The Culture and Arts Movement (TEV-ÇAND) sent a letter to the family of Cuma Khalil Ibrahim (Bavê Teyar), who was martyred on 19 January in a Turkish state attack while taking part in a vigil to protect the Tishrin Dam.

TEV-ÇAND included the following statements in the letter:

“To the honorable family of the martyr Cuma Khalil Ibrahim (Bavê Teyar),

Just as comrade Cuma is a great and irreplaceable loss for his family, he is also an irreplaceable loss for the people of Kurdistan and for the spirit of patriotism. Because comrade Cuma was a deeply cherished and significant figure not only for his family but also for the Kurdish people, for the values of patriotism, and for Kurdish art. As TEV-ÇAND, our grief is immeasurable and deeply felt.

The occupying Turkish state sees every patriotic Kurd as an enemy and makes them a target, especially comrades like Cuma. Every patriotic Kurd is aware of this reality. Comrade Cuma was fully conscious of it and carried out his work with that awareness.

Throughout his life, comrade Cuma lived by the values of his homeland. He never compromised, never backed down. Through his artistic work and his firm stance, he always stood with his people. He had fallen comrades, he was the father of brave guerrillas and he raised his family with the same patriotic spirit. But his influence was never limited to just his own family. Through his art, he entered every Kurdish home, taking on the responsibility of spreading patriotism like a teacher, and he walked this path with determination. Many children, young people, women and men were influenced by his art and patriotic stance. They educated themselves through his example and chose to stand with the people. Comrade Cuma was a great source of strength and morale for the Kurdish people.

In the field of Kurdish theater, comrade Cuma was also an irreplaceable teacher. Through his art and actions, he became a school in himself. He held a place in the heart of every Kurd. It is almost impossible to find a patriotic Kurd who did not know him, did not watch his performances, or was not touched by his work. It is even hard to find a theater artist who does not follow the path he paved. Comrade Cuma did not only teach us and society through his art, he made us think about our problems and showed us the path to solutions. His language was simple, and his art was filled with the spirit of patriotism. Comrade Cuma showed us the way forward for Kurdish theater. He shaped its future. That is why he was deliberately targeted and martyred by the Turkish state.

Comrade Cuma left behind a pure life and a bright path. As TEV-ÇAND, we are proud to carry his legacy. We will recognize comrade Cuma, known to our people as Bavê Teyar, as an immortal guide, and we will continue walking the path he showed us. Just as he kept his art alive throughout his life, we will do the same. We will realize comrade Cuma–Bavê Teyar’s dream of struggle and art. We will end the occupying Turkish state’s rule in Kurdistan and raise the flag of Kurdish theater to its highest peak. Comrade Cuma’s memory will live forever in our struggle and our art. Once again, we share the pain of your loss and offer our condolences to the entire family.

With revolutionary greetings and respect from the free mountains…”