Newroz celebrations are in full swing in Rojhilat, Iranian Kurdistan, as towns such as Saqqez, Bukan and Mahabad come alive with enthusiastic festivities to mark the annual spring festival.
The Newroz fire, symbolising renewal and resistance, was lit on Friday on Jaqal Mountain in Saqqez. This year’s ceremony was attended by Amjad Amini, the father of Jina Mahsa Amini, whose death in September 2022 sparked widespread protests and international outcry. The event was dedicated to the memory of Jina and those killed by Iranian security forces during the “Jin, Jiyan, Azadi” (Woman, Life, Freedom) uprisings, a slogan that has resonated deeply in Kurdish-majority regions and beyond, symbolising the struggle for women’s rights and liberation.
Amjad Amini’s presence at the ceremony underlines the profound personal loss that has catalysed a wider movement for change. Jina Amini’s death, after being detained by Iran’s morality police for allegedly violating the Islamic Republic’s dress code, sparked protests that quickly spread across Iran and gained international support. While rooted in the struggle for women’s rights and autonomy, the “Jin, Jiyan, Azadi” movement has come to symbolise a broader resistance to oppression and the fight for human rights.
The event in Saqqez was not only a cultural celebration, but also a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles and sacrifices of the Kurdish community in Iran. It served as a moment of collective remembrance and resilience, bringing together those who continue to seek justice and reform in the face of adversity.
Newroz, which translates as ‘New Day’, is an ancient festival that symbolises the arrival of spring and the triumph of light over darkness. It has deep cultural and historical significance for the Kurdish people and serves as a symbol of unity, resilience and hope. The festival has been celebrated for centuries and has become an integral part of Kurdish identity.
