Sakine Cansız

Demonstration in Paris for slain PKK workers

Sakine Cansız was a prominent figure in the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), an organization involved in the Kurdish struggle in Turkey. Born in 1958 in Tunceli, Turkey, Cansız became an influential member of the PKK, dedicating her life to the Kurdish cause. Her activism and leadership made her a symbol of resistance among the Kurdish community. Cansız's life was tragically cut short when she was assassinated in Paris, France, on January 9, 2013, along with two other Kurdish activists, Fidan Doğan and Leyla Şaylemez. The murder sparked international outrage and highlighted the ongoing conflict between the PKK and the Turkish government.

Early Life and Involvement with the PKK

Sakine Cansız was born into an Alevi Kurdish family in the Dersim region, known for its historical resistance against Turkish assimilation policies. She attended Dicle University in Diyarbakır, where she became politically active and joined the burgeoning Kurdish rights movement. In 1978, Cansız was among the founding members of the PKK, a group that sought to establish an independent Kurdish state through armed struggle.

Role in the PKK

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Cansız played a crucial role in the PKK, participating in its armed struggle against the Turkish military. Her commitment to the cause and her leadership skills earned her respect within the organization and among the Kurdish people. Cansız was also known for advocating women's rights within the Kurdish movement, pushing for greater participation and leadership roles for women in the PKK.

Imprisonment

In 1980, following the military coup in Turkey, Cansız was arrested for her involvement with the PKK. She spent several years in prison, where she was subjected to torture. Despite the harsh conditions, Cansız continued to be a defiant voice for Kurdish rights, organizing hunger strikes and other forms of protest against the prison authorities.

Later Years and Assassination

After her release from prison, Cansız continued her activism in Europe, where she worked to garner international support for the Kurdish cause. Her assassination in Paris, along with Doğan and Şaylemez, was a significant blow to the Kurdish community and the PKK. The killings were widely viewed as politically motivated, though the exact perpetrators remain disputed. The incident underscored the dangerous conditions faced by Kurdish activists and the ongoing tensions between the PKK and the Turkish state.

Legacy

Sakine Cansız is remembered as a martyr by many in the Kurdish community. Her life and work symbolize the struggle for Kurdish autonomy and rights. Memorials and commemorations are held in her honor, reflecting her status as an enduring figure in the Kurdish movement. Cansız's legacy also highlights the significant role of women in the struggle for Kurdish independence and rights.