Kurds arriving from different cities of Germany entered the area wearing traditional clothes and carrying symbols of the Kurdish freedom struggle along with YPG and YPJ flags. After passing through security checkpoints, the crowd frequently chanted slogans such as “Bijî Serok Apo” [Long Live Leader Öcalan], “Gerilla,” “Jin Jiyan Azadî” [Woman, Life, Freedom] and “Yekîtiya Gelê Kurd” [Unity for Kurdish People]. While waiting for the program to begin, people danced in circles accompanied by traditional music. The colorful traditional clothing of women drew particular attention, while children attending with their families, decorated in Kurdish national colors, became a focal point of interest.
As the crowd gathered, they celebrated Newroz with dances, slogans, and songs, while also spending time at various stands set up in the area. Book stalls, the “Konê Amele,” and a miniature of the Amed city walls attracted significant interest. With tents set up across the venue and its surroundings, the celebrations took on a festival-like atmosphere.
The program began with chants of “Bijî Serok Apo,” followed by the singing of the national anthem “Ey Reqîp” and a moment of silence.
The program continued with a performance by the group Koroya Zarokan, speeches by KON-MED Co-Chair Kerem Gök and Ayten Kaplan on behalf of TJK-E, as well as remarks from the organizing committee.
In her speech, Ayten Kaplan emphasized that the Kurdish people have carried Newroz to the present day through great sacrifices, stating: “I celebrate Newroz in the memory of Mazlum, Zekiye, Ronahi, and many other heroes. The Kurdish people are celebrating Newroz 2026 once again at a historic turning point. We welcome Newroz with the spirit of the new process initiated by Leader Apo [Abdullah Öcalan] on February 27. In order for this step taken by Leader Apo toward resolving the Kurdish question to succeed, we especially expect the German state to exert positive pressure on Turkey. The German state must take responsibility in this regard.”
Kerem Gök pointed out that the resistance led by Öcalan has left its mark on this year’s celebrations. Addressing the German state, Gök said: “The leader took a historic step on February 27. The German state also shared a message supporting this step. The German government should put pressure on Turkey for a resolution to the Kurdish question and take a stance in favor of a solution.”
The Newroz celebrations continue with a performance by artist JALA. Participants are sustaining the festive spirit of Newroz through songs and traditional dances.