Organized by the Vigil for Öcalan campaign, the third edition of the Global Öcalan Book Day is taking place around the world to mark the 76th birthday of the Kurdish leader.

Unlike previous years, this year's events - running from 4 to 10 April - were not limited to individual readings but included collective discussions, philosophical gatherings, actions, and artistic calls. 

Marseille – France

Led by Collectif Internationaliste Marseille-Kurdistan (CIMK), an event was held at Fraternité de la Belle de Mai, focusing on intense political and philosophical discussions about Öcalan’s ideas. An olive tree was planted with a plaque reading: “Peace is harder than war. We are not afraid to resist, and we won’t be afraid of making peace.”

Thessaloniki – Greece

The new Greek edition of Sociology of Freedom was read. International initiatives and publishing representatives discussed the book’s critique of social sciences, its connection to the democratic society paradigm, and writings from prison. Renowned author John Holloway joined online, highlighting Öcalan’s contribution to new internationalism and the experience of the European Peoples' Platform.

Val Pellice – Italy

In the foothills of the Alps, a discussion was held around the need for revolutionary movements to build a ethical and political society, focusing on Öcalan’s paradigm. Topics included the legacy of real socialism, the causes of World War III, and Apo’s latest intellectual calls. Participants emphasized that the ideas of a leader under physical isolation could still guide global solutions.

Genova Righi – Italy
Young women, led by Jinên Ciwan ên Enternasyonalist, organized a walk in nature. Excerpts from Öcalan’s books were read, and discussions focused on women's liberation. The event, blending with nature, also emphasized the ecological aspect of the paradigm.

Chieri – Italy

A group of young people held a collective reading event. Selected passages from Öcalan were read and discussed, exploring his life and struggle. Participants viewed the event as a reflective outlet for their own social issues.

Turin – Italy

An event organized by the Torino Youth Commune – Alba Rossa and Orso Tekoşer focused on Öcalan’s calls for peace and democracy. Youths discussed the crises of capitalist modernity and the alternatives offered by democratic modernity.

Salerno – Italy

Women and young people gathered to discuss Öcalan’s perspectives on women’s liberation. The discussions emphasized the universal significance of the women's revolution emerging in the Middle East.

Barcelona – Catalonia

At an event organized by internationalist youth, Öcalan’s words were shared with children. It was described as a beginning to bring his ideas to future generations.

Collective readings in Mali and Indonesia

Bamako – Mali

On April 4th in Bamako, the capital of Mali, many young people and women gathered under the leadership of the UACDDDD youth committee. As part of the “Youth Writes History” network, the event covered Önder Apo’s struggle for women's freedom in Kurdistan, the Rojava revolution, and the Kobanê resistance. Booklets were distributed, and passages from his writings were read collectively. Participants pledged to fight for his freedom.

Jakarta – Indonesia

In South Jakarta, Indonesia, a reading session was held at the political collective space Pamitnya Meeting, organized by the ABC+ labor network. Sections from Sociology of Freedom and Writings from Prison were read.

Participants related these ideas to their own local conditions, focusing on the historical importance of Mesopotamian civilization and critiques of the nation-state. The session, grounded in reflection and self-critique, created a strong collective impact.