Syrian Kurdish people, artists, politicians support Kurdistan Independence

QAMISHLO, Syrian Kurdistan (Kurdistan 24) – Among Syrian Kurds there is extensive support for the independence referendum scheduled to be held in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq this month, said a Kurdistan 24  reporter there.

On a tour to various cities of Syria’s pre-dominantly Kurdish areas (known as Rojava), many politicians, artists, and officials told Kurdistan 24 correspondents they look forward to this historic event.

In Rojava, the talk of Kurdistan Referendum resonates deeply with people.

 “If I could vote, I would use my blood instead of an ink to say YES to Independence,” Bahaa Shekho, a Syrian Kurdish singer told Kurdistan 24.

Rojava politicians also support this referendum, despite differences.

“Referendum [for Kurdistan Independence] is a blessed and positive step,” said Aldar Xelil, head of the Rojava-based Democratic Movement Society (TEV-DEM).

TEV-DEM is a political coalition of the PYD and other Kurdish parties that rule the Kurdish-held areas in Syria.

In an earlier interview, people said independence of Kurdistan is a dream for them.

“We have been struggling for a century to have a home, to have a land, and now it's time for [achieving] our right,” a Syrian Kurd told Kurdistan 24 in Qamishlo city.

“It's our dream that Kurdistan becomes a state,” another Syrian Kurd chanted.

The Kurds have been seeking an independent state since the end of World War I when colonial powers divided the Middle East and left Kurdish-populated territory split between modern-day Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Syria.

Editing by Ava Homa

(Additional reporting by Delovan Cheto from Qamishlo and Derik)