Draft:Meryem Kobanî
| Submission declined on 21 January 2025 by LunaEclipse (talk). This submission's references do not show that the subject qualifies for a Wikipedia article—that is, they do not show significant coverage (not just passing mentions) about the subject in published, reliable, secondary sources that are independent of the subject (see the guidelines on the notability of people). Before any resubmission, additional references meeting these criteria should be added (see technical help and learn about mistakes to avoid when addressing this issue). If no additional references exist, the subject is not suitable for Wikipedia. This submission does not appear to be written in the formal tone expected of an encyclopedia article. Entries should be written from a neutral point of view, and should refer to a range of independent, reliable, published sources. Please rewrite your submission in a more encyclopedic format. Please make sure to avoid peacock terms that promote the subject.
Where to get help
How to improve a draft
You can also browse Wikipedia:Featured articles and Wikipedia:Good articles to find examples of Wikipedia's best writing on topics similar to your proposed article. Improving your odds of a speedy review To improve your odds of a faster review, tag your draft with relevant WikiProject tags using the button below. This will let reviewers know a new draft has been submitted in their area of interest. For instance, if you wrote about a female astronomer, you would want to add the Biography, Astronomy, and Women scientists tags. Editor resources
|  |
| Submission declined on 18 January 2025 by SafariScribe (talk). This submission's references do not show that the subject qualifies for a Wikipedia article—that is, they do not show significant coverage (not just passing mentions) about the subject in published, reliable, secondary sources that are independent of the subject (see the guidelines on the notability of people). Before any resubmission, additional references meeting these criteria should be added (see technical help and learn about mistakes to avoid when addressing this issue). If no additional references exist, the subject is not suitable for Wikipedia. Declined by SafariScribe 11 days ago. | |
Comment: I should also note that an IP of all people is writing a draft related to a contentious topic (Kurdistan and the Kurds and the Syrian civil war) 💽 🌙Eclipse 💽 🌹 ⚧ (she/they) talk/edits 20:25, 21 January 2025 (UTC)
- Comment: A large amount of the sources used here are bare URLs that have suffered link rot. 💽 🌙Eclipse 💽 🌹 ⚧ (she/they) talk/edits 20:21, 21 January 2025 (UTC)
Meryem Kobanî | |
|---|---|
| Born | Kobanî, Syria |
| Allegiance |   Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria |
| Service |  People's Defense Units (YPG) |
| Years of service | 2013–present |
| Rank | Commander |
| Unit |  Women's Protection Units |
| Known for | Leadership in the defense of Kobanî against ISIS |
| Battles / wars | Siege of Kobanî |
| Other work | Promoting women's rights and rebuilding Kobanî |
Meryem Kobanî is a prominent Kurdish female commander of the Women's Protection Units (YPJ), an all-female militia that played a significant role in defending the Kurdish regions of Syria during the Siege of Kobanî in 2014–2015. Kobanî is recognized for her leadership in the defense of Kobanî against the Islamic State (ISIS), where the YPJ became a symbol of women's empowerment and resistance.[1][2][3]
Early Life and Involvement in the YPJ
[edit]Meryem Kobanî was born in the city of Kobanî, Syria, and became involved in the Kurdish resistance movement at a young age. In 2013, she joined the YPJ, an organization dedicated to defending the Kurdish regions of Syria and promoting women's rights. The YPJ was established on April 4, 2013, as a strictly women's organization, with its first battalion formed in Jindires. Over time, the group expanded its activities to the Kobanî and Jazira cantons. According to an article in The Guardian, the YPJ grew significantly as it fought against the advancing forces of ISIS in 2014.[4]
Role in the Siege of Kobanî
[edit]In September 2014, ISIS launched a massive offensive against the city of Kobanî, aiming to capture it and its surrounding villages. During this critical period, Meryem Kobanî emerged as a key leader within the Women's Protection Units (YPJ), coordinating her forces and inspiring resistance against ISIS. Kobanî famously stated, "The women nobody had confidence in, wrote history here in Kobanî."[5]
The Siege of Kobanî lasted several months, with ISIS forces pressing into the city. However, the YPJ, alongside the People's Defense Units (YPG) and other allied forces, successfully repelled the ISIS offensive. The liberation of Kobanî on January 27, 2015, marked a significant victory, delivering a substantial blow to ISIS and showcasing the effectiveness of the YPJ in combat. An article from BBC described how the YPJ, alongside other Kurdish fighters, played a pivotal role in driving ISIS from the city.[3]
Meryem Kobanî's leadership during the siege was widely covered by international media outlets. A report from The Independent highlighted her bravery and leadership, noting her as one of the central figures in the Kurdish resistance against ISIS.[2]
Post-Liberation Efforts
[edit]After the liberation of Kobanî in 2015, Meryem Kobanî continued her role as a prominent leader within the Women's Protection Units (YPJ), focusing on rebuilding the city and advancing women's rights in the region. She emphasized the importance of solidarity among women as a cornerstone in the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the broader liberation of the Kurdish people. Kobanî's story and the city itself have come to symbolize defiance, resilience, and the power of collective action.[6]
In the aftermath of the conflict, Kobanî worked alongside local and international organizations to coordinate reconstruction efforts in Kobanî. A report from Reuters highlighted her advocacy for political recognition and her commitment to promoting the role of women in governance and leadership within the region.[7]
Legacy
[edit]Meryem Kobanî has become a prominent symbol of resistance and women's empowerment, particularly in the context of the Kurdish struggle in the Middle East. Her leadership during the Siege of Kobanî highlighted the significant role women can play in conflict zones and shifted global perceptions about women in combat. Kobanî and her comrades in the Women's Protection Units (YPJ) demonstrated the capability of female fighters in the fight against ISIS.[8]
Kobanî's contributions have been celebrated by feminist organizations and human rights advocates, who view her as a powerful figure in both the Kurdish resistance and the broader movement for gender equality. Her role has inspired women across the region and beyond, presenting her as a key figure in redefining women's roles in military and leadership contexts.[9]
Her story has also been featured in documentaries and media reports, which have highlighted her contributions during the siege. These depictions underscore her legacy as both a military leader and a symbol of progress for women's rights in traditionally patriarchal societies.
See Also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Journeyman Pictures (2019-10-09). Meryem: Kobani's Female Liberator (2016). Retrieved 2025-01-17 – via YouTube.
- ^ a b "Unemployment falls to six-year low of 1.9 million | The Independent | The Independent". Independent.co.uk.
- ^ a b https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-31089488
- ^ https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/30/kurds-women-defend-kobani-isis-female-fighters
- ^ https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/1/28/kurdish-fighters-recapture-kobani-from-isis
- ^ "Mourning Kobanî - Photographs and text by Maryam Ashrafi".
- ^ https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-kobani-reconstruction-idUSKBN0OT0LR20150507
- ^ https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/26/world/middleeast/women-in-kurdistan-kobani.html
- ^ https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-31345398