Speaking on the second anniversary of Seyit Evran’s death on 22 September 2023, due to heart problems, Bunyad Cizîrî, member of the Board of the Free Press Union, highlighted his role in the development of the Free Press in Rojava Kurdistan and his broader work across Kurdistan. He stressed the need to continue Evran’s struggle.
“When we say Comrade Seyit,” Cizîrî noted, “what comes to mind is love of country, passion for journalism, love for the people, and the brotherhood of peoples. Seyit grew up in a patriotic family. His grandfather took part in the Sheikh Said uprising. Over time this left a deep mark on both his family and Seyit’s character. During the years when the freedom ideas of Leader Apo were taking shape, his family embraced and joined that cause.”
The influence of Gurbetelli Ersöz
Cizîrî recalled the importance of Evran’s encounter with Gurbetelli Ersöz: “In 1985, while Seyit was at university, he met martyr Gurbetelli Ersöz, a prominent figure in press work, and this had a profound impact on him. He soon joined the job. He strove to learn the reality of revolution and struggle, and to expose the occupationist nature of the Turkish state. With this approach, he deeply influenced his university peers.”
Cizîrî reminded that Evran began press work in 1990: “At a time when no one could read a newspaper, when there were constant obstacles, and when the Turkish state brutally targeted and murdered dozens of journalists, Comrade Seyit took his place in press work with great courage and heroism.”
Work across the four parts of Kurdistan
Evran’s work extended to all four parts of Kurdistan and abroad: “Seyit carried on his struggle in the free mountains. With his camera and pen, he closely documented the resistance and heroism of the guerrillas. Despite harsh conditions, he fulfilled his responsibility to ensure the truth was not left in the dark. He later shared the experience he had gained in the free mountains with other regions. He carried out extensive work in Russia, Armenia, and later in Başûr and Rojhilat.”
From Dêrik to Afrin
With the start of the Rojava Revolution, Evran took part in every sphere: “From Dêrik to Afrin, he visited villages one by one. He was always enthusiastic and took on heavy responsibilities. He shared his experience from the free mountains in training with aspiring journalists. His energy inspired greater interest in press work. Seyit was not just a journalist; he was also a revolutionary. His revolutionary spirit, his commitment to leader Abdullah Öcalan and to the martyrs, was evident in his performance and his integrity.”
A pillar of the Free Press in Rojava
Cizîrî described Evran as one of the pillars of the Free Press in Rojava: “Comrade Seyit pursued his work during every stage of the Rojava Revolution, in every period of events and developments. With his broad life experience, he was a school in himself and left behind a great legacy for press work.”
Loved by the people
Cizîrî underlined that Evran was greatly loved: “Seyit was dearly loved by the people, and he loved them in return. With his personality, his approach, his work, and his labor, he found a place in people’s hearts. His last words were: ‘One part of me is Bakur, one part Rojava, one part Başûr, one part Rojhilat; I have become wholly Kurdistan.’ In truth, Comrade Seyit worked across all four parts of Kurdistan and abroad. His words and deeds were recognized everywhere.”
Cizîrî concluded: “Seyit’s comrades and students must keep alive his legacy, his love, and his struggle. Seyit’s aspiration was to build a free Kurdistan and a democratic society based on the brotherhood of peoples. He also wanted the truth always to be revealed, never left in darkness. We must fulfill these. Just as we speak of the July 14 Resistance and the pioneers of the Freedom Movement, in the press we must also recognize and embrace the great and valuable contributions and love of Comrade Seyit.”