The Democratic Islamic Congress in North and East Syria concluded its third congress on Sunday, with 450 delegates attending at the Mihemed Şêxo Cultural and Arts Centre in Qamishli (Qamişlo), Kurdish-led northern Syria. The congress resulted in significant decisions, including the election of new leadership and a notable emphasis on gender equality.
Evîn El Hecî and Mele Mihemed El Xerzanî were elected as the new co-chairs of the Democratic Islamic Congress, in a marked commitment to gender equality and the representation of women. Congressional outcomes, along with other key decisions, were shared in a final declaration, which also emphasised the high level of participation in the proceedings.
A new advisory council was introduced, consisting of representatives from the Islamic Faith Department of the Faculty of Religious Sciences, a representative from the Jineology Faculty which focuses on scientific work on women’s liberation, two executive members from the Islamic Faith Department of the Education and Training Board, and other members of the Democratic Islamic Congress. Notably, the panel included a female religious scholar, further highlighting the congress’s commitment to gender inclusively.
The structure includes co-leadership, a General Executive Council with 41 members, and a Board of Directors with seven members. The declaration detailed the election of 25 members to the General Executive Council and 15 members to the central committee, administration and organisation, increasing the council’s total membership to 41.
Plans included the establishment of city, town and canton councils within the next three months. Efforts will also focus on strengthening the ideological aspect of democratic Islam through enhanced research, education and communication committees. Educational programmes for congress members and increased diplomatic relations with other faith institutions worldwide were also planned.
“Our statutes are organised according to the Social Contract,” said Mazîn Harûnî, a member of the preparation committee, highlighting the importance of unity and grassroots participation in building a developed and people-centred society.
Kongra Star spokeswoman Reyhan Loqo highlighted the role of the congress in spreading peace and fraternity among all faiths and religions. “A democratic Islam, fostering a moral and political society, is essential for a peaceful and secure life. The Democratic Islamic Congress has worked towards this goal, and the gathered crowd today reflects this commitment,” she said.
Ebdurehman Bedirxan, Deputy Co-chair of the Democratic Islamic Congress, read Abdullah Öcalan’s perspectives on Abrahamic religions, which emphasise interfaith harmony and coexistence. Öcalan’s ideas on democratic Islam, which advocate for a society based on moral and political values, were a central theme at the congress. These concepts align with the principles of a peaceful and inclusive society, fostering equality and justice.
The congress also featured religious hymns and the reading of the Democratic Islamic Congress’s annual activity report by Deputy Co-chair Mazin Harûnî. The event concluded with discussions on organisational status, statute readings, and elections for new co-chairs, conducted in a closed session.
