Forty-seven years ago, the PKK was founded in Fis, a village near the Lice district of Amed (tr. Diyarbakır), under the leadership of Abdullah Öcalan. What began as a political party is now a symbol of resistance, identity, and self-empowerment for many in the movement.

In the mountains of Kurdistan, freedom fighters celebrated the anniversary of the founding of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) on November 27, 1978. On the occasion of this “Day of National Resurrection,” various cultural events were organized in the Medya Defense Zones in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq), featuring folklore, poetry, and songs. The traditional game “Brê” was also performed.

The celebrations for the “birthday” of the freedom movement began with a minute's silence for Abdullah Öcalan, the party founder who has been in solitary confinement in Turkey since 1999, and all those who have fallen in the revolution.

Bêrîtan Fîrat, a fighter with the Free Women's Troops YJA Star, said that they had reached the current stage thanks to Öcalan and those who had fallen, and paid special tribute to those who had fallen in the resistance tunnels.

The guerrilla fighter explained that not only the Kurdish people, but all peoples in the region would benefit from the legacy of the struggle. She emphasized that women were fighting this struggle with the goal of achieving a free life.

In the footsteps of Zîlan and Asya

Another YJA Star fighter, Bêrîtan Botan, described life in the guerrilla movement as one full of enthusiasm and morale. She said they would secure freedom and have fallen women such as Zilan and Asya as clear role models for the figure of the free woman.

Guerrilla fighter Hêlîn Çiya also expressed her feelings: “Today is a special and sacred day for us. Above all, it is a source of pride for every Kurdish woman who has joined this revolution and is fighting. This day is also a very sacred day for our people. That is why we are celebrating this day for our entire people.”

The Kurdish people have been resurrected

Militan Qoser, a member of the People's Defense Forces (HPG), said that the freedom movement was only able to achieve this special day thanks to the struggle and sacrifice of Abdullah Öcalan and those who fell. He explained that the founding of the PKK had resonated throughout the region. In particular, he said, the Kurdish people, who have been confronted with massacres and denial for years, have been resurrected by the founding of this movement.

“The PKK has created many values”

“Today we commemorate Rêber Apo (Leader Abdullah Öclaan] and all those who have fallen. The PKK has created many honorable values. That is why today is an important and sacred day,” said freedom fighter Berfîn Colemerg. "With the transformation of the PKK, we celebrate the legacy it has left behind with all our friends. We hope that our people see it this way too. My comrades and I are taking part in this celebration. It is truly a great joy. We are celebrating this day for all our friends and our people."