Friday’s Newroz celebrations in Diyarbakır (Amed) were overshadowed by an exceptional level of security measures by the Turkish police, as recounted by Kurdish musician Mikhail Aslan. This year’s festivities encountered an intensity of police scrutiny unseen even during the turbulent 1990s, a period considered by many as the zenith of Turkey’s Kurdish conflict.
“I’ve never seen anything like this before; from Hakkari (Colemerg) to Diyarbakır, we faced 14 identity checks. In Istanbul and Amed, we went through 6-7 checks before even making it to the stage,” shared Aslan.
The celebrations this year stood as a vibrant testament to cultural resilience, with Aslan likening the atmosphere to the mythological Phoenix, a symbol of rebirth and pride, showcasing the richness of Kurdish culture. “Our spirits are free; the sound of the tenbur resonates across the skies,” Aslan underscored.
An incident behind the scenes further illustrated the intrusive policing. Police officers attempted to interfere with the event’s sound system, suggesting they intended to lower the volume. When confronted by a lawyer, Serhat Eren, who challenged the legality of their actions, the police suggested a complaint could be filed against them.
