“Six dead, over 20 injured, and a cultural icon lost: Turkish airstrikes on northern Syria’s Tishreen (Tişrîn) Dam claim the life of the great Kurdish actor Bavê Teyar.”
🕯️🕊The beloved Kurdish actor Bavê Teyar, known for his humour and patriotism, succumbed to injuries from… pic.twitter.com/1lLLqpCS0b
— MedyaNews (@1MedyaNews) January 19, 2025
The renowned Kurdish theatre actor and cultural icon Cuma Xelîl, better known by his stage name Bavê Teyar, passed away on 19 January from injuries sustained in a Turkish drone strike at the Tishreen (Tişrîn) Dam in northern Syria.
Bavê Teyar had travelled from his home town of Qamishli (Qamişlo) to join the sit-in vigil at the Tishreen Dam, a peaceful protest aimed at safeguarding the vital infrastructure from Turkish aggression. The vigil, ongoing for 12 days, has been a focal point for civilians advocating against relentless attacks on the dam, which have left over 400,000 people without water or electricity since December.
On 18 January, Turkish airstrikes targeted the peaceful sit-in, killing four civilians outright and injuring many others, including Bavê Teyar. Despite immediate medical attention, the legendary artist succumbed to his injuries the following day. Witnesses described the attack as deliberate and part of a broader escalation targeting civilians and critical infrastructure.
Bavê Teyar had voiced his determination during a recent interview:
“We are not afraid of death. We will defend our land to the end.” His presence at the vigil was both a personal act of resistance and a reflection of his lifelong commitment to Kurdish culture and unity.
Born in Qamishli in 1957, Bavê Teyar dedicated over three decades to Kurdish theatre and culture, creating plays and performances that celebrated Kurdish identity while addressing societal issues. His humour and artistry became symbols of resilience through decades of cultural suppression. Through his work, he educated Kurdish audiences about their history and traditions and the Kurdish language, often in defiance of systemic oppression, leaving a legacy of art and advocacy.
His troupe, Bavê Teyar Theatre, was renowned for its creative approach, combining theatre, music and stand-up comedy to tackle themes such as gender equality, family dynamics and the struggles of Kurdish society. He said, “Our aim is to make our people laugh while making them think.”
The Tishreen Dam, located on the Euphrates River, has been the target of Turkish drone and warplane attacks since 10 December. These strikes have turned the dam into a symbol of Kurdish resilience, with civilians rallying to protect it despite escalating violence. The attacks have drawn widespread condemnation from international observers, with humanitarian organisations warning of catastrophic consequences if the dam is breached.
Civil society groups and Kurdish leaders have called for urgent international intervention, including a no-fly zone over northern Syria, to prevent further civilian casualties and ensure the safety of critical infrastructure.
