The recruitment of young Armenian men and women into military forces during the years 2019-2024 witnessed an important phase in the organization of the Armenian community in Rojava and North and East Syria.

Discussions have taken place in those years about the necessity of forming a military battalion specifically for the Armenian community for the sake of unifying them, raising the level of their activity, and protecting their identity and culture.

On the occasion of the anniversary of the July 19 Revolution, which has been announced in Rojava and North and East Syria since 2012, we had an interview with Talin Sarkis, a commander of Armenian Women Forces, on the Armenian community within the military forces.

“Building a military force was an idea that came to life as a result of the massacres and atrocities suffered by the Armenian people, mainly the genocide of 1915. It has left deep marks on Armenian society; hence the decreasing usage of the Armenian language and separation from traditions due to policies of cultural extinction and assimilation.”

“The need arose for building a structure where Armenian youth could come together, learn more about their history and culture and have a place where they could keep alive their language and identity.”

Martyr Noubar Ozanyan battalion: The start of organization

Tel Tamr saw, in 2019, the beginning of the first military unit devoted to Armenians called Martyr Noubar Ozanyan Battalion. It included Armenian youth from all of Rojava and North and East Syria.

But the activities of the battalion were not limited only to military service. It became a place of education of the members about Armenian history, massacres committed against Armenians, restoration of the Armenian language, traditions, and culture.

Talin explained that the battalion helped many recruits reconnect with their Armenian identity. It also played an important role in organizing Armenian women, many of whom had been affected by decades of attempts to erase their culture and compel them to adopt customs and traditions disconnected from their own heritage.

Presence on the frontlines

Since its establishment, the Martyr Noubar Ozanyan Battalion has fought alongside the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in confronting Turkish attacks on Serê Kaniyê (Ras al-Ain), Tel Tamr, and the Tishreen Dam, as well as participating in defending the region against attacks by armed factions affiliated with the Syrian Interim Government.

Talin noted that several Armenian fighters were martyred during these battles, emphasizing that members of the Armenian community continued defending their areas alongside various military forces across the frontlines stretching from Tel Tamr to the city of Al-Hasakah.

Formation of the Armenian women’s forces

As the participation of Armenian women expanded, the need emerged to establish a dedicated women’s organization. Consequently, at the end of 2024, the Armenian Women’s Forces were officially announced in the city of Al-Shaddadi, alongside the formation of the Martyr Media Battalion, which joined the Martyr Noubar Ozanyan Battalion.

The women who joined underwent military, cultural, social, and civic training aimed at preparing Armenian women to participate in various fields while strengthening their role within society.

From confronting criticism to leading the struggle

Nevertheless, the involvement of Armenian women in military combat led to social issues for female combatants due to the traditional stereotypes of women’s role in society. On the other hand, the involvement of Armenian women in battles helped change perceptions of society about the role of women as active participants in defense and protection.

Talin Sarkis noted that the main task of Armenian Women’s Forces is not only related to carrying weapons but also consists in organizing women and helping oppressed and violent women to be freed from the patriarchal mentality that prevails in many aspects of life of women today.

“As long as Armenian women were persecuted and subjected to numerous atrocities throughout the history, they do not renounce their right to defend their people and their rights,” she noted.

A call to Armenian women

Concluding her remarks, Armenian commander Talin Sarkis emphasized that the Armenian Women’s Forces will continue fulfilling their role alongside other military forces, regardless of opposition to women’s participation in military service.

She called on all Armenian women to join the Armenian Women’s Forces and contribute to protecting the Armenian community while preserving its identity and culture. She also revealed that efforts are underway to open the door for women from Armenia to join the force in the future.

ANHA

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