Istanbul – On Sunday, a Newroz celebration was held in Yenikapı, a quarter of Istanbul by the Peoples' Democratic Congress (Turkish: Halkların Demokratik Kongresi, HDK) with the participation of hundreds of thousands of people. During the celebration, people chanted slogans such as “Bijî Serok Apo (English: Long live leader Apo- Abdullah Öcalan)”, “Bê Serok Jiyan Nab e (English: No life without leader)”, “Jin, Jiyan, Azadî (English: Women, Life, Freedom)” and “Bijî Newroz (English: Long live Newroz)”.

‘Women fan the fire of freedom from March 8 to Newroz’

During the celebration, a statement by the Istanbul Labor, Peace, and Democracy Forces was read by Nehir Sevim. “We welcome this year’s Newroz with hope for peace and freedom. We are here with the determination to build a democratic, just and equal future without war, oppression and persecution. The state-appointed trustees to municipalities are a blow to the will of the people. We will not remain silent to the attempted blow against the will of the people. Women, who flocked to the streets against femicide, gender-based violence inequality, have strengthened their struggle against oppression of the government. Women fan the fire of freedom from March 8 (International Women’s Day) to Newroz.”

Abdullah Öcalan's voice echoed in Yenikapı

Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan’s message about Newroz was heard by hundreds of thousands of people gathered in Yenikapı to celebrate Newroz.

Gültan Kışanak: Now is the time for Ankara to take a step

Gültan Kışanak, an activist of the Free Women’s Movement (Kurdish: Tevgera Jinên Azad-TJA), made a speech during the celebration. “Today, you are writing a history here,” she said. “Kurds demand freedom everywhere. We have been tested with all kinds of evil, but we do not give up our Kurdishness and our struggle. Open the doors of prisons, provide the conditions for Mr. Öcalan to conduct this process. Mr. Öcalan called for peace and democratic society. We demand peace with dignity. We demand to be equal citizens and an end to all kinds of oppression on our language, culture and identity. Mr.Öcalan made a very important call for a Kurdish-Turkish alliance. Now is the time for Ankara to take a step. Ankara must hear the voices of people and Rojava. Pave the way for Mr. Öcalan so that we build a free and equal future.”

 After the speeches, people celebrated Newroz by dancing halay.