Ilham Ehmed, Co-Chair of the Department of Foreign Relations of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES), sent a video message to the Newroz celebration in Amed (tr: Diyarbakır), which stated the following:
“Dear Kurdish people and honorable people of Amed;
Happy Newroz to you all. From Qamishlo to Amed, to Hewlêr and to Mahabad, happy Newroz to everyone. In Rojava, we have gone through difficult years during the revolutionary process. With the great resistance and support of all Kurds across the four parts of Kurdistan, we achieved significant gains. We wanted to crown this process with even greater achievements—through laws and official recognition. Unfortunately, we experienced even harsher periods. Once again, in these difficult times, we saw that we were not alone. We saw our people in all of Kurdistan standing with and behind us. We greet you all once again for this support.
Just as Newroz has historically symbolized liberation and a new day for the Kurds, Newroz 2026 will also mark a new beginning for the Kurdish people.
We believe that the peace and democratic society process started in Turkey will provide a political solution with regard to the rights of the Kurdish people in Turkey.
In Rojhilat (East) Kurdistan, a new phase is emerging once again. The end of the regime that has for years dragged Kurds to the gallows is approaching. A new process is beginning. This is a process of Kurdish alliance and unity.
Protecting the achievements of Bashur (South) Kurdistan and preserving the gains made in the revolutionary process there is the responsibility of all Kurds.
The largest part of Kurdistan is Bakur. The greatest potential is in Turkey.
For this reason, as Kurds support each other and stand side by side, history will be rewritten. At the same time, Kurds will gain power within systems that have long deprived them of their rights, stripped them of their will, oppressed them, and excluded them.
Despite all the oppression, difficulties, and hostility, we believe that Kurds will demonstrate this will. And they already are. This is evident in practice. Kurdish will and power are emerging.
The most difficult stage of the revolutionary process is construction. We are in a phase of reconstruction in Rojava (West) Kurdistan. At the same time, Bakur Kurdistan is also in a phase of construction. In other parts of Kurdistan, one aspect is revolution and the other is construction. In construction processes, the role of women is significant. This has been evident throughout history. Today as well, the role of women is increasingly prominent. Women and young people are making great efforts and great sacrifice. Just as in the entire revolutionary process, women and young people will play a leading role in the construction phase as well.
As the political process in Bakur Kurdistan advances, the future of Kurds in other parts of Kurdistan is also being secured. The Kurdish force in Bakur Kurdistan is a great one. When it moves, it flows like a flood. Therefore, we believe that this process will succeed by mobilizing all available means.
We wholeheartedly salute the great sacrifice and efforts demonstrated by Leader Apo (Abdullah Öcalan). We emphasize that all resources must be put into service everywhere for this process to succeed and be legalized.
We greet you and celebrate your Newroz. We believe that the coming years will see Kurdish existence recognized and Kurdish rights guaranteed.
We call for the release of all political prisoners. We also wish a happy Newroz to them, the mothers and young people.”