Naghm Jajan
Qamishlo – Each year, Newroz returns to reaffirm its deep presence in the Kurdish conscience, not merely as a celebration, but as a deeply rooted symbol of resistance, identity, and culture. In light of the political and social conditions facing the Kurdish people today, this year’s Newroz holds even greater significance, as artists and intellectuals gather to renew their role in protecting collective memory and preserving heritage, stressing that no matter how dark the times get, Newroz will continue to be a flame lighting the path to freedom.

In this context, our agency met with several female artists participating in the Newroz 2026 celebrations, who spoke about the symbolism of the occasion, the role of art in confronting darkness, and the importance of Kurdish unity across the four parts of Kurdistan. They said: “We place our hopes on this Newroz being one of equality and freedom, not merely a passing celebration.”

“Today, we as Kurds are united across the four parts of Kurdistan”

Artist Mezkîn Taher began by emphasizing that she is celebrating Newroz this year across different parts of Kurdistan, expressing hope that this year’s celebration will be the most beautiful for the Kurdish people and Kurdistan.

She pointed out that the conditions facing the Kurdish people in the Middle East are highly complex, expressing hope that this year could mark the beginning of Kurdistan’s freedom, especially amid increasing pressures on their people. “The situation in the Middle East, as well as the Kurdish situation, remains unclear. This does not affect only artists, but the entire region, where dominant powers are redrawing their maps.”

Despite this, Mezkîn Taher believes that the bright side amid all these challenges is the unity of the Kurdish people across the four parts of Kurdistan, stressing that this shared spirit is the foundation of their existence.

“Artists have played a major and vital role in preserving the existence of the Kurdish people”

Mezkîn Taher affirmed that artists play a central role in sustaining the Kurdish people’s existence, highlighting their contribution to protecting and developing Kurdish culture. “This Newroz, we as artists bear the responsibility of supporting the Kurdish people’s cause of existence, especially the cause of unity. Protecting the Kurdish people means protecting the values for which the martyrs sacrificed their lives—those to whom we owe everything, and thanks to their sacrifices we live today with dignity.”

She added: “As artists, we are deeply attached to our culture. Our culture has preserved Kurdish existence throughout an entire century of fragmentation under the rule of four oppressive and dictatorial states. Thanks to the strength of Kurdish history and culture, our people have remained steadfast. Artists have played a crucial and decisive role in safeguarding this existence. Every revolution was built upon an epic—from the Epic of Dimdim Castle to the Epic of Derwish Abdi—and this legacy has continued generation after generation. Through these sacred values, our arts have remained alive on this land.”

“May Newroz be blessed for all Kurdistan and across its four parts”

Mezkîn Taher explained that this year’s Newroz carries special value despite the challenges facing the Kurdish people. She concluded: “Due to the war in East Kurdistan and the pressures we are experiencing, our people are going through a difficult phase. Nevertheless, Newroz will always remain present and will continue to exist. Despite all obstacles, we strive to hold on to the value of our homeland. It is essential for every individual to take responsibility for the values and achievements of this revolution. Everyone must fulfill their role in their place and in line with their principles—this is how nations are built. Our homeland has lived for centuries under occupation, but these hardships will end. With our unity and commitment to our values, we will overcome them. Once again, may Newroz be blessed for the Kurdish people across all Kurdistan.”

“The artist is the light of the path in times of darkness”

Artist Newroz Suleiman emphasized that “the artist is the light that pierces the darkness, the voice of society when it loses its voice, and the voice of resistance and struggle that has remained alive beneath the rubble of massacres. Today, the artist becomes the voice of this revolution, the voice of this society, the voice of pain—transforming all of it into life during Newroz, giving it beauty, restoring its spirit, and spreading its message to the whole world.”

She added that artists express the stories, pain, and narratives of Newroz’s resistance and uprising through their voices and songs: “We first stand before the fire that is lit every year and raise our voices with its flames. As artists, our most important role during Newroz is to make our voices heard and to carry this pain, stretching across thousands of years, to every human being. We say: may Newroz 2026 be blessed for the entire world, and we hope it will be a year full of success and victory.”