As the battle for Kobanê becomes fiercer, the hills overlooking the border have become perfect vantage points to observe the clashes. Medresat hill, from where clashes on both the east and west sides of Kobanê’ can be seen, is crowded with people watching the battles throughout the day.

As the resistance of the YPG and YPJ fighters to ISIS gangs attacking Kobanê enters its 38th day, the hills above the Mürşitpınar border gate immediately opposite Kobanê are full. Medresat hill is one of these hills. In the area where the vigil, which is part of the resistance, continues, people flock to the hill to watch the clashes on the other side of the border. Many members of the media also use the hill to send footage to their offices. From the morning onwards the hill becomes crowded with ‘war watchers’.

All practically experts in warfare

As people carefully observe the clashes through binoculars, they make comments as if they are experts in warfare. Amongst the vehicles of TV companies providing live broadcasts, the rocky outcrops are occupied by these observers. People watch Kobanê and discuss developments amongst themselves.

Citizens forced to move to Suruç by the attacks of ISIS gangs also come to the hill, but not to watch the battles. Instead they come to see if what they left behind is still there.

When clashes intensify in particular, the ISIS gangs fire frequent mortars at the border directly below the hill, forcing the media workers to don their bullet-proof waistcoats. However, the war-watchers occupying the hill take no such precautions, as they continue to follow the battles.