Amed adorned with leader Ocalan’s pictures during Newroz 2025

Pictures of leader Abdullah Ocalan were raised in Newroz Square in the city of Amed (Diyarbakir) in North Kurdistan, which has become a focal point for the world’s attention after tens of thousands of participants gathered. Before the start of the celebrations, the memory of martyr Kemal Kurkut, who was shot dead by Turkish police during the Newroz celebrations in 2017, was honored.

Start of the celebrations

Newroz celebrations in North Kurdistan this year are being held under the slogan "Free Leadership, Democratic Society." These celebrations began on March 12 in the Lice district of Amed, where the first congress of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) was established, and continued today with the grand Amed celebration in the Newroz Park in the Rezan area.

The celebration stage was decorated with Newroz flags and banners reading "Woman, Life, Freedom." A large picture of martyr Kemal Kurkut, who became a symbol of resistance after his martyrdom during the Newroz celebrations in 2017, was also raised.

In the square, banners bearing the sayings of leader Abdullah Ocalan were displayed, including: "We began with the youth, and we will triumph with the youth," "Freedom will prevail," and "A person who cannot speak with a woman cannot become a socialist." Other slogans on the banners included "Long live Leader Apo" and "Woman, Life, Freedom."

Large participation

From the early morning hours, thousands of citizens from cities, towns, villages, and surrounding areas poured into Newroz Square. Participants wore traditional and folk clothing and accompanied the celebrations with dancing to the rhythms of drums and flutes.

Hundreds of politicians, intellectuals, and representatives of organizations from various countries participated in the celebration, including France, Catalonia, Spain, Ireland, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Kenya, the Czech Republic, India, Egypt, Iran, Lebanon, Iraq, Libya, Tunisia, and the Kurdistan Region.

The event was covered by 629 journalists from inside and outside the country, reflecting the global significance of these celebrations.

The main theme: Call for peace

This year’s Newroz theme in Amed is titled "Peace and Democratic Society," based on the historic call made by leader Abdullah Ocalan on February 27. During the celebration, a picture of the leader from his meeting with a delegation from the People's Democratic Party (DEM) and political prisoners who visited him was raised.

Commemoration of Martyr Kemal Kurkut

Before the celebration began, the memory of martyr Kemal Kurkut, who was shot dead by Turkish police during the Newroz celebrations in 2017, was honored. The events began with chants and slogans reflecting the Kurdish people's aspirations for freedom and peace.

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ANHA