Masses celebrated Kurdish New Year Newroz in the Varto district of Muş under the slogan “Newroz of Freedom and Democracy.” The celebration, attended by citizens in traditional attire and accessories in yellow, red, and green, began with a moment of silence in memory of those who fell in the struggle.
Speaking at the event, Varto Co-Mayor Gülbahar Kaya said, “Thousands of greetings to the Kawas who resisted the Dehaqs. Happy Newroz.”
Co-Mayor Gıyasettin Aydemir stated that this year’s Newroz is one of freedom. Emphasizing that Newroz is a symbol of peace and resistance, he said, “The Newroz fire is building a free life. For centuries, Kurds have been growing the fire of resistance. Today, a peace process is underway. I believe that Abdullah Öcalan, who initiated the peace process, will attain his freedom.”
Democratic Regions Party (DBP) Provincial Co-Chair Umut Yılmaz said: “We will not allow any harm to Varto’s water and nature. Varto supports a party with over 90 percent of the vote in every election. Varto has its rightful owners. From here, I want to appeal to the government: Mr. Öcalan has played his historic role. Now it is your turn. In every household here, one person is either in prison or in exile. Varto demands that all legal and constitutional steps be taken.”
Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party DEM Party Muş Provincial Co-Chair Çiçek Tutuş stated that they were making their call from a stronghold of resistance: “We demand the physical freedom of Abdullah Öcalan and status for the Kurds.”
DEM Party Muş Provincial Co-Chair İlyas Aslan remarked that Newroz shows a path forward for the Middle East and that there is an opportunity to turn Newroz into a milestone.
Following the speeches, citizens once again joined in traditional dances with great enthusiasm. During the dances, the Newroz fire was lit, and young people continued dancing around it for a long time, jumping over the flames.