Historic Nowruz Celebrations Among Syrian Kurds Mark New Era Post-Assad
Kurdish cities in Syria celebrated Nowruz for the first time after the fall of Assad’s regime, marking a historic moment. Participants expressed hopes for a free and democratic Syria that respects Kurdish rights. Celebrations included participants from coastal regions, highlighting a newfound unity against past divisions.
On Thursday, Kurdish cities throughout Syria commemorated the Nowruz festival, marking a significant celebration following the recent fall of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime. Major urban centers, including Qamishli, Afrin, Kobani, Hasakah, and Derik, witnessed vibrant festivities involving traditional dance circles around the symbolic Nowruz fire, as tens of thousands participated in the celebrations.
Sherin Sheikhy, a resident of Qamishli, expressed pride in celebrating Nowruz without the shadow of the Baath regime, 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 characterized the event as a pivotal moment for Kurdish aspirations, noting that there can no longer be any denial of their rights by future governments.
For the first time, individuals from Syria’s coastal areas and the Druze-majority city of Sweida lit Nowruz flames, showcasing solidarity with the Kurdish community. Activist Shiyar Younis emphasized the changing dynamics, stating, “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, which signifies the Kurdish New Year, serves as an annual occasion for Kurds to celebrate their national identity and reaffirm their historical connections to their homeland.
The recent Nowruz celebrations among the Kurdish population in Syria signify a historic and optimistic shift following the end of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime. With communities uniting in celebration, the event underscores aspirations for greater Kurdish rights and a democratic future. This newfound solidarity extends beyond traditional boundaries, indicating a potential for unity among various ethnic groups within Syria.
Original Source: shafaq.com
