The Democratic Alevi Federation (FEDA), which has been organized across Europe for many years, officially declared the founding of FEDA Switzerland during the congress.
The event, held at Esen Wedding Hall in Bülach in the canton of Zurich, brought together numerous representatives of various organizations. Among those present were co-chairs of the Swiss Democratic Kurdish Council (CDK-S) Dilan Çetinkaya and Cemal Özdemir, members of the Swiss Kurdish Institute, representatives of PYD Switzerland, the European Syriac Union (ESU), DİDİF, and ESP.
The congress began with a gülbang (prayer) led by Pir Niyazi Bakır from the Sinemilli ocak (Alevi spiritual lineage).
Speaking on behalf of the Peace Mothers, Döndü Engin said that organizing the Alevi community would play an important role in advancing peace and congratulated the newly elected leadership.
CDK-S co-chair Dilan Çetinkaya emphasized the importance of FEDA’s establishment in Switzerland, saying,:“The struggle for peace can only be achieved through an organized society. The more we organize, the stronger our struggle becomes.”
ESU representative Tuma Çelik pointed out that both the Alevi and Syriac communities have been oppressed by the system, stating that the founding of FEDA Switzerland carries deep meaning for the struggle for peace. “We will continue this peace struggle together,” he said.
Let’s work together to build a new society
Gülistan Kılıç Koçyiğit, parliamentary group deputy chair of the DEM Party, greeted participants from North and East Syria, saying: “A revolution took place in Rojava — a revolution that shines like a star in the Middle East. They created a women’s revolution. We thank the people of Rojava. The Rojava revolution truly inspired us. We send our greetings to Rojava from here.”
Emphasizing the importance of the Alevi principle of rızalık (consent and mutual acceptance) in organizing a democratic society, she continued: “Even here, at the opening of this congress, consent was sought from everyone. We belong to a faith that believes in rızalık, in the city of consent — the City of Rıza, don’t we? Today we are laying the foundation for that city here, in social form. The foundation of this is the organization of a democratic society. The main actor of a democratic society is the Alevi community itself — a people who have organized their faith, walked the path of consent, upheld sacred values through the Ocak system.
So this call is to you, dear souls, a call for social organization that places democratic society above all else. We are a faith that cannot bring itself to harm a soul, that even when cutting a tree, only cuts if it is dry. We are followers of a belief that looks upon seventy-two nations with the same gaze, that carries love for all humanity. Today we are called to meet on the basis of new human values. Let us stand together to build a new society.”
Let’s amplify Mr. Öcalan’s call
Gülistan Kılıç Koçyiğit said that Abdullah Öcalan’s call carries historic significance and that responding to it is crucial for building an equal and free society. She said: “Mr. Öcalan, through this call, has opened the door to a new era. He insists on peace. The recent call made in Qandil is its clearest reflection. Responding to this call, amplifying it, will be crucial for all our futures — it will help create an equal and free society. Therefore, I call once again on every can (soul) to contribute to this process and to the democratic transformation of Turkey. Our road is long, but we are followers of the Husayni stance. We are those who never submitted to Yazid. We are the grandchildren of Zarife, of Elif Ana. We belong to a faith that has suffered much persecution and massacre but has never bowed down. I believe that as key actors in Turkey’s democracy, we will democratize the country and create a free life, there, in the Middle East, and in every land we inhabit.”
After the speeches, local artists performed traditional deyiş songs.
The congress concluded with the newly elected members being invited to the stage and receiving rızalık (community consent).
30-member FEDA Switzerland executive
The FEDA Switzerland leadership council consists of 30 members. Songül Aslan and Ulaş Yıldız were elected as co-chairs.