The Rojava Revolution, which began on 19 July 2012, was presented to the world as a vision and conviction in free life. During the years that became known as the Spring of Peoples, authoritarian regimes responded to every demand for rights and freedom with repression and violence, seeking to exploit those movements for their own interests. In Rojava, however, the peoples of the region made a choice that changed their destiny. Every revolution reveals its true character through its course; a revolution is neither something that begins anew nor something that comes to an end—it is a continuous and enduring process. The Rojava Revolution emerged as the response of free peoples to authoritarianism and domination, opening a new chapter in history in the name of the freedom of peoples.
Led by the Kurdish people and guided by the philosophy of the Democratic Nation, the peoples of the region have, from the first day of the revolution until today, demonstrated their ability to defend their achievements and remain steadfast in the face of every challenge. This philosophy of a free and equal life, with women leading from the front, has become a solid foundation. Through his ideas and vision, Leader Apo united the peoples of the region around the model of democratic modernity and laid the foundations for a system of social organization closely linked to the Women’s Revolution in Rojava.
Today, the Rojava Revolution enters its fifteenth year after fourteen years of continuous struggle. On the fourteenth anniversary of the July 19 Revolution, we extend our congratulations to Leader Apo, to the wounded of the revolution, and to all the women and peoples who have taken part in it.
The uprising of the peoples against the authoritarian Ba’ath regime marked a new beginning for transforming the region. Throughout history, the Kurdish people rejected the nationalist policies of oppression pursued by states. They confronted the Ba’ath regime and later resisted the attacks launched by armed groups against the region, ultimately succeeding in building their own self-administration. Through the model of the Democratic Nation and the principle of the right to an equal life, a place was created for all peoples—including Arabs, Turkmens, Armenians, Syriacs, Assyrians, and everyone living in the region. Consequently, all these peoples came to regard the July 19 Revolution as their own revolution and as a path toward their freedom. Despite the calculations of the powers seeking dominance in the region, those plans repeatedly failed because women and the peoples found their freedom in the model of the Rojava Revolution. Every attack against the revolution was met with popular resistance, and the free peoples remained firmly committed to their revolution.
The Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) have always been the cornerstone of safeguarding and sustaining the July 19 Revolution. From the frontlines of battle to the leadership of society, they have played a pioneering role through immense sacrifice. One of the defining features of the history of the Rojava Revolution has been the central role of women, making the revolution an inspiration to people around the world. This reality cannot be denied. The leadership of women has been the key to the success of the July 19 Revolution, and the Women’s Protection Units have consistently demonstrated their indispensable role and profound value in both defense and society.
Great sacrifices have been made for freedom and peace in a free homeland. Throughout fourteen years of revolution, every day has been shaped by the sacrifices of children who grew up under harsh conditions. The fighters of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), the People’s Protection Units (YPG), and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) defended the land with everything they had, sacrificing their lives. Our people continue to raise their children under difficult circumstances, yet without hesitation they dedicate them to the defense of the homeland and the dignity of humanity.
Our beloved sons and daughters gave their lives for the freedom of their people and the dignity of humankind. For this reason, the July 19 Revolution is unique and unlike any other revolution in the world. We will always preserve the legacy entrusted to us by our martyrs. Once again, we remember the martyrs Berîvan, Devrim, Slava, Kelhat, Arîn, Ziyad, Sîdar, Şîlan, Denîz, Raman, and Koçerîn, together with all the martyrs of the revolution, and we renew our pledge to continue on the path of freedom. With the same spirit and determination that marked the first day of the revolution, we will safeguard its achievements and continue the Women’s Revolution.
General Command of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ)
18.07.2026
