A Century of Diversity – A shared vision

On August 20, 2026, the city of Qamishli / Qamishlo / Zalin will mark its hundredth year, carrying with it the memory of a century of historical, social, cultural, and political transformations. 

The city’s centenary is not simply a symbolic milestone; it is an opportunity to rediscover its spirit and unique identity, and to empower its inhabitants to shape a future built on justice, recognition, and shared coexistence. Against a backdrop of prolonged marginalization and interwoven conflicts that have strained its social and cultural fabric, celebrating the centenary becomes an act of reclaiming the city from decades of authoritarian rule and restoring its rightful ownership to its people. 

We view Qamishli as a shared space that embodies linguistic, cultural, religious, political, and social diversity. Its distinctive mosaic has brought together Syriac, Assyrians, Chaldeans, Kurds, Armenians, Arabs, Jews, and Circassians. Within its neighborhoods, Kurdish, Syriac, Arabic, Hebrew, and Armenian have been spoken, while Muslims, Yazidis, Christians, and Jews lived side by side. 

This plurality was never incidental; it has always been the structural foundation of the city and the essence of its distinct identity. This vision seeks to honor and restore that legacy. 

We envision Qamishli as a hub for community dialogue and a crossroads of cultural and linguistic diversity, a model of justice and inclusivity, and a living laboratory demonstrating that coexistence is not a distant dream but a tangible daily practice. We want it to become an environmentally sustainable city, one that restores its connection with its water, land, and air after years of conflict and neglect, a green and vibrant city that places the dignity of life at the core of its priorities. 

The centenary of Qamishli / Qamishlo / Zalin is an opportunity to rebuild a multi-voiced narrative, that honors all its components without exception and restores its role as a bridge linking a rich past, a vibrant present, and a promising future. 

This vision affirms the collective ownership of the city and is an invitation to its sons and daughters, both at home and abroad, as well as its friends and residents, to transform this centennial into an inclusive cultural and social movement that gives due recognition to all the city’s cultures. 

The success of celebrating Qamishli’s centenary depends on the level of public participation. Therefore, we call on everyone, individuals, civil, political, social, and religious institutions, both official and unofficial, to take part and contribute, whether individually or collectively 

The signatories to this statement: 

1. Artist Organization for Culture and Development 
2. ASHTI Foundation 
3. ASO Center for Consultancy and Strategic Studies 
4. PÊL- Civil Waves 
5. Demos 
6. Green Trees 
7. Humanitarian and Development Cooperation – HDC 
8. Malva for Arts and Culture 
9. Nextep Organization 
10. Roni Peywend 
11. SHAR for Development 
12. Shawshka Women’s Association 
13. SMART Foundation for Community Development 
14. Synergy Association for Victims 
15. Syriac Cultural Association in Syria 
16. Syrians for Truth and Justice 
17. Tadmrto 
18. Warshin Association for the Protection of the Environment 
19. White Hope Organization 
20. Women Initiatives