In a vibrant display of solidarity and resilience, thousands of people gathered in Kobane (Kobanê) on Thursday to celebrate International Workers’ Day at Şehit Egîd Square, waving banners and chanting for peace, justice, and workers’ rights. The celebrations were held under the slogan “Let’s Celebrate May Day Together with a Call for Peace and a Democratic Society”, bringing together workers, community leaders, artists, and activists from across the Euphrates (Fırat) Canton.
Kobane holds deep symbolic and historical significance for Kurds and the broader democratic movement in the region. The city, globally recognised for its resistance against ISIS during the 2014–2015 siege, has since become a powerful emblem of self-governance, grassroots democracy, and women’s liberation in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), also known as Rojava. Hosting May Day in Kobane carries added weight as the city continues to rebuild from war while fostering democratic institutions.
The Autonomous Administration earlier this week declared 1 May an official public holiday across its territories, recognising the day as a tribute to workers’ contributions to building a just and democratic society. A decree issued by the AANES Executive Council affirmed that all institutions under the Autonomous Administration would close on 1 May, except for essential public services.
During the celebrations, Hedlê Hesen, Co-Chair of the Democratic Society Movement (TEV-DEM) in the Euphrates Canton, addressed the crowd:
“We salute all workers who labour day and night to build and develop their communities. The struggle for a democratic and just society is inseparable from the struggle for workers’ rights.”
The programme featured performances by artists from the Baqî Xido Culture and Art Centre and the Hîlala Zêrîn Cultural Movement, who sang songs honouring workers’ struggles and Kurdish cultural heritage. Several workers were presented with awards in recognition of their contributions.
Meanwhile, the Syrian Democratic Council (MSD), the political wing of the Syrian Democratic Forces, issued a statement marking International Workers’ Day, extending greetings to workers in Syria and worldwide. “May Day is a symbol of the struggle for dignity, justice, and rights of the working class,” the statement read. The MSD noted that Syrian workers and labourers had endured enormous suffering during years of war but had nonetheless remained at the forefront of rebuilding their lives and communities.
“The future of Syria cannot exist without the rights of workers,” the statement concluded. “We stand with the workers, support their struggles, and fight to build a just country for all.”
The celebration in Kobane stood not only as a tribute to workers but as an affirmation of the democratic, pluralistic, and decentralised vision championed by the Autonomous Administration and the broader Kurdish movement in Syria. Against a backdrop of regional instability and political uncertainty, Kobane’s May Day sent a message of hope, resilience, and commitment to the ongoing struggle for freedom and dignity.
