In the western Turkish metropolis of Istanbul, this year’s Newroz celebration has begun in Yenikapı Square with tens of thousands of participants. Under the slogan “Newroz of Freedom and Democratic Unity,” people continue to stream into the area, while the atmosphere grows more intense with each passing minute.
At the start of the event, slogans such as “Şehîd namirin” (Martyrs are immortal) were chanted, followed by music groups and traditional music performances that created a festive atmosphere. The crowd danced govend for an extended period, while large banners bearing slogans such as “Imperialism is the main enemy, peoples are brothers” and “Long live freedom, down with slavery” dominated the scene.
Speeches by the Istanbul DEM Party co-chairs
At the opening, the co-chairs of the Istanbul provincial organization of the DEM Party, Arife Çınar and Çınar Altan, addressed the crowd. Arife Çınar praised the mobilization of participants and stated that the filled squares were the result of a long-standing struggle. She emphasized the significance of this year’s Newroz for the people of Turkey, and particularly for the Kurds. The Kurdish population, she said, has been marginalized for decades.
At the same time, she referred to the aspiration for democratic coexistence and criticized that, despite the “process for peace and democratic society” initiated more than a year ago by Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan, no concrete steps have yet been taken. “If the state and government are genuinely interested in a solution, concrete steps must follow immediately,” she said.
Çınar Altan stated that this year’s Newroz could become a turning point. The goal, he said, is a just peace and freedom, which must be achieved through political and social struggle. Addressing the crowd, he repeatedly posed questions that were met with approval by those present. At the same time, calls were made for the freedom of Abdullah Öcalan and other political prisoners.
Message from the Alliance for Labor, Peace and Democracy
Later, a statement from the Alliance for Labor, Peace and Democracy was read out. It described Newroz as a symbol of resistance, hope, and equality, and particularly criticized wars, poverty, discrimination, and political repression. Addressing regional developments, the statement condemned attacks on Kurds and Alawites in Syria as well as military interventions in the region.
The alliance also emphasized that solutions must not be achieved through war, but through equality, self-determination, and democratic processes. In addition, it referred to social and economic problems in Turkey and criticized rising living costs, restrictions on trade union rights, and interference in democratic processes.
Message from Özgür Özel
As part of the event, a message from CHP leader Özgür Özel was also read. Özel described Newroz as a symbol of renewal, unity, and hope. He stated that every Newroz fire lit and every shared dance reflects the determination not to forget the past while also believing in a common future. The people, he said, are not tired of resistance, but they are weary of ongoing conflicts, polarization, and exclusion. “There is only one way to shake off the burden of this dark winter: peace,” the message read.
Referring to the current situation, Özel emphasized that social cohesion and solidarity are crucial. He stated that those who respond to suffering and violence—such as in Syria—with indifference or malice place themselves outside these shared values. He also underlined his party’s stance against violence and in favor of a political solution. He rejected attempts to divide society or incite conflict between different groups. Instead, an equal coexistence based on democracy and justice must be strengthened, he underlined.
Özel also criticized political developments in Turkey, including interference in democratic processes and the ongoing practice of appointing trustees to municipalities. Hopes for peace, he said, must not become a subject of political bargain. In conclusion, he stressed that a shared life in dignity and equality is possible: “There is no way out alone—either together or not at all.”
Extensive program continues
The program in Yenikapı is ongoing. In addition to speeches—expected from figures such as AABF chair Hüseyin Mat, TJA activist Sebahat Tuncel, Öcalan’s former fellow prisoner Çetin Arkaş, DEM Party co-chair Tülay Hatimoğulları, and MP Meral Danış Beştaş—musical performances by singer Suavi and the Koma Amed band, as well as the lighting of the Newroz fire, have been announced.