Historic Nowruz Celebrations Unite Syrian Kurds Post-Assad Regime

Syrian Kurds celebrated Nowruz for the first time since the fall of Assad’s regime, gathering in major cities like Qamishli and Kobani. Residents expressed hope for a free and democratic Syria that recognizes Kurdish rights. People from other regions, including coastal areas and Druze-majority Sweida, joined in solidarity. This year’s Nowruz signifies a revival of Kurdish identity and a collective desire for unity among all Syrians.

On Thursday, Kurdish cities throughout Syria celebrated Nowruz with significant enthusiasm, marking the first festivities since the fall of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime. Major cities such as Qamishli, Afrin, Kobani, Hasakah, and Derik saw tens of thousands congregating to ignite the symbolic holiday flame. Traditional dance circles formed around the Nowruz fire, symbolizing both celebration and resilience.

Sherin Sheikhy, a Qamishli resident, expressed the significance of this celebration, noting, “This is the first time we celebrate Nowruz without the Baath regime and Al-Assad’s rule.” She emphasized the community’s hopes for a new Syria that upholds Kurdish national rights. Sheikhy further conveyed that marginalized Kurdish rights can no longer be overlooked in future governance efforts.

In addition, residents from Syria’s coastal regions and the Druze-majority city of Sweida joined in lighting Nowruz flames, demonstrating unity and support for the Kurdish community. Kurdish activist Shiyar Younis highlighted the importance of this solidarity, stating, “Kurdish-Syrian unity was long suppressed by Al-Assad’s policies.” This event symbolizes a collective celebration free from the regime’s oppression.

Nowruz, celebrated as Kurdish New Year, is a pivotal occasion for Kurds to reaffirm their national identity and historical connections to their land. This year’s festivities reflect not only joy but a hope for a more inclusive future for all Syrians.

The recent Nowruz celebrations among Syrian Kurds represent a significant cultural revival following the fall of the Assad regime. The unity demonstrated by participants across various regions underscores a collective yearning for recognition of Kurdish rights and a democratic Syria. This event marks both a cultural milestone and an assertion of national identity for the Kurdish community, fostering hope for future equality and solidarity among diverse Syrian groups.

Original Source: shafaq.com