Celebrations of Newroz, the Kurdish New Year and herald of spring, have begun in western Iran, known as Rojhilat, and will continue until 21 March.
Deeply rooted in Kurdish culture, Newroz symbolises the rebirth of nature and has become a crucial aspect of Kurdish national identity in the 20th century, often associated with political expression and the assertion of Kurdish existence in Iran, Syria, Iraq and Turkey.
Social media footage has captured the start of the Newroz celebrations in the ancient village of Hawraman, characterised by its unique architecture of an endless staircase set against a backdrop of rugged mountains. These celebrations include mass gatherings and traditional dances, showcasing the region’s vibrant cultural heritage.
The Kurds, who make up around 10 per cent of Iran’s population, have long campaigned for cultural and administrative rights and autonomy. They are the third largest ethnic group in Iran, after Persians and Azeris. In recent years, tensions have risen in Kurdish-populated areas of Iran, particularly following protests sparked by the death of 22-year-old Jina Amini, who died after being detained by the country’s morality police.
The Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) in Syria have also marked the start of Newroz by highlighting its importance on social media. Their message commemorates the victory of the blacksmith Kawa over the tyrant Dehak, a story at the heart of Newroz that symbolises the triumph of liberation and resistance.
Kawa (Kaveh) the blacksmith, known as the “Spartacus of Kurdistan”, is a symbol of resistance at the heart of Newroz. According to legend, the Kurdish blacksmith lived 2,500 years ago under the tyranny of Dehak (Zuhak), the king of Assyria. Under Dehak’s persecution, Kurdistan saw no springs. Kawa rebelled on 20 March and defeated Dehak with his hammer. After Dehak’s death, the people celebrated their new-found freedom from the cruel ruler by lighting bonfires on the hills. The next day, spring would return to Kurdistan. Based on this legend, Newroz is a symbol of liberation for the oppressed Kurdish people.
Rojin Mukriyan, a Kurdish scholar at University College Cork, explained the dual nature of the Newroz celebrations, highlighting their significance as both a cultural and political demonstration. According to Mukriyan, the festivities, characterised by colourful dress and communal dancing, underline Kurdish solidarity, cultural richness and the ongoing struggle against domination and colonisation.
