Throughout history, women have played a pioneering role and have become enduring symbols of free life. They have consistently struggled for a free identity, making unparalleled contributions to the cause of liberation. Our comrade Zozan Deniz likewise devoted 31 years of unwavering struggle to the Revolution for the Freedom of Peoples, pursuing with determination and resolve the vision of building a free homeland.
Our comrade Zozan Deniz, who had been battling cancer for some time, joined the caravan of immortals on 24 June 2026 in the hospital where she had been receiving treatment, despite extensive medical efforts to save her life. We extend our deepest condolences, first and foremost to the family of our beloved comrade, as well as to our patriotic people.
In 1995, Comrade Zozan Deniz joined the ranks of the Kurdistan Freedom Movement, dedicating herself to the cause of free life. She deepened her understanding of Leader Abdullah Öcalan’s philosophy and the path of free women, acquiring profound experience and knowledge. Her aspirations were as noble and great as the cause of freedom itself. Throughout her life, she was known for her humility, selflessness, and vibrant spirit. Her warm heart and constant smile inspired and uplifted her comrades. Through her struggle for free life, she became a symbol of the philosophy of “Woman, Life, Freedom,” embodying the philosophy of self-realization.
Commander Zozan Deniz spent many years struggling in the mountains of Kurdistan for the rights of oppressed peoples. She regarded every part of Kurdistan as a field of struggle and, guided by the spirit of national unity, waged both ideological and armed resistance on the front lines in defense of the rights of women and all peoples.
The pioneering revolutionary Zozan Deniz also played a significant and influential role in the Women’s Revolution in Rojava (North and East Syria). Thanks to mountain women like Commander Zozan, the Rojava Revolution became a beacon of hope for the future of the region’s peoples. At the outset of the Rojava Revolution, she joined the revolutionary struggle and fought the forces of darkness represented by ISIS. As a woman commander, she participated in numerous military campaigns, inflicting severe defeats upon the enemy through her determined leadership. During the most difficult periods of the Rojava Revolution, her boundless determination made her one of the clearest embodiments of the Apoist spirit of self-sacrifice. Like a ray of light, she devoted herself passionately to the struggle and became a living symbol of free life.
On behalf of the General Command of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), and in recognition of all that Commander Zozan contributed, we renew our pledge to all the martyrs of the Women’s Freedom Revolution that we will continue to grow stronger and fulfill the hopes and aspirations of free life. We once again extend our heartfelt condolences to her respected family and to our entire patriotic people.
We will never retreat from our goal of building a free future. We will continue our struggle without pause until free leadership and a free life are achieved. We remain loyal and committed to the legacy of freedom left by all women.
General Command of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ)
