Five-Day Newroz Celebrations in 66 Places

The pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party (DTP), has announced its programme for this year’s Newroz, 21 March.

Newroz is a spring festival, also celebrated in Iran and Central Asia. It has become a symbol of Kurdish resistance, and previous years have witnessed violent clashes between Kurdish protesters and security forces.

The Turkish government has attempted to claim the day as its own, calling it “Nevruz” (as the “w” is clearly part of the Kurdish and not the Turkish alphabet).

The programme will start in Urfa and Batman on 20 March and end in Ağrı and Kars on 24 March.

There will be speeches and celebrations in 66 places, including Istanbul, Diyarbakır, İzmir, Mersin and Adana. Speakers include former DEP MPs Leyla Zana and Hatip Dicle. Many Kurdish musicians, among them Diyar, Çar Newa, Agirê Jiyan, Koma Gulên Xerzan and Koma Çiya.

For a full programme in Turkish, click here. (BÇ/AG)