Newroz, the Kurdish New Year that marks the arrival of spring, is being celebrated in Kurdish-majority regions with a series of lively celebrations and preparations. Among these, Diyarbakır (Amed) stands out, hosting significant celebrations within its historic fortifications, which include the Sur district. This year’s events in Diyarbakır were particularly poignant, commemorating the 75th birthday of Abdullah Öcalan, the founding leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), by lighting 75 torches and beating 75 traditional drums (erbane) along the ancient city walls.
Öcalan, who has been held in solitary confinement in İmralı Island Prison since 1999, remains a central figure in the Kurdish movement for rights and autonomy. Despite his limited communication with the outside world, with his last direct contact with lawyers in August 2019 and a brief phone call to a family member in spring 2021, Öcalan’s influence within the Kurdish community remains strong. The community’s continued calls for an end to his isolation and for a peaceful resolution to the Kurdish conflict were echoed in this year’s Newroz celebrations.
The historic city walls of Diyarbakır, a site of immense cultural and historical significance, once again served as the backdrop for these calls for peace. The Sur district, in particular, has been a focal point of conflict following the collapse of peace talks between the PKK and the Turkish government in 2015, resulting in heavy military operations, curfews and a prolonged siege that caused significant casualties and damage. In particular, Diyarbakır Castle and the Hevsel Gardens Cultural Landscape, which have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2015, suffered ‘irreparable damage’ during these conflicts.
Newroz has transcended its roots as a seasonal festival to become a day of political significance and cultural pride for the Kurdish people. The tradition of lighting fires, a ritual dating back thousands of years, symbolises the triumph of light and warmth over the darkness and cold of winter. It also honours the legendary resistance against tyranny and reflects the Kurdish aspirations for freedom and dignity.
