Interview by
Vedat Yeler
In the fractured and war-torn landscape of Syria, the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria — commonly known as Rojava — has become a rallying point for revolutionaries worldwide. Established during the Syrian civil war, Rojava’s political framework is grounded in democratic confederalism — a vision of society that foregrounds grassroots democracy, gender equality, and ecological harmony. Its system has united diverse communities from Kurds to Arabs, Assyrians, and others under the banner of peaceful coexistence and social justice.
This vision drew internationalists like Oğuz Yüzgeç and Sercan Üstündaş, who saw Rojava as a revolutionary model with global implications, to join the struggle to defend it. But in 2021, they were ambushed by forces loyal to dictator Bashar al-Assad and jailed. It was only last month, with his overthrow, that Oğuz and Sercan were finally released from the notorious Palestine Branch 235 prison in Damascus.
From defending Kobane against the so-called Islamic State (ISIS) to surviving torture in Assad’s jail, their journeys highlight the sacrifices and resilience required to sustain a revolutionary vision in the face of immense challenges. Vedat Yeler spoke to the two released activists about their experience and the future prospects for their movement.
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Auteur: Oğuz Yüzgeç
