Newroz message affirms resistance, Kurdish unity

Speeches delivered on the occasion of Newroz in Hasaka and Derbasiya emphasized that this day embodies the spirit of resistance and steadfastness, and expresses the continuation of the Kurdish struggle for freedom and constitutional rights. They also called for strengthening unity, adhering to Kurdish identity, and continuing the struggle until legitimate rights are achieved, the return of displaced persons is guaranteed, and prisoners are released.

Newroz message affirms resistance, Kurdish unity
24 March, 2026   15:00
NEWS DESK

Amid an atmosphere of enthusiasm and celebration for Newroz in the Western Dam Square of Hasaka city and in the village of Gulbistan in Derbasiya, speeches emphasized the Kurds' and their allies' continued struggle for their just cause.

Large crowds gathered in the Newroz squares of Hasaka and Derbasiya, waving Kurdish flags and symbols. The celebrations were held under the slogan: "Let's make Newroz a festive for the leader Apo's freedom and the Kurds' democratic unity."

After lighting the Newroz torch and reading a message from leader Abdullah Ocalan, several speeches were delivered, highlighting the significance and meaning of the occasion.

HASAKA

During the Newroz celebrations in Hasaka, Abdel Ghani Oso; the member of the Martyrs' Families Council, congratulated all the people on this occasion, confirming that this year's Newroz in Rojava is a Newroz of resistance, steadfastness, and the affirmation of rights. He explained that Newroz, which began with Kawa al-Haddad, continues today in Rojava until its goals are achieved in resolving the Kurdish issue within Syria.

He added that the flame of Newroz is lit in the spirit of the martyr Mazlum Doğan, and that the people of Rojava, in all their diversity, continue to stand firm against all the plans and genocidal policies targeting them. On the occasion of Newroz, Oso called for escalating the struggle until the physical freedom of leader Abdullah Ocalan is achieved.

Kurds are going on their struggle without retreat

For her part, Ilham Ahmed; the co-chair of the Foreign Relations Department in the Autonomous Administration, affirmed during a speech to the celebrants that the flame of Newroz has not been extinguished for over two thousand years and continues to burn brightly today in Rojava with a renewed spirit and remarkable enthusiasm that characterizes this year's celebrations. She pointed out that this occasion takes on a special characteristic, as it is being held under the leadership of the martyrs' families, fighters, and detainees, which strengthens morale and embodies the spirit of resistance in the face of tyranny and genocide.

She made clear that the Kurdish issue has become a widely discussed international issue, emphasizing that the gains achieved are the result of the immense sacrifices made by the Kurdish people in Rojava. She stressed that the Kurds are continuing their struggle without any retreat, noting that the current stage in Syria revolves around guaranteeing Kurdish rights within the Syrian constitution, including the recognition of the Kurdish language as a mother tongue, and considering these rights as inalienable and non-negotiable.

She added that one of the priorities of the current stage is to work on the return of the displaced to their homes, especially the people of Afrin, Serê Kaniyê, Tel Abyad and Shahba, in addition to striving to release prisoners held by the Interim Government. She stressed that this file is essential to achieve stability in the country, and that there is a commitment to their return no matter what it costs.

She emphasized that building a new Syria requires the recognition of Kurdish identity, both culturally and politically, stressing that the absence of this recognition will hinder stability and that the struggle will continue until these goals are achieved.

She also addressed the situation in other parts of Kurdistan, referring to the popular movement in Eastern Kurdistan against executions and arrests, and affirming their support for this movement. She also drew attention to the challenges faced by Kurds in Southern Kurdistan, affirming the need for unity in confronting these challenges.

Regarding Northern Kurdistan, she explained that the Newroz celebrations are witnessing widespread public participation, alongside ongoing political struggle within the peace process, and affirmed Rojava's support for efforts aimed at guaranteeing Kurdish rights.

She concluded by emphasizing the role of women in the new Syria, indicating that the coming phase will witness women's active participation in the process of change, at the level of both intellect and will, and affirming that Kurdish women are capable of leadership and administration and of securing their rights through continued struggle and sacrifice.

Derbasiya

At the Newroz celebration in the village of Gulbistan in Derbasiya, Jiyan Hamo; the member of the Kongra Star Coordination, extended her Newroz greetings to all the people of Kurdistan. She noted that this holiday embodies the spirit of struggle against injustice and oppression, and expresses the revolution of peoples striving for freedom.

She pointed out that Newroz is a festival of renewal for all peoples, drawing its symbolism from the flame of resistance lit by Mazlum Doğan, which continues to burn brightly today, serving as a beacon for the women's revolution in Rojava.

She added that Newroz represents the dawn of a new spring, carrying the meanings of freedom and rebirth, noting that this day is an occasion to renew hope and strengthen the unity of peoples. In her speech, she congratulated all the people of Kurdistan in its four parts, emphasizing that Kurdish identity has become known globally and is receiving increasing recognition of its rights.

During the Newroz celebrations in Derbasiya, Jiyan Hamo explained that the phase launched by leader Abdullah Ocalan represents a path towards achieving the constitutional rights of the Kurdish people through the adoption of a democratic approach that guarantees justice and equality.

For his part, Hamid Ma'esh; the member of the Martyrs' Families Council in Derbasiya, congratulated the families of martyrs and prisoners on Newroz, emphasizing that this holiday embodies the values of sacrifice and resilience. He made clear that Newroz has faced severe restrictions over years, and many people have sacrificed their lives during it, achieving martyrdom. He added that this holiday will grow and become more prominent year after year, carrying with it the spirit of struggle and freedom.

He noted that a number of fighters have been captured recently, calling on the international community to pressure the Syrian government to work towards their release. He concluded by affirming that this year's Newroz will be an occasion to strengthen Kurdish unity and solidify the spirit of solidarity among all its components.

During the Newroz celebrations, messages of support from the Armenian Union Party were read, expressing their hope that the Kurdish people would achieve their rights and build a bright future.

The two events continued with musical and dance performances on the two stages.

ANHA