Since December 8, 2024, when Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) took control in Syria, attacks have continued targeting various ethnic and religious groups, especially Alevis. Hundreds have lost their lives in these assaults, while the safest areas remain the cities governed by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria. 

 

Kadriye Doğan noted that a new restructuring process is underway in the Middle East, during which diverse peoples and faiths are being primarily targeted. She explained that the targeting of Alevis in Syria stems from the same mindset. She said: “They see Alevis as natural rivals. Their belief system, based on consent and affirmation, interwined with nature and led by women, makes them a target. That is why Yazidi and increased violence against women in Syria. The reason for this is the rising women’s movement in the Middle East.”

 

‘THE WORLD IS SILENT’

 

Describing the events as genocide, Kadriye Doğan said, “This situation matches the definition of genocide. People are being displaced from their homes, their properties seized. Men, women, and children are being killed indiscriminately. Women and children are treated as spoils of war. Looking at all this, a genocide against Alevis is unfolding in Syria. The world remains silent. Turkey is not taking definitive action to open a humanitarian corridor to aid those suffering there.”

 

Kadriye Doğan emphasized that everyone should raise their voice against the massacres in Syria, particularly institutions such as the European Parliament (EP) and the United Nations (UN).

 

‘ÖCALAN’S CALL IS A BREATH OF FRESH AIR’

 

Kadriye Doğan stated that the call made by Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan on February 27 is essential for ending the wars in the Middle East and she added, “Call of Öcalan is a breath of fresh air for the region today. It opens the door to a process in which women, Kurds and Alevis can breathe and establish themselves on a political platform. It is meaningful for Alevis as well.”

 

Stressing that Alevism is based on communal living Kadriye Doğan continued: “We embrace a way of life that accepts everyone as they are, without discrimination or exclusion. Öcalan’s call is a source of hope for all peoples of the Middle East, and everyone must contribute to making it a reality. Alevis also demand equal citizenship. We have demands such as the recognition of our faith and the proper identification of our cemeteries. We want the massacres and genocides to be confronted. We say, ‘The path is memory.’ In order to continue on our path, I call on mothers and Alevi women to take the lead and fulfill their responsibilities in today’s democratic society struggle.”

 

MA / Şirvan Şilan Çil