Seyit Evran, a prominent figure in Kurdish journalism, left a final message before his death on 22 September in North and East Syria. In his message, Evran expressed his lifelong commitment to the Kurdish cause, stating, “I was Kurdish, and my people too should be free. I used my pen and camera to this end until my last breath.”
Evran, born in 1969 in the Hani (Hênê) district of Diyarbakır (Amed) in Kurdish-majority southeast Turkey, had been active in journalism for over 30 years. He was receiving treatment for a heart condition at the time of his death. The region’s Free Press Union (Yekitiya Ragihandina Azad – YRA) confirmed his passing and highlighted his significant contributions to the free press.
In his final message, Evran reflected on his lineage and the broader struggle for Kurdish freedom. “My grandfather started this struggle as he marched alongside Sheikh Said [Şêx Saîd]. I am his grandson, and I continued to carry the flag passed on to me with Leader Apo [Abdullah Öcalan] and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK)”. Evran also highlighted his experiences across diverse regions of Kurdistan, “from Amed to Xerzan [Garzan] and from Efrîn [Afrin] to Qamişlo [Qamishli]”, stating, “Now part of me has become Bakur, part Rojava, part Başur and part Rojhilat [respectively North, West, South and East Kurdistan]. I have become entirely Kurdistan”.
Co-chair of the Free Press Union Dilyar Ciziri praised Evran’s dedication to journalism and the Kurdish cause. “He was the memory and archive of the free press for 30 years”, Ciziri stated.
Evran’s message concludes with a note of hope and a call to continue the struggle for freedom. “There was much more to do, but this was the time I had. Farewell, with my love”.
Evran’s final words deepen our understanding of his legacy, serving as a testament to his unwavering commitment to the Kurdish people and their struggle for freedom.
