The Association for Solidarity, Unity and Culture with Families Who Lost Relatives in the Cradle of Civilizations (MEBYA-DER) held its 4th Ordinary Congress under the motto “Peace and Democratic Society.”

The congress was attended by DBP Co-Chair Keskin Bayındır, DEM Party Women’s Assembly Spokesperson Halide Türkoğlu, co-mayors, representatives of civil society organizations, and many citizens.

Photos of Leader Apo and PKK’s pioneering cadres were displayed in the congress hall. The congress began with a moment of silence, frequently interrupted by chants of “Şehîd namirin” (“Martyrs are immortal”).

MEBYA-DER Co-Chair Mehmet Emin Kılıç emphasized that the association is an important part of the struggle, while Şêx Seîd Association Chair Kasım Fırat stated, “Our martyrs are our honor, and we will continue along the path they opened.”

MED TUHAD-FED Co-Chair Kerem Canpolat called for unity, saying, “In order for this century to be the Kurdish century, we must strengthen our unity and our struggle.”

Peace Mother Nezahet Teke called on the government to heed Leader Apo’s call for peace.

Speaking at the congress, DBP Co-Chair Keskin Bayındır drew attention to the Kurdish people’s century-long history of resistance and said: “We say this: Your grandchildren have not bowed their heads despite the heavy price, and they continue your struggle.”

Bayındır stressed that in 2023 there was an attempt to liquidate the Kurds, but these plans were foiled through resistance. Highlighting that Leader Apo’s will for a solution presents a great opportunity, Bayındır said: “Here, the most important duty falls to our families, to our people. Our families have made great contributions to the Kurdish people’s struggle by paying a heavy price, and from now on, carrying the burden of this struggle and leading it to victory must be the responsibility of this people. We are obliged to shoulder this burden. We must embrace Mr. Öcalan’s will for a solution. For this, we must organize.”

Emphasizing the importance of national unity, Keskin Bayındır concluded: “That’s why we must heed Mr. Öcalan’s call for national unity. This call is of vital importance for the future of the Kurdish people. In the face of this conjuncture, Kurds must stand together. National unity must be our fundamental agenda. The Kurdish people must dedicate their energy and efforts to making the national congress happen. There will be many who do not want this, but we must not allow them space or opportunity. For this reason, we must fully embrace the peace process. Our people, who have paid the price, will embrace the will for a solution against a century of denial. We have full faith in this. With the spirit of unity, by standing together and embracing Mr. Öcalan’s will for a solution, we will build ‘Peace and Democratic Society.’”

At the end of the congress, Gurbet Seviktek Arı and Ramazan Dengiz were elected as the new co-chairs of MEBYA-DER.