The gains achieved in Northern and Eastern Syria represent more than the defense of a territory: they represent the spirit of resistance of men and women, the search for freedom and the struggle for dignified life. These achievements were reached thanks to the sacrifice of people who have been subjected to oppression for centuries and the many martyrs.

The names of the martyrs are written in history. They are the heroes who resisted courageously in the darkest moments of the revolution, when hope was about to fade. Their sacrifices paved the way for people to achieve freedom. They became a source of hope for communities forced to live under oppression. They helped recover a sense of trust in people in despair and enabled them to put fear aside. People found hope again, renewed their determination to live.

Hearts trapped in darkness saw light again, thanks to the resistance of the martyrs; the violation of human dignity in these lands was ended. Each martyr became the guarantor of humanity's common gains and universal values.

This revolution developed into a people's struggle to find their own identity and freedom. The history written with the blood of the martyrs is turned into a manifesto of resistance for the present and future generations. The martyrs became the symbol of hope flourishing under oppression; these heroes, and their love of freedom, left a great legacy by fighting for the independence of their people. Protecting this legacy, paying tribute to their sacrifices and keeping their ideals alive has become the greatest responsibility for those who remain.

The Turkish state continues its attacks on Northern and Eastern Syria in order to destroy this reality. These attacks aim to destroy the hopes, dreams and aspirations for freedom of the people. These attacks aim at weakening the unity, solidarity and common resistance of the people. Yet, these attacks can do little against the will and determination of the people.

‘We are not afraid, we will protect our lands’

Since 8 December, the Turkish state has intensified its attacks on the Tishrin Dam and Qereqozax. A month later, on 8 January, in response to the attacks, the people of Northern and Eastern Syria mobilized with determination to protect their lands, water, and infrastructure. Thousands of people arrived at Tishrin Dam to support the resistance of the YPJ and SDF fighters. In the convoy were people of all ages. A demonstration of the deep commitment to defending the lands liberated through the sacrifices of martyrs.

Emel Hesen Botî is one of the women in the convoy. Her husband, Mehmud Kobanê fell a martyr in Çiyayê Kezwan. Emel Hesen has three children and its with them that she went to Tishrin Dam, to take part in the vigil organized by the people.

Emel Hesen said: "I am the wife of a martyr. I have been here at Tishrin Dam with my three children for two days. We are here to defend our dam and our land. We came to support the resistance of the SDF fighters. The Tishrin Dam was liberated with the blood of our martyrs. Today is the day to protect our land and follow in the footsteps of the martyrs. The Turkish state attacked the convoy many times, but we were not afraid. We did not step back from our path or our decision for a moment. The attacks continue, but we are not afraid. Today, we are here thanks to our comrades fighting on the front lines. The resistance of the SDF gives us strength, and we, in turn, give them strength."