2022 Newroz in North and East Syria: Freedom for Öcalan

As people welcomed the month of March with huge enthusiasm in the lands of North and East Syria, the common result of ideas and events is the physical freedom of Kurdish leader Öcalan.

During the Newroz celebrations, peoples responded to the isolation of Öcalan, fascism and occupation in the spirit of freedom, unity and resistance.

The plans of the Turkish state have been rendered futile thanks to the prices paid.  Guerrillas displayed outstanding heroism in Garê, Werxelê, Mam Reşo, Zendura and Girê Sor.

Newroz does not just mean the coming of spring, it also stands for rebellion and resistance. It is the defiance of the oppressed peoples against ruthless tyrants. Newroz is the symbol of the unity and solidarity of peoples.

PREPARATIONS FOR NEWROZ

As every year, the people made preparations in advance for the Newroz celebrations. Photos of Öcalan and PKK, TEV-DEM, YPJ/YPG, SDF, Kongra Star flags were displayed in streets, neighbourhoods and towns.

In the celebrations that started in the evening, torches were lit, and the people jumped over the fire and danced while chanting the slogan ‘Bijî Serok Apo’ (Long Live Leader Öcalan”.

Wearing traditional colourful dresses, the people joined a convoy with ululations, slogans and vehicles were decorated with Öcalan’s photos and PKK flags. Hundreds of thousands of people participated in the 2022 Newroz festival. The Newroz fire lit by the families of martyrs created a spectacular atmosphere accompanied by the slogan of ‘Şehîd namirin’ (Martyrs are immortal), victory signs and ululations.

The people flocked to the Newroz area in their local clothes and performed the traditional dance with ululations and the slogan ‘Be Serok jiyan nabe’ (No life without the leader).

The festival areas were decorated with red, yellow and green balloons, ribbons, TEV-DEM, YPG, YPJ, SDF, Kongra Star banners, and photos of Öcalan and Kurdistan freedom martyrs. The security measures taken by the Internal Security Forces remained in force until the end of Newroz events, and ambulances waited near the event areas for emergency.

NEWROZ EVENTS OVERCROWED

This year’s Newroz celebrations were dedicated to Öcalan, political prisoners, guerrillas and fighters fighting for freedom.

The events were overcrowded for a dignified life. All people from 7 to 70 flocked to the area with their local clothes and PKK flags. Arab, Armenian, Syriac, Yazidi and Turkmen people were united for freedom.

Folklore, music and theatre groups affiliated with TEV-ÇAND and Hilala Zêrîn Culture and Art Movement performed their arts.

WOMEN LED THE CELEBRATIONS

Just as the women who said ‘the Rojava Revolution is the Women’s Revolution’, the women who participated and led the preparation process of Newroz once again proved that the Newroz is of utmost importance to them. With their colourful local dresses, songs, halay and slogans, the women led the celebrations of Newroz which represents a rebirth for them.

INSISTENCE ON FREEDOM

Physical freedom of Öcalan was emphasized during the celebrations in North and East Syria. The participants vowed to increase the struggle against attacks and special wars and to fight for freedom until the end. It was also stated that fascist forces could not destroy the freedom line and the PKK represents the Newroz for the oppressed peoples.

During the celebrations that continued the whole day in Qamishlo, Derik and Tirbespiyê, peoples promised to expand the struggle in the lands of Kurdistan.

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