Category: Democracy
Democracy is one of the three main pillars of the Rojava Revolution and the stateless self-governance model of the Autonomous Administrations of North and East Syria (AANES), as well as the Kurdish freedom movement more broadly, which initiated the revolution.
Democracy here is not the same as the representative democracy model found in Western countries such as the UK, Germany and France, where one person speaks on behalf of a large number of people whose interest they do not necessarily share. This is a more radical form of democracy, which aims to build up the entire society, giving everyone the chance to participate in making decisions on issues which affect their lives.
The most basic democratic unit is the commune, or neighbourhood assembly, which meets regularly and discusses issues affecting the community. There will be a number of committees in each commune which function like working groups to focus on particular issues, such as security, agriculture or conflict resolution. There is also an autonomous women’s council in every democratic structure in the AANES. Co-chairs of different genders (and usually different ethnic or religious backgrounds) are chosen to represent the neighbourhood at the district level assembly, and from there to the city-wide assembly, and so on.
Below you can find articles with more information on the evolving democratic system of the AANES and how people are taking control of their lives and learning to work together as part of a stateless system of self-governance in North and East Syria, and southeastern Turkey.
Jinwar – Women and Mothers’ Resistance
Jinwar is a solution against violence and genocide based on the values of women’s liberation, democratic community life, ecology, friendship of peoples and religions.
Universities of North and East Syria: A model for a democratic and inclusive Syria
As Syria navigates the aftermath of the Assad regime’s fall, international networks of academics highlight the unique, democratic, and de-colonial education model of North and East Syria's autonomous regions as a cornerstone for a transformative and inclusive future.
Explainer: Kurdish neighborhoods besieged in Aleppo
Two Kurdish neighborhoods in Aleppo, Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh, are currently besieged by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) following the Islamist force’s unexpected advances and capture of Syria’s second-largest city from Bashar al-Assad’s Syrian Arab Army (SAA). These neighborhoods have maintained their autonomy from both the Assad government and the Islamist opposition since the start of the Syrian conflict, becoming a safe haven for those fleeing violence, persecution and violent repression elsewhere in Aleppo and Syria. In this explainer, Rojava Information Center (RIC) provides key information on the neighborhoods, their humanitarian and political significance, the previous violence they have endured, and the grave threat now facing these isolated neighborhoods.
The current situation in Syria – Thoughts from the Women Defend Rojava delegation
When we arrived in Rojava, the sun was shining and we had finally made it after a long journey. In the days that followed, we met many very inspiring women who told us about their revolutionary work. They gave us çay and sweets and their complete trust. Early in the morning we drove to Raqqa
“Mala Jin”: The unique women’s houses transforming Middle Eastern society
The Rojava revolution in North and East Syria has become a world-famous example of women's liberation. Women's houses - called "Mala Jin" - have played a key role in mediation and reconciliation within civil society, as well as providing education and protection for women. This article offers a detailed insight into the works of the Mala Jin.
Kongra Star Social Affairs Committee solves social problems
Kongra Star Social Affairs Committee solves the problems faced by everyone, especially women, children and people with special needs.
About Zenobiya: The Arabic Women’s Union of North and East Syria
The Zenobiya Women’s Union has been the umbrella organization of Arab women in North and East Syria since 2021 and is therefore primarily represented in the regions of Raqqa, Tabqa, Minbic and Deir ez-Zor.
Hevrîn Xelef, a pioneer for the future of Syria
Kurdish politician Hevrin Xelef was brutally murdered by a jihadist militia during the Turkish invasion of northern Syria five years ago. Her commitment as Secretary General of the Syrian Future Party is not forgotten.
Growing University System in DAANES Begins a New Year
Another school year has begun in the university system in the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES). Over 3,000 students attend the three DAANES universities, Rojava University, located in Qamishlo, Kobane University in Kobane, and the newest, Al-Sharq University in Raqqa. A fourth, the University of Afrin, was forced to close following the Turkish occupation of the city in 2018.
Building Alternative Universities in the Midst of War and Revolution
The Democratic Autonomous Administration of North-Eastern Syria (DAANES) is building an alternative education system under siege from multiple powers, defying the control of the Ba’athist education system of the Assad regime as well as the Turkish occupation forces and their proxies. The alternative system has accomplished such measures as the reintroduction of the Kurdish language for young students—drastically altering the way of life in the region. However, building institutions of higher education in an area where many native Kurds could not even have Syrian citizenship two decades ago poses a major challenge.
Wave of repression against Kurdish language associations continues
Two more people were taken into custody as part of the wave of repression against Kurdish language institutions. This brings the total number of people in custody from Kurdish cultural and language organizations to 31.
