The 15th Engin Sincer Youth Festival was held in the city of Marseille under the slogan “To socialism through cultural revolution.” The festival brought together thousands of young people, creating a space for both cultural solidarity and hope for peace.

The festival started with a moment of silence in memory of the martyrs of the Kurdistan Freedom Struggle, followed by the singing of the Kurdish national anthem. Throughout the gathering, young participants frequently chanted “Bijî Serok Apo.”

Speeches delivered at the festival addressed the recent efforts toward resolving the Kurdish question. Speakers emphasized that peace is not only a matter of political negotiation but also essential for fostering friendship among peoples and achieving social harmony.

Throughout the festival, Abdullah Öcalan’s words on youth, “Youth is the dynamo of the revolution”, were frequently recalled. The message that young people must be organized and conscious stood out as one of the core themes, reflecting the spirit of the event.

One of the most captivating parts of the festival was the musical performances. Artists such as Bermal Çem, Seyda Perinçek, Koma Hezex, Ibo Qamişlo, and Koma Gimgim took the stage, with attendees joining the music through halay (traditional Kurdish group dance) dances and high-pitched ululations known as zılgıt.

Book stands, traditional food stands, and displays of regional clothing and culture attracted great interest. Interactive areas specifically prepared for youth further energized the festival grounds.

As the day progressed, the festival space came alive with halay dancing. The gathering of participants from different cities and countries created a powerful atmosphere of solidarity and unity.