Thousands of people gathered at the Newroz celebration held in the Artuklu district of Mardin under the slogan “Newroz of Freedom and Democracy.” Citizens began arriving at the area early in the morning. Wearing traditional clothing and colorful accessories, they filled the area with vibrant scenes. Women attending with their children added to the lively atmosphere, while the strong presence of young people stood out. Supporter groups and young guests from Europe also took part in the celebration.
The celebration continued with traditional dances, followed by a moment of silence in memory of those who lost their lives in the struggle for freedom and democracy. During the silence, the slogan “Şehîd namirin” (Martyrs are immortal) echoed across the area, after which speeches began.
‘Kurdish people are declaring their status and calling for freedom’
Organizing Committee member and DEM Party district co-chair Mehmet Bingül stated that the Kurdish people were taking to the squares to voice their status and rights: “Today, the Kurdish people are coming out in their millions. They are declaring their status. They are calling for freedom and demanding the freedom of their leader.”
Mardin Metropolitan Municipality Co-Mayor Devrim Demir then addressed the crowd, noting that Kurdish women filled the Newroz grounds and decorated them with their colors. Emphasizing that Kurds have made themselves recognized in the world through resistance, Demir said: “The Kurdish people insist on building unity with this spirit. They struggle to achieve unity. Now is the time for freedom. It is time for unity. We want this Newroz to contribute to Kurdish unity and freedom.”
‘Newroz is not merely a culture but a memory’
Democratic Regions Party (DBP) provincial co-chair Abdulselam Turan stated that thousands of greetings had been sent from the Newroz grounds to Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan. He emphasized that there had been attempts to strip Newroz of its spirit, but the Kurdish people did not allow it. Turan stressed that Newroz is not merely a culture but a memory. Drawing attention to the Peace and Democratic Society Process, he said: “Peace is not only the silencing of weapons or the end of deaths. Peace is the dignity of people. Peace is the construction of a democratic society under the leadership of women. Peace is the common call of cultures, nations, and beliefs. Peace is the call of Leader Apo (Abdullah Öcalan). Peace is Leader Apo’s Newroz call. Newroz is Leader Apo himself.”
‘It is time for freedom and to build a new life’
Finally, DEM Party MP Beritan Güneş Altın stated that Newroz 2026 has been written into history. Emphasizing that millions lit the Newroz fire together across cities in Turkey and Kurdistan, she said: “Are you ready to celebrate Leader Apo’s Newroz together? Happy Newroz, Leader Apo. The call of Abdullah Öcalan is a call for a new life. With his February 27 declaration, he called for a new life, and in his Newroz 2026 message he emphasized that Newroz marks the beginning of a new life. We call from here: if you are sincere about building a new life for the Kurds, if you truly stand for peace, then open the prison gates. Take the necessary steps so that guerrillas can engage in politics. Millions raised their voices in Newroz squares—for the freedom of Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan, for Rojava, for Rojhilat. The time has now come. It is time for freedom. It is time to build a new life.”
