Every inch of our land, from Amed to Duhok, from Shengal to Kobanê and Afrin, bears witness to our resistance. Our nature, our mountains, and the blood of our martyrs tell us this: We will never surrender!”
Noting that Rojava is a historic experience for the Kurdish people, Xeznewî said, “Rojava has come to this day at great cost. The Kurdish people have experienced this once again in Rojava. Freedom is not given, but is achieved through struggle. This experience is unparalleled for the future of our people. It is the most concrete message of organization and defending freedom.”
Following the speeches, the festival continued with a musical performance by artists Nasir Rezazî and Dilniya Rezazî from southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq).