The Başkale district of Van is known not only for its natural beauties, but also for its resistors who shaped Kurdish history.

One of these resistors is Eşoyê Mamedi, a legendary name among the people.

Eşoyê Mamedi’s story, which has become a symbol in Kurdish history, carries the courage of resistance and the pain of betrayal together.

Who is Eşoyê Mamedi?

Eşoyê Mamedi was a Kurdish people’s leader and warrior who lived in the Başkale region of Van in the early 20th century and fought for his people.

Eşoyê, who lived in the same era as other important Kurdish figures of the period such as Gazi Muhammed, Simko and Seyit Rıza, is remembered for his struggle for independence, honor and standing up for his people, just like them.

The tragic end of the resistance: The story of a betrayal

The name of Eşoyê Mamedi is remembered not only for heroism, but also for a tragic end.

A story of betrayal that is still told among the Kurds, while ending his life, could not prevent him from being remembered as a folk hero.

Today, Eşo’s story continues to be passed down from generation to generation through the Kurdish oral history tradition.

İhsan Özdemir, one of the living narrators of this powerful story, told Eşoyê Mamedi for Şoperêç.