In 1984, on the 15th of August, Kurdistan and Turkey were under the rule of the fascist junta that came to power following the coup d’état of September 12, 1980. Through ruthless cruelty and severe torture, the lives of the people were devastated. Prisons were filled with freedom fighters, and the fascist junta spread a blanket of death over the populace. The fear of arrest and death was pervasive throughout society.
Despite these harsh conditions, the Kurdish people and the leaders of the Kurdistan Freedom Movement did not succumb to the oppression of the Turkish state. They stood firm, resisting strongly. From prisons to all aspects of life, a selfless struggle was organised. Though great sacrifices were made, the flag of freedom was raised against the state’s oppression.
In this difficult atmosphere, a brave struggle and resistance took shape. With the launch of the first bullet on August 15, 1984, the call for the freedom and liberation of the Kurds and Kurdistan echoed once again throughout Kurdistan, Turkey, and the world. During this historic moment, Dihe (Eruh) and Şemzînan became the arenas where the legitimate armed struggle in Kurdistan began. With this effort, the spark of the Kurdistan revolution transformed into a vast fire of resistance in Kurdistan and the Middle East. Commander Egîd (Mahsum Korkmaz) initiated the armed struggle with a group of freedom fighters, and today they have become a formidable guerrilla force in Kurdistan and the Middle East. In the history of the Kurdish struggle, this moment marks a significant step toward victory.
As we celebrate the historic 40th anniversary of August 15th, the Turkish state continues its aggression by all means and methods. Faced with the resistance and struggle of the freedom fighters, the Kurdish people, and all the peoples of Kurdistan, the Turkish state has deepened its conflict. Driven by anger and hatred, it resorts to escalating warfare and aggression. In this fight against humanity, it has mobilised all available weapons and equipment to annihilate life. Chemical bombs and poisons rain down on our people and fighters from the air and the ground. Human life has been a primary target, but Kurdistan’s natural environment has also been severely degraded. From Dersim to Colemêrg, from Qers to Maraş, no mountain, valley, or cave has been spared from bombardment.
The Turkish state’s attacks are not confined to Northern Kurdistan; they also continue in Rojava and Southern Kurdistan. In both regions, the Turkish state mounts attacks in pursuit of regional occupation, which is expanding day by day. For five years now, Erdogan’s regime has been attacking the areas of Xakurk, Heftanin, Metina, Zap, and Avaşîn with all its strength, employing prohibited weapons (chemical, phosphorus, nuclear tactics) without restraint. Meanwhile, in these regions and throughout Greater Kurdistan, a strong and unparalleled resistance is being carried out by the Kurdistan Freedom Guerrillas, embodying the spirit of the great moment of August 15th.
Today, the Turkish state is re-engaging in the same suppression policies that were enforced in the 1980s against the Kurdish people’s resistance in the struggle for the liberation and freedom of Kurdistan. The Turkish justice system has become a chain of captivity for Kurdistan’s fighters.
Prisons are filled with Kurdish activists, and violence and torture by the police and military have become a routine part of life for all peoples of Kurdistan. Anything related to Kurdish identity and culture is targeted. The state attacks weddings and dance floors, detains Kurdish singers and musicians, and bans Kurdish culture and music.
However, all these efforts are futile. The Kurds are engaged in a strong resistance and struggle, embodying the spirit of the great moment of August 15th. Defeat will belong to the Turkish state. The war-oriented and aggressive coalition of AKP-MHP-Ergenekon is on the verge of failure. Victory belongs to the people of Kurdistan.
As we celebrate this moment, we remember that the architect of the great moment of August 15th, Abdullah Öcalan, has been under intense pressure and isolation in Imrali prison for 26 years. For 40 months, no information has been received from him or his fellow inmates. This situation is unacceptable, and all Kurds and friends of the Kurds should actively participate in the campaigns against this injustice. On this occasion, we, as the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK), once again reaffirm our endorsement and support for the International Campaign “Freedom for Öcalan – Political Solution to the Kurdish Question,” and call on all peoples of Kurdistan and friends of the Kurds to join and elevate the efforts of this campaign.
As the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK), we warmly greet the Kurdish people, the people of Kurdistan, and the friends of the Kurdish people on the 40th anniversary of the great moment of August 15th. We remember the martyrs of the Kurdistan revolution with respect and honour, bowing our heads in their memory. The greatest greetings go to those martyred in this great moment; we owe them our dedication and will follow in their footsteps. We salute and wish success to the Kurdistan Freedom Guerrilla, who are resisting in the Medya Defense Zones in the spirit of Commander Egîd, and all the freedom fighters of Kurdistan.
Executive Council of KNK
15 August 2024, Brussels
