Newroz celebrations erupted across North and East Syria over the last few days, uniting communities under a symbol of renewal and resilience. This year’s final celebrations began on Wednesday evening when Mazloum Abdi, commander-in-chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), lit the Newroz fire.
The torch-lighting ceremony, led by Abdi, took place in the presence of members of the SDF General Command and a delegation from the US-led Global Coalition forces involved in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS).
🔴#Newroz celebrations in autonomous North and East #Syria began with a torch-lighting ceremony led by #SDF Commander #MazloumAbdi (https://t.co/xluYfxMLL0) pic.twitter.com/uZ92MteV4V
— MedyaNews (@medyanews_) March 21, 2024
On Thursday, communities in eight main centres across North and East Syria welcomed Newroz. Since the early hours of the morning, people from different ethnic backgrounds, including Kurds, Arabs, Syriacs, Armenians, Assyrians and Circassians, have gathered in their distinctive dress in the decorated celebration squares.
Representatives of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria and political parties are actively involved in the celebrations. In particular, Avin Swed, Co-Chair of the Executive Council of the Democratic Autonomous Administration, joined the celebrations in the Tirbespiyê district, while Laila Qaraman, Co-Chair of the Syrian Democratic Council, attended the festivities in Hasaka. In addition, Asia Abdullah, co-chair of the Democratic Union Party, joined the celebrations in Qamishlo.
The festivities began with families of fallen SDF fighters lighting the Newroz flame in the squares, followed by Newroz speeches and artistic and musical performances.
History of the struggle
The significance of Newroz goes beyond a marking of the seasons. It has deep cultural meaning for Kurds, symbolising renewal, liberation and the triumph of justice. However, over the years, Newroz celebrations have often been marred by violence against Syrian Kurds. These attacks, perpetrated by various groups, reflect the ongoing struggles the Kurdish community faces as they seek to preserve their cultural heritage amid conflict and oppression.
During Newroz celebrations in 2023, Jaysh al-Sharqiya militants attacked Kurds in Turkish-held Jindires, Afrin, resulting in deaths and injuries.
After Turkey captured the Kurdish city of Afrin in 2018, Newroz celebrations were banned and Kurds who celebrated by lighting bonfires in their homes were arrested. One of the first acts of Turkish forces and their allied Syrian groups after taking control of the region was to destroy a statue of Kawa, a mythical figure in the ancient story of Newroz.
ttps://medyanews.net/newroz-symbol-of-kurdish-resistance/
On Newroz 2015, ISIS carried out suicide bombings in Hasakah, killing scores of civilians during celebrations.
Similarly, in 2008, Syrian government forces attacked Kurds celebrating Newroz in Qamishli, resulting in deaths.
Despite the challenges, the resilience and determination of Kurdish communities to celebrate Newroz and maintain their identity remains unwavering.
