In a written message to sheikhs and tribal leaders in the regions of Cizre, Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, and Tabqa, Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan highlighted the importance of Kurdish-Arab unity and emphasized the role of the tribes in establishing a “democratic, united, and just Syria.”
The message by Öcalan reads as follows:
“Dear friends:
I greet you with joy, love, and respect.
Your unity with and support for the Kurds, based on the democratic nation system, is of great significance.
With this unity, you are creating a new historical foundation based on the relationship and alliance between the Arab and Kurdish peoples.
At the heart of history and its course lie the relations between Kurds and Arabs. Throughout history, friendship and brotherhood between the Arab and Kurdish peoples have always been at the forefront. Even during the birth of Islam and its spread under the leadership of the Prophet Muhammad, this friendship ensured that most Kurds easily became Hanafi Muslims. The fundamental reason for this was the strong relations between the Kurds and Arabs. These brotherly relations between the two peoples continued and developed for centuries after Islam.
The unity you are spearheading today is both a historical and a social agreement. It also has a political foundation, which is why this position and unity in Syria carry great importance and meaning. I support the brotherhood and alliance between the Kurdish and Arab peoples because of its historical foundation.
We have developed ourselves on this basis. We have formed perspectives based on brotherhood and a democratic nation. All people should be equal, free, live together, and govern themselves. Equality and justice must be built on this basis. Kurds and Arabs should live together. This also depends on your support for the SDF. Your support for the SDF is of great importance and significance.
Dear friends,
You can play an important and historic role in building a democratic, secure, united, and just Syria. It is important for Arabs, Kurds, Syriacs and Assyrians, and everyone living on this sacred land to work together for this historic brotherhood.
I embrace you with this hope and faith.
I greet you all once again with respect.
I wish you health and success in your lives.
Warm regards and brotherly greetings.
28/7/2025
Abdullah Öcalan
İmralı Island”