The annual Newroz festival unfolded in full splendour in the picturesque town of Akre, near Duhok in Iraqi Kurdistan. Affectionately known as the ‘Capital of Newroz’, Akre became the epicentre of Kurdish tradition and solidarity as locals and visitors alike gathered to celebrate this cherished holiday.
The festivities began with a spectacular display of tradition and unity as scores of young people climbed the hills of Girê Top, Kelê and Kela Kewvin, each carrying a torch. Over 2500 torches lit up the night, symbolising not only a physical ascent but also the resilience and enduring spirit of the Kurdish people.
Tracing its origins back over 2,700 years to the legend of the tyrant Dehak, Newroz has a deep significance in Kurdish lore. The story goes that Dehak’s oppressive rule over ancient Kurdistan was ended by Kawa the blacksmith and his followers, marking the victory of good over evil and the dawn of a new era of freedom and hope.
The re-enactment of the lighting of the Newroz fire, mirroring Kawa’s burning of Dehak’s castle, is a poignant reminder of the Kurdish struggle for dignity and liberation. It is a time when communities come together to celebrate their heritage, share stories of bravery and embrace the promise of a prosperous future.
In Akre, the spirit of Newroz burns brightly; the city’s name itself derives from the Kurdish word for fire, ‘agir’. The annual celebrations on 20 March, known as the Kurdish New Year, transform Akre into a vibrant tapestry of colour and tradition. Locals descended from the surrounding mountains with their torches to a dazzling fireworks display, earning Akre its reputation as the capital of Newroz.
