The Democratic Institutions Platform organized a march to protest the attacks carried out by groups affiliated with the Syrian Transitional Government against the Ashrafieh and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods of Aleppo. Thousands gathered in front of the Human Rights Monument in Koşuyolu Park, with the participation of many political parties and civil society organizations that are components of the platform. The march proceeded to AZC Plaza in the Ofis district and was attended by Democratic Regions Party (DBP) Co-Chairs Çiğdem Kılıçgün Uçar and Keskin Bayındır.

 

Marching behind a banner reading “Defending Rojava means defending humanity” and a giant poster of Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan, the crowd chanted slogans such as “Bijî berxwedana Rojava (Long live the resistance of Rojava)”, “Bijî berxwedana Şêxmeqsûd (Long live the resistance of Sheikh Maqsoud)”, “Jin, jiyan, azadî (Women, life, freedom)”, “Bijî Serok Apo (Long live Leader Apo)”, “Amed, don’t sleep—stand up for Rojava,” and “Murderer HTS, collaborator DAESH.”

 

Arriving at AZC Plaza with applause, ululations, and slogans, the crowd set off fireworks. Speaking there, DBP Co-Chair Keskin Bayındır condemned the attacks targeting the Kurdish people. He emphasized that Kurds—women, children, mothers, and civilians—are under attack by HTS groups, and stated that resistance will continue until the assaults end. Describing the attacks as planned, Bayındır said that those who supported DAESH during the 2013–2015 period are now supporting HTS, and stressed that the struggle once waged against DAESH in Rojava will continue today.

 

 

Reacting to statements by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan that were perceived as supporting the attacks, Bayındır said: “With your message, you have shown your hostility toward Kurds. You want to end the process in Turkey. Just as you previously sabotaged it for DAESH, now you want to sabotage it again by using HTS as an excuse. We know your intentions well, we read them clearly. We will resist your bad intentions.”

 

Bayındır concluded by saying: “Let us stay on our feet, let us remain vigilant. Until the attacks end and the gang groups withdraw, we will resist in the streets. Let today be a beginning. Let our people in Rojava and all oppressed peoples know well: Bakur Kurdistan, the peoples of Turkey, and the peoples of the world stand with you and support you.”

 

Bayındır’s speech was frequently interrupted by slogans, and the demonstration ended with applause.