NEWS CENTER – Mexmûr (Makhmur) residents expressed excitement after receiving a message from Abdullah Öcalan, the Kurdish People’s Leader, stating, "After the leader’s message, we have revived like a withered flower."
Forced to flee to Iraq in 90s due to Turkish repression and village burnings, most Mexmûr refugees originate from Şirnex (Şırnak) and Colemêrg (Hakkari). Having endured multiple camp relocations, they currently live under United Nations (UN) supervision in Mexmûr Refugee Camp. Despite ongoing pressure from Turkey, the Kurdistan Democrat Party (KDP), and the Iraqi government’s embargo, thousands of Mexmûr residents have regained hope for returning to their lands following Öcalan’s August 8 message, which emphasized Mexmûr’s key role in the democratic peace process.
A MESSAGE THAT INSPIRES WOMEN
Azime Kabul, a member of the Iştar Coordination, said: “The leader’s message gave us strength and morale. For years, we had no news from the leader. His greeting to the Martyr Rustem Cudi camp meant everything to us. After receiving this message, we revived like a withered flower and moved from darkness to light. This message is very meaningful for us women because our struggle finds its source in the leader.”
STRUGGLING UNDER EMBARGO
Azime Kabul highlighted the harsh embargo imposed on the camp: “For years, the camp has faced embargoes blocking movement, threats from the Turkish state, and KDP-supported restrictions. Recently, the Iraqi government has also enforced a severe embargo, preventing even basic necessities from reaching the over 6 thousand residents. Despite all this, the camp resists, with women actively participating in freedom actions for the leader.”
‘THE MESSAGE GAVE US STRENGTH’
Serhat Pîrosî expressed the community’s enthusiasm: “We are happy to receive this message after many years. It gave us strength, especially with the emphasis on Mexmûr residents returning to their lands. As young people of Mexmûr, we vow to do everything necessary for Öcalan’s physical freedom and to live alongside him. We will continue our actions accordingly.”
READY TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY
Heci Çelî described the message as opening a new chapter: “Mexmûr is a revolutionary people shaped by Öcalan’s ideology and patriotism. After years without communication, seeing and hearing from him renewed our faith and determination. Despite all difficulties, we fight for our beliefs. We desire peace and an end to suffering. We are fully committed to this process and ready to take all responsibilities. What matters to us is Öcalan’s words, and we will remain loyal to him and our values until the end.”
MA / Zeynep Durgut