Held under the slogan ‘With the Hope and Faith of the Martyrs, Let’s Keep Peace and Democratic Society Alive and Achieve the Physical Freedom of Abdullah Öcalan,’ the 6th Martyr Bawer Agir Culture, Art and Sports Festival officially kicked off on Sunday.
Organized in Kobanê by the Syrian Revolutionary Youth Movement and the Young Women’s Union, the festival took place at the newly inaugurated Martyr Bawer Agir Stadium. Introduced as the largest stadium in North and East Syria, the venue was decorated with photos of Abdullah Öcalan and the martyrs.
The opening ceremony of the stadium was carried out by the mother of a martyr, Îslim Derwîş. In her speech, she expressed her belief that Martyr Bawer’s legacy of resistance would be preserved, saying: “Martyr Bawer always fought against the enemy and gave his life. We will continue our struggle with greater determination, protecting his efforts and his cause.”
Avaşîn Misto, co-chair of the Youth and Sports Committee of the Euphrates Canton, emphasized in the festival’s opening speech that the event was dedicated to all freedom-loving peoples, saying, “This stadium was built through the struggle and resistance of our martyrs. We will continue walking in their path. We dedicate this festival to everyone whose heart beats for freedom.”
Speaking on behalf of the Syrian Revolutionary Youth Movement, Harûn Apoyî stated that the youth would play a leading role in the struggle through culture and art: “Our young people must resist and fight against occupation with all their strength and will, especially through art. We celebrate this festival with all freedom-loving peoples.”
YPJ commander paid tribute to Martyr Bawer
YPJ Commander Sarya Efrîn commemorated the martyrs and reaffirmed their commitment to the freedom struggle. Efrîn said: “On the anniversary of Martyr Bawer’s martyrdom, we renew our promise. The enemy seeks to break our people’s will, but we draw our strength from our martyrs. As the YPJ, we will continue to protect our people and carry on the struggle.”
Cultures united
The first day of the festival was brightened by the folkloric and musical performances of Kurdish, Arab, Armenian, and Syriac groups.
Performing groups included Koma Tolhildanê from Hesekê, Palmêra from Raqqa, Armenian music ensembles Koma Artizax Dîlanê and Koma Saya Nova, as well as Koma Şehîd Evêsta, Koma Dêrî Firat, Koma Şehîd Hevrîn, Hîlala Zêrîn, and Koma Şehîd Sînan.
One of the stadium’s engineers, Xelîl Ebdî, expressed his feelings, saying: “We dedicate this stadium to all the martyrs of freedom. As the largest stadium in North and East Syria, it will become an important symbol for youth and sports.”
Three days of celebration
The Martyr Bawer Agir Festival, which brings together culture, art, and sports, will continue for three days with various concerts, theatrical performances, and sport.