Newroz 2026: Kurds' unity, leader Ocalan's freedom is new phase's message

After reading the message of leader Abdullah Ocalan on the occasion of Newroz 2026, and lighting the Newroz flame in the celebration of Drijik in the countryside of Tirbê Spiyê and Jagher Bazaar in the countryside of Amuda city, speeches were delivered on the occasion of Newroz.

Tirbê Spiyê

In Tirbê Spiyê, the co-chair of the Democratic Union Party (PYD), Garib Hesso, delivered a speech in which he stated that the spirit of this year's Newroz celebration embodies the spirit of democratic unity for the Kurdish people across the four parts of Kurdistan. He added that, thanks to the sacrifices of the martyrs of freedom, the Kurdish cause is entering a new phase today.

He further stated that the great history of Newroz carries the flame of freedom against colonialism and continues to this day, as the peoples of Mesopotamia come together to live freely. Newroz represents the reality, culture, ethics, and freedom of the Kurdish people, and the cohesion of society against all forms of oppression. Just as the history of the Kurdish people's struggle has been replete with resistance against colonialism and enslavement, it continues to this day.

Hesso noted that the messages of leader Abdullah Ocalan call for freedom and democracy in a time of peace. He added, "Therefore, we also emphasize that the physical freedom of leader Abdullah Ocalan will remain a priority in our people's struggle because leader Abdullah Ocalan is capable of bringing freedom, peace, and democracy to the region as a whole."

Hesso pointed out that the Rojava Revolution has united 50 million Kurds worldwide because it embodies the hopes and aspirations of all the Kurdish people. He said, "Today, the diverse communities of Tirbê Spiyê; Kurds, Arabs, and Syriacs, gather for Newroz to reaffirm the commitment to the January 29th Agreement and to work hand in hand to build a democratic system in Syria that fulfills the aspirations of all components of the Syrian people and guarantees the rights of the Kurdish people in the constitution."

For her part, Salma Khalil; the administrator in the Martyrs' Families Council, noted that the spirit of Newroz this year carries the struggle of the Kurdish people, who have rejected injustice throughout their long history and made great sacrifices for their freedom. She added, "On this basis, we, as families of martyrs, will continue the struggle until the aspirations of our people are realized and the physical freedom of the leader Abdullah Ocalan is achieved."

Salma Khalil emphasized that the unity of the Kurdish people and the support of the People's Protection Units (YPG) and the Women's Protection Units (YPJ) have demonstrated to the entire world that the Kurdish people, who have offered thousands of martyrs in the fight against terrorism, bring peace and democracy to all the peoples of the world.

Amuda

In the Newroz celebration at the Jagher Bazaar in Amuda, Kan'an Barakat; the member of the General Council of the Democratic Union Party (PYD), delivered a speech welcoming the participants and congratulating them on Newroz. He commemorated the spirit of Mazlum Doğan, Kawa al-Haddad, Avista Khabur, Beritan, and all the martyrs of freedom.

He added, "This is the Newroz of unity, freedom, and democracy. We experienced special circumstances in 2026. When we speak of January 4, 2026, the date of the 'Paris Agreement' held against Rojava, we connect it to the conspiracy of February 15, 1999. They are intertwined; they sought to break our will and our very existence."

He continued addressing the people, "But your stance has become the defining event. When the people declared, 'We will not accept the entry of mercenaries into Rojava,' and were supported by the people in Kurdistan and abroad, the unity of the Kurdish people has proven itself over these past months. The resistance in Rojava has created a special day in history. Thanks to this spirit of unity, we have triumphed, and Rojava is no longer alone."

Barakat emphasized that they want to resolve the Kurdish issue peacefully, socially, legally, and politically, saying, "We are ready to resolve the Kurdish issue through all political means and dialogue. The holder of the philosophy of peace, the leader Apo, must be released; his release is fundamental for us."

Barakat clarified that their struggle for freedom continues, noting that the Autonomous Administration has not been defeated and that the conspiracy against them has failed. He added, "Today, we are in a new phase in Syria; integration does not mean assimilation, and we will secure our rights in the future."

He emphasized that they stress the necessity of the return of all residents of Afrin, Serê Kaniyê, and Girê Spî to their homes, and the release of captives held in the prisons of the Syrian Interim Government.

Regarding Kurdish unity, Kan'an Barakat said, "The unity of the Kurdish people is essential and must be achieved across all of Kurdistan."

For her part, Khadija Afrin delivered a speech on behalf of the Martyrs' Families Council, extending congratulations on the occasion of Newroz. She said, "Thanks to the sacrifices of our martyrs, we celebrate Newroz today. As a mother from Afrin, I see Kurds' unity here in Amuda, and I speak on behalf of the Council."

She added, "Our martyrs have proven that our unity is possible, and we thank the people of Amuda who have embraced us. When I saw the leader Apo in 1994, I realized then that Kurds everywhere would unite, and today we see this unity being realized."

Khadija Afrin affirmed that the efforts of the leader Abdullah Ocalan have not been in vain, saying that his influence is visible and felt everywhere.

ANHA