The Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) issued a congratulatory message on the occasion of Çarşema Sor (Red Wednesday), the sacred holiday of the Yazidi community.
Çarşema Sor is celebrated on the first Wednesday of the month of April according to the Eastern calendar. In the Gregorian calendar, it usually falls in mid-April. For Kurdish Yazidis, this day represents the start of a new year and a new cycle of life. Kurdish Yazidis believe that on this day, God created the world and brought life into it. That is why this festival is seen as the beginning of existence and life.
Drawing attention to the historical, religious, and social values of the holiday, the KNK expressed its hope that Çarşema Sor would contribute to lasting peace among all peoples.
The statement noted that Çarşema Sor holds an important place in the Yazidi faith and carries a meaning not only for Yazidis but also for the Kurdish people and the peoples of the region as a whole. The KNK underlined that being able to celebrate holidays in a free and peaceful environment is directly linked to social success and unity.
The KNK statement on Wednesday said:
“Today is Çarşema Sor, the first Wednesday of April, and a holiday of Kurdistan. The Çarşema Sor holiday of the Yazidi community carries great religious and historical significance. Yazidism is one of the ancient beliefs of Kurdistan. This holiday also embodies religious, social, and historical characteristics.
As the Kurdistan National Congress, we celebrate Çarşema Sor as a holiday of the Yazidi community, the Kurdish people, and all peoples in Kurdistan and the region. Our wish is that this holiday be lived in accordance with its essence and that, through the values it carries, it contributes to lasting peace among peoples.
As we mark Çarşema Sor today, we see that threats and dangers facing people of the Yazidi faith continue in Shengal, Afrin, and Serêkaniyê. The situation in Shengal has not yet been fully clarified, and the danger of a new genocidal campaign has not been completely eliminated. Although returns to Afrin and Serêkaniyê have begun, Yazidis in these regions still face threats.
Shengal is a special region with its unique structure and components. The majority of its population consists of Yazidi Kurds, and Shengal is part of the geography of Kurdistan. For this reason, it has been targeted for centuries. Most recently, the massacre carried out by ISIS in Shengal left deep scars in the collective memory of the people.
Even today, provocations are occasionally carried out in Shengal by certain forces, including the government in Baghdad. The aim of these initiatives is to weaken the Autonomous Administration of Shengal and to leave the people without governance and protection. However, what must be taken as the basis is the will of the people of Shengal.
All segments of society must be sensitive and stand in solidarity to protect the Yazidi community. The situation and problems of Shengal must be addressed specifically, and lasting solutions appropriate to these conditions must be developed.
The Kurdish people and all peoples in Kurdistan, regardless of their beliefs, must act with a sense of responsibility. A sincere unity must be formed against oppressive and occupying forces. For an honorable future, a common stance should be demonstrated around shared ancient values, meanings, and sacred elements.
In addition, Yazidis, Yarsanis, Alevis, Ahl-e Haqq, and Christians must be protected with particular sensitivity and awareness. Being able to celebrate our holidays in freedom and peace depends on success. The meaning of Çarşema Sor also demands this responsibility and belief from us.
With these hopes and wishes, we, as KNK, once again celebrate Çarşema Sor as a holiday of the Yazidi community, the Kurdish people, and all peoples in the region.”
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