Numerous written and video messages were sent to the 6th Congress of the Shengal Democratic Autonomous Council (MXDŞ). One of them was from Veysi Aktaş, a former political prisoner at İmralı Island.
On behalf of the Imralı Secretariat, Aktaş congratulated the congress and made important evaluations regarding the Yazidi community’s struggle for existence and freedom, particularly the experience of the Shengal Autonomous Administration. He emphasized that the 2014 genocide marked the beginning of a profound transformation for the Yazidis and highlighted the importance of strengthening unity and alliances.
At the beginning of his message, Aktaş recalled that during the 2014 genocide, the Yazidi community faced not only a physical massacre but also the threat of annihilation, with their historical existence targeted. He recalled that thousands were killed or abducted in attacks by ISIS groups, Yazidi women were enslaved, and hundreds of thousands were forced to flee.
Aktaş stated: “This genocide also marked the beginning of a major transformation for the Yazidis. Apart from the HPG and YPG, no force protected the Yazidis. Therefore, self-defense became a necessity. The Shengal Resistance Units (YBŞ) and the Shengal Women’s Units (YJŞ), established during this period, were not only military structures but also a guarantee for the Yazidi community. With the significant role played by Yazidi women, these structures also presented a new model in terms of gender equality.”
‘For Yazidis, autonomy is a matter of existence’
Aktaş emphasized that one of the most important developments after the genocide was the strengthening of the people’s will for self-governance: “The councils and communes established within this framework created an independent model of governance. Decisions are made at the grassroots level, and different beliefs and identities are included in governance. Because the Yazidi community has historically faced massacres, the pursuit of autonomy is a matter of security and existence. The model established in Shengal is not limited to security and governance; it is a paradigm that redefines social relations. Women’s freedom, ecological life, and a collective economy are the cornerstones of this model. Structures led by women play a key role in overcoming past traumas.”
‘Liberation of the Yazidi people lies in developing their self-organization’
Referring to Abdullah Öcalan’s assessments, Aktaş said: “Abdullah Öcalan considers the Yazidi community one of the most ancient belief communities of Mesopotamia. The structures developing under women’s leadership in Shengal represent a historical advancement. The liberation of the Yazidi people does not lie in the protection of external forces, but in developing their self-organization. This defense is not only military; it is also cultural, political, and social. Like the Simurgh bird, it represents the rebirth of the Yazidis.”
‘Unity, self-defense, and organization will lead us to freedom’
Aktaş stressed the importance of unity and alliance between the Kurdish people and the Yazidi community: “Just as all four parts of Kurdistan united for Shengal during the genocide, we must raise the voice of unity today. Unity is not merely coming together; it is a shared purpose, will, and consciousness. Unity creates power, enables overcoming crises, and strengthens identity. A fragmented society cannot strongly express its demands. Therefore, unity is vital for the Yazidi people. Survival during the 2014 genocide was also made possible through collective solidarity and self-defense. Through unity, political representation is strengthened, and the security and demographic structure of Shengal are protected. Conscious and voluntary unity creates a society that resists hardships and builds a dignified future. Unity, self-defense, and organization will lead us to freedom. Just as we united in Kobanê after Shengal, we must do the same today. This is everyone’s responsibility. Unity brings freedom and equality.”
‘Unity and resistance are essential for freedom’
Aktaş also addressed the Yazidi community’s struggle for freedom: “Freedom for the Yazidi community means recognition of collective identity, language, culture, and will. It means living with one’s own language and belief and being able to decide on one’s own future. A free life is a dignified life. Where there is no freedom, identity, belief, and future are constantly under threat. Our history proves this. Unity and resistance are essential for freedom. Freedom is the people governing themselves. As in Shengal, it is necessary to have one’s own defense forces on one’s own land. Only then can we speak of true freedom.”
‘Let us move toward freedom like a river of life’
At the end of his message, Aktaş addressed the debates regarding the physical freedom of Abdullah Öcalan, stating: “The freedom of the peoples of the Middle East, especially the Kurds, is linked to the freedom of Rêber Apo (Leader Abdullah Öcalan). We have witnessed the policies of annihilation imposed on the Kurds, but Rêber Apo has thwarted these policies. Therefore, let us come together and move toward freedom like a river of life.”
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