Kurdish Communities Celebrate Historic Nowruz in Syria

Syrian Kurds celebrated Nowruz for the first time since the fall of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime, gathering in major cities to light symbolic fires. Residents expressed joy and hope for a democratic Syria, while solidarity was shown by other regions. Nowruz serves to reaffirm Kurdish national identity and unity.

Kurdish cities across Syria experienced historic Nowruz celebrations, with tens of thousands participating in rituals for the first time since the fall of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime. Cities such as Qamishli, Afrin, Kobani, Hasakah, and Derik were filled with festivities as crowds formed traditional dance circles around the Nowruz fires.

Sherin Sheikhy, a resident of Qamishli, expressed the significance of this celebration, stating, “This is the first time we celebrate Nowruz without the Baath regime and Al-Assad’s rule. We look forward to a new, free, and democratic Syria that guarantees Kurdish national rights.” She emphasized that the current moment marks a decisive turning point for Kurdish rights in Syria.

Furthermore, for the first time, communities in Syria’s coastal regions and the Druze-majority city of Sweida lit Nowruz flames in solidarity with Kurdish people. Activist Shiyar Younis remarked, “Kurdish-Syrian unity was long suppressed by Al-Assad’s policies. For decades, the regime sowed division among Syrians, but today, people are celebrating Nowruz together without fear.”

Nowruz is a significant celebration for Kurds, symbolizing their New Year and serving as a moment for them to reaffirm their national identity and historical connections to their homeland.

The Nowruz festivities across Syria represent a pivotal moment for the Kurdish community, celebrating freedom from Al-Assad’s regime. With newfound unity amongst various ethnic groups, this year’s festivities have allowed Kurds to assert their identity and rights in a collective movement towards a democratic Syria. The celebration indicates hope for a future where Kurdish voices are recognized and valued.

Original Source: shafaq.com