Decentralized self-determination movements are often threatened by high-tech weapons, such as military grade drones and smart ammunition, controlled by oppressive nation states. How can we defend ourselves against such threats without access to advanced, industrially produced defense systems? And how can we develop our own defense technologies while envisaging an alternative technological future, rooted in local and regional culture?
Mij (The Fog) is both an artwork and a functioning civilian defense system against Semi Active Laser (SAL) missiles, such as the Turkish made MAM-C. Drawing from the principles of the Rojava Revolution, it combines commonly accessible technology with myth and folklore. A sculpture has been made to complement the so-called Tell Asmar hoard, a collection of Mesopotamian votive statues from 3000-2500 BCE. A 3D printed version of this new worshipper of the Sumerian god of thunder and fog, Ninurta, has been equipped with a SAL missile detection system based on open-source defense research: the statue’s eyes detect infrared laser signals emitted by missiles, while a device in its interior can generate fog that is released through its mouth. When a missile is launched by a drone overhead, its laser signal is detected and smoke is released to confuse its targeting system.
The video that forms part of the project combines promotional footage by the arms manufacturing company that produces the MAM-C missile, documentation of the construction and testing of our system, and an original Kurdish song about the myth of the evil bird Anzû and its defeat by the cunning and persistent god of fog, Ninurta.

Rojava Center for Democratic Technologies
Dani Ploeger
Jihan Eyo
Reshan Youssef
Basil al-Jado
Ciwana Aras
Christy Westhovens
Jochem Weststrate

With support from: Error 417 Expectation Failed (https://error417.expectation.fail/)
Rojava Film Commune (https://kominafilmarojava.org/)

Rojava Center for Democratic Technologies (SY). We are a fluid group of anarchist artists, mechatronics engineers, and cultural critics who collaborate on the creation of what we call "revolutionary prototypes"—technological systems that combine speculative artistic research with functioning technical principles. We make artifacts and performative interventions, which some people consider art, others engineering, and some neither. Our work is based in North-East Syria and connects to the Rojava Revolution, a movement aimed at creating a society based on decentralized governance, equality, and ecology. The Center was initiated by Dani Ploeger at the University of Rojava in Qamishlo in 2022. Since then, we have worked in different constellations, at times including partners in the Netherlands and Germany.

Mij (The Fog) expands the notion of interactivity beyond human-centered interfaces to a system that responds to real-world threats. Using accessible, open-source technologies, it detects the laser signals used to guide missiles and emits fog as a form of technological camouflage. The sculpture depicts a devotee of Ninurta, an ancient Mesopotamian deity associated with thunder and fog. Linking contemporary engineering with mythology and folklore, the project transforms a functional technology into a poetic narrative and a culturally grounded vision of technological self-determination.
The jury recognizes Mij (The Fog) for demonstrating how artistic practice can transform technological innovation into a form of cultural and political self-determination, opening new perspectives on technology in times of conflict.