Participants in lighting Nowruz flame: Adherence to identity is source of insistence on reviving holiday

The Hasakah City Council organized the flame-lighting event today as part of the preparations for Nowruz, which falls on March 21 each year. The event was attended by council members, representatives of political parties and social movements, as well as government figures, within a series of activities that will continue until the day of the holiday.

The ceremony began with a minute of silence, followed by a speech by the co-chair of the City Council, Farouk Tozo, who said that Nowruz represents a new beginning, the rebirth of life, and the end of oppression, pointing to its historical symbolism for the Kurdish people and the continued struggle to keep the Nowruz flame alive.

Families of martyrs then lit the Nowruz flame in a festive atmosphere, as part of a program organized by the Events Committee in Hasakah, which will continue until the main celebration on March 21.

Participants said that this year’s celebrations carry a special character, as Nowruz goes beyond being a popular occasion to become a symbolic message affirming the ability of life to overcome fear and terrorism, and that cultural heritage remains a source of strength and hope.

They also stressed that this year’s activities represent a political message reflecting broad public participation, social unity, and cohesion, as well as a peaceful message affirming that the political and cultural identity of the Kurdish people cannot be marginalized despite all attempts.

A-H

ANHA