In the province of Amed (tr. Diyarbakır), this year’s Newroz celebrations will begin with a symbolic opening on the city’s historical walls, where the first Newroz fire is set to be lit on March 11. The main celebration is planned for March 21 in the city’s Newroz Park.
This year, Newroz will be celebrated under the slogan “Newroz of Freedom and Democracy.” Celebrations have been announced in at least 53 locations across the country. In addition to large events in city centers, traditional Newroz fires will also be lit in many districts, villages, and rural areas.
After the fires in Amed and Istanbul on March 21, further large Newroz celebrations are planned, including on March 23 in Van and in many other cities. Arzu Kahraman from the Amed Newroz Preparation Committee stated that various programs will be organized throughout the city. These will also include events specifically organized by women. “We will light the Newroz fires with messages of peace and unity,” said Kahraman, calling on the residents to participate in the celebrations in large numbers.
In remembrance of Zekiye Alkan
Kahraman emphasized that the opening on the historical walls of Amed carries a special symbolic significance. The walls are a central place in the city’s history and represent the memory and resistance of the Kurdish population. At the same time, the opening of the celebrations on the walls is dedicated to the memory of Zekiye Alkan. In 1990, Alkan set herself on fire during Newroz and has since been regarded as one of the symbolic figures of Kurdish resistance.
Celebrations in the city, villages and districts
The Newroz celebrations will not be limited to the city center. Newroz fires will also be lit and celebrations organized in the districts, villages and rural areas of Amed. For the Kurdish population, Newroz is far more than a festival, Kahraman explained. It represents resistance against oppression as well as history, tradition and the collective desire for freedom. On March 21, people will gather in Newroz Park wearing traditional and colorful clothes. Kahraman especially called on women and young people to participate in the celebrations.
Newroz in the spirit of peace and unity
This year, Newroz stands under the sign of peace, democracy and the unity of peoples, Kahraman said. At a time of political discussions about the democratization of society and democratic integration, the celebrations have particular significance, especially in cities in western Turkey where the festival is also celebrated. A central theme of this year’s celebrations is therefore the unity of the peoples of the Middle East.
Kahraman stated that people will take to the streets in the spirit of unity: “Our message for this Newroz is: The attacks on Rojava have shown that the Kurdish people are drawing closer together and strengthening their unity. We believe that this Newroz must particularly make visible the unity and solidarity of the peoples of the Middle East. This year we will loudly proclaim the unity of all peoples. With this awareness, we will celebrate Newroz in the spirit of unity.”
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