It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of Kurdish politician Salih Muslim, who passed away on 11 March 2026 in Hewler at the age of 75.
With his passing, the Kurdish movement, as well as the international community, has lost an important political figure who championed dialogue, democracy, and the rights of peoples in Syria and the region for many years.
Salih Muslim was one of the defining figures in Rojava’s political development. As a leading member of the Democratic Union Party (PYD), he championed a political project based on self-government, gender equality, religious and ethnic diversity, and local democracy. The political structures that emerged in northern and eastern Syria were seen by many people around the world as an attempt to build a democratic and pluralistic order in the midst of a destructive war.
Beyond the region, Salih Muslim became an important diplomatic voice and interlocutor for international actors. He repeatedly sought dialogue with the international community and public to promote a peaceful solution to the Syrian conflict and to raise awareness of the situation of the people in northern and eastern Syria.
Salih Muslim was invited twice as a speaker at our conferences in the European Parliament and closely followed our work. In the Parliament, he advocated for democratic prospects in the Middle East, for dialogue between the peoples of the region, and for constructive relations between the Kurdish movement, Europe, and Turkey.
Despite deep political conflicts in the region, Salih Muslim repeatedly emphasised the importance of political solutions and dialogue. His political and diplomatic work was shaped by his conviction that lasting peace can only be achieved through democratic participation, mutual respect, and negotiations.
With his death, Kurdish politics has lost a voice that for many years advocated self-determination, democratic structures, and peaceful coexistence among the peoples of Syria. His political legacy will forever live on in the political and social structures that he helped to build.
Salih Muslim’s name and memory stand as a monument and a beacon for humanity. The EUTCC sends its deep condolences to his family, his companions and all those who were inspired by his commitment and tireless work.
We shine peace upon your memory!
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EU Turkey Civic Commission
www.eutcc.net
Twitter: @EUTCC1
Facebook: Eu Turkey Civic Commission
Instagram: @eutcc1
