Newroz Message: Women call to preserve identity

On the occasion of Newroz, which falls on March 21 every year, women from the city of Qamishlo spoke to ANHA Agency, pointing to the importance of this holiday and the meanings and cultural values it carries.

Gelistan Youssef said that Newroz, for the Kurdish people, is “joy, happiness, and the beginning of spring. It is a national holiday that expresses our Kurdish identity and our deep connection to nature and freedom.” She added that the responsibility of preserving Kurdish customs and traditions lies largely with women, through teaching children the meaning of Nowruz and instilling its values from an early age to ensure the continuity of this culture across generations.

Gelistan added that in the past, Newroz was celebrated secretly inside homes, as people feared celebrating it publicly. However, today the situation has changed thanks to the sacrifices of the martyrs, and people can now celebrate it freely. She explained that children today understand that Newroz is the day of the Kurds and a symbol of their freedom, emphasizing that this year’s celebration carries a different meaning with the growing spirit of solidarity among Kurds across Kurdistan and beyond.

She noted that Newroz represents freedom and dignity for the Kurds, and it is the flame of their struggle that will never be extinguished. She expressed hope that this year will witness the release of prisoners and detainees so they can celebrate with their families, and that joy will return to the hearts of mothers waiting for their children. She also extended Newroz greetings to her daughter, Leyla Juma Khalil, detained in Turkish prisons, hoping she will return home soon.

“Our message is to hold onto identity”

For her part, Badia Amin said that Kurds eagerly await Newroz every year for the joy, happiness, and freedom it represents for the Kurdish people and all peoples striving for freedom. She added that preparations for the holiday begin well in advance, with families preparing and sewing traditional Kurdish clothes and participating in the festive atmosphere.

Badia stressed that women bear great responsibility in preserving Kurdish values, customs, and traditions, noting that these traditions have been passed down throughout history—from the story of Kawa the Blacksmith to the sacrifices of martyrs who paved the way for the Kurdish people to live with freedom and dignity.

She emphasized that the Kurdish people will continue celebrating Newroz regardless of circumstances, affirming that the flame of Newroz will remain lit as long as there is a Kurdish people preserving their identity and culture and continuing their struggle for freedom.

She concluded by saying: “Newroz renews our sense of responsibility to protect Kurdish culture and preserve its customs and traditions,” stressing that their message this year is to hold onto identity, strengthen values of solidarity and love, and pass the spirit of Newroz to future generations as a celebration of freedom and life.

ANHA