Building Social-Ecology Amidst Challenges in Rojava/North-East Syria
The progressive movement in Rojava, anchored in grassroots democracy, women’s liberation, and social-ecology principles, faces both advancement and peril due to the ongoing warfare instigated by the Turkish state. Beyond causing civilian casualties and targeting political figures, the Turkish military actively engages in ecocide and assaults on fundamental civil infrastructure.
Rojava constitutes one segment of the divided Kurdistan, delineated by the nation-states of Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Syria, with Rojava specifically denoting the Syrian territory.
The narrative of Kurdistan’s history, the traditional ecological practices of its inhabitants, the repercussions of external aggressions, and the strategies of resilience are intricately interconnected, with a focal point on the Koçerata area. This region, notably, bore the brunt of intense Turkish airstrikes during the winter of 2023-2024.
Embracing a New Existence Rooted in Ancestral Legacies
Koçerata, known as the “Land of the Nomads,” features flat terrain interspersed with hills and boasts exceptional fertility facilitated by the Tigris River. Over centuries, Kurdish nomads roamed this region until national borders were demarcated. Despite pressures to abandon their traditional way of life post the establishment of the Syrian state circa 1945, many locals persisted in inhabiting the plains. The Syrian government’s agenda aimed at fostering urbanization and industrialization, imposing intensive monoculture practices. Notably, Koçerata garnered significant interest due to its abundant oil reservoirs, housing a pivotal power plant, Siwedî, constructed in 1983 by a French entity. This plant served as a primary energy source for 4 to 5 million individuals until the onslaught of winter attacks.
Rûken Şêxo, the spokesperson for the people’s council in Girê Sor village, delineates the essence of life and the genesis of social-ecology in the region:
“The lifestyle of the Koçer [Kurd. Half-nomads] is simplistic and picturesque. Our needs are modest. Every household tends a small garden cultivating vegetables, herbs, and plants like tomatoes, onions, and salad. Some rear livestock such as cows, chickens, and turkeys.”
“Self-sufficiency is our ethos; we produce essentials like yogurt, cheese, and milk. From childhood, we learn to craft necessities from available resources, passing down this legacy to our progeny.”
Presently, Koçerata’s populace predominantly resides in villages, integrating into the self-governing structure of North-East Syria. Upholding their cultural heritage, the inhabitants lead a modest, self-reliant life harmonizing with nature and communal ethos, a tradition upheld through generations. Agriculture forms the cornerstone of their livelihood, complemented by a continued practice of animal husbandry.
While communal units form the bedrock of local governance at the village level, regional issues find resolution through the People’s Council. These councils, alongside municipalities overseeing infrastructural requisites like water and electricity supply, operate under the aegis of the People’s Council. The region boasts a robust organizational framework grounded in enduring societal bonds, the liberation movement, and vibrant communal traditions. By amalgamating heritage, local customs, grassroots democracy, and communal defense, Koçerata’s denizens have laid a sturdy foundation for nurturing social-ecology.
Turkey’s Offensive Against Rojava: A Blow to Social-Ecological Progress
The recent spate of bombardments by the Turkish State must be contextualized within the broader spectrum of warfare and environmental stewardship. The Autonomous Administration of North-East Syria advocates for cooperative ventures and agro-ecological initiatives, promoting organic fertilizer production and eco-industries predicated on a circular production-consumption paradigm. However, the systematic destruction of critical infrastructure impedes the large-scale realization of these projects. These assaults compel a significant portion of North-East Syria’s resources towards reconstruction and repair, necessitated by the exigencies of war. Moreover, the embargo exacerbates hurdles in advancing ecological endeavors.
Despite adversities, concerted efforts are underway to bolster community resilience and self-sufficiency. Despite external constraints like embargoes and warfare impeding ecological progress, the robust social fabric withstands attempts at displacement and psychological warfare.
In the face of adversity, Koçerata’s populace showcases unwavering solidarity in their resolve to remain rooted in their land, exemplifying collective resilience and self-organization. Mutual aid thrives in times of crisis, with neighbors sharing resources like generators and water pumps during electricity shortages, underscoring a communal ethos. The community mobilizes collectively to safeguard vital installations amidst airstrikes, exemplifying grassroots initiative, self-reliance, and decentralized governance.
In essence, Koçerata epitomizes a beacon of resistance, transcending theoretical discourse to embody practical manifestations of resilience and self-determination. Amidst the prevailing global backdrop of centralized urbanization and monoculture, Koçerata emerges as a testament to sustainable living practices and harmonious coexistence with nature. This region, steeped in history and uniqueness, serves as a poignant reminder that democratic values, communal bonds, and environmental stewardship are universal tenets transcending geographical confines. The narrative of Koçerata resonates as a source of inspiration, underscoring the imperative of forging alliances across diverse struggles to safeguard territories, foster democratic ideals, and champion a social-ecological paradigm for enduring peace and sustainability.