RIHA – Salih Muslim, a member of the Co-Presidential Council of the Democratic Union Party (PYD), was laid to rest beside his son Şervan Muslim, who lost his life in the war against ISIS.

 

Salih Muslim, who lost his life on March 11 due to kidney failure at a hospital in Erbil where he had been receiving treatment, was buried in his hometown of Kobani.

 

Delegations from Northern Kurdistan and Southern Kurdistan attended the funeral ceremony held at Martyr Dicle Cemetery. Tens of thousands of people participated in the ceremony, where a letter sent by Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan following Salih Muslim’s death was read.

 

Speaking at the ceremony, Tuncer Bakırhan, Co-Chair of the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM) Party, said: “We worked a lot together with Salih Muslim. Comrade Salih was a great diplomat and a great revolutionary. He worked not only for himself but for the entire Kurdish people. For the people of Bakur, Orhan Doğan and Mehmet Sincar are what Salih Muslim is for Rojava. Farewell Comrade Salih. My condolences to the Kurdish people.”

 

‘THE PATH OF HOPE OPENED BY MUSLIM WILL ILLUMINATE OUR WAY’

 

Kurdish politician Leyla Zana said: “The path of hope opened by the great Salih Muslim will illuminate our way. The suffering we have endured for centuries must come to an end. I also respectfully commemorate the martyrs who were laid to rest yesterday. We have reached this stage with great sacrifices. We are going through such a process that we will either live freely or live freely. Leader Apo speaks of democratic unity, and therefore everyone must take responsibility.”

 

Leyla Zana added that the Kurdish people must rely on their own strength: “When we trust ourselves, the whole world will respect us. They see death as our fate, but no—we are building life. Kobani is an example for us. If we unite, we are a great force. We will lead a life of freedom and be friends to all peoples.”

 

She also recalled a program she attended together with Salih Muslim: “Even though he had difficulty breathing, he did not want a single minute to go to waste. He did not want even a moment to be lost for the Kurdish people. We will carry the legacy that Comrade Salih left behind.”

 

‘HE TOOK ON EVERY RESPONSIBILITY’

 

Mazloum Abdi, General Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), expressed condolences to Salih Muslim’s family and said: “Bavê Welat (Salih Muslim) was not only a personality; he was a pioneer of Rojava politics. He showed great resistance against the Ba'ath Party regime. When necessary, he took on every responsibility—not only politically but also to defend his people and advance their struggle. He worked internationally and tried more than any of us to make the voice of Rojava heard.”

 

Abdi emphasized a new phase in the process: “This is a new period for us. As the SDF, we will fulfill our responsibilities. The Syrian Government must also fulfill its responsibilities. Our displaced people must return, and the bodies of our fallen comrades must be returned.”

 

He recalled that the Rojava Revolution began in 2012 and that despite constant attacks, the struggle continued: “As we resisted during the Kobani process, we will show the same resistance today. Kurds will govern themselves wherever they are. We promise before the martyrs that we will continue the struggle for the freedom of our people.”

 

‘I WILL CONTINUE THE STRUGGLE UNTIL MY LAST BREATH’

 

Salih Muslim’s wife Eyşe Efendî also addressed the ceremony, saying: “We send our greetings to Abdullah Öcalan from here. You shared comradeship with Bavê Welat and his son Martyr Şervan. Your letter for Bavê Welat is above our heads. As the Kurdish people in all four parts of Kurdistan, we are proud.”

 

Ayşe Efendî added:“Just as I made a promise at the funeral of Martyr Şervan, I make the same promise today at the funeral of my companion. I will continue the struggle with my people until my last breath. Şehît namirin (Martyrs never die). Bijî Serok Apo (Long live Leader Apo).”

 

Following the funeral ceremony, Salih Muslim was buried beside his son Şervan Muslim at Martyr Dicle Cemetery.