Zeinab Issa

Qamishlo — Nowruz is not an ordinary day of celebration; it represents a day of freedom and victory for the Kurdish people. This year it comes carrying many achievements for the Kurds of Syria, while also taking place amid numerous challenges.

On March 21, the people of Rojava celebrate Nowruz with great enthusiasm. The festivities include singing, folkloric dancing, passionate speeches, and cultural performances. The Golden Crescent Movement in the city of Qamishlo has already begun its rehearsals and activities in preparation for the occasion.

Berivan Botan, a member of the Golden Crescent Movement, spoke about their preparations for Nowruz, describing it as “a historic day.” She noted that despite attempts by “occupying states to erase this day, the Kurdish people have kept it alive every year through their resistance.”

She said, “When the name Nowruz is mentioned, we remember resistance and the struggle against oppression and the attacks of states that control Kurdistan. They tried to destroy this historic day.” She added that “during the Ba’ath regime, March 21 was turned into Mother’s Day, but the Kurdish people never changed the meaning of this day and continued celebrating it despite all circumstances. During the Rojava Revolution, attempts were made to destroy our historic days through wars, but the Kurdish people prevented that through their determination and strong will, and they could not destroy our existence.”

“The Echo of Kurdish Cultural Heritage”

Berivan Botan emphasized that Kurdish cultural heritage has been preserved by mothers.
“In the history of the Kurdish people, our mothers preserved our culture, arts, and folk traditions. Therefore, as women, we always revive our culture on this day through our traditional clothes, hairstyles, and songs. Protecting and reviving this authentic spirit has echoed throughout the Rojava Revolution—whether through women’s groups and female artists or through women and mothers who have carried this heritage in their hearts.”

“Support for the Women’s Protection Units”

She also highlighted the preparations of the Golden Crescent Movement for Nowruz, saying:
“Every year, our groups prepare for Nowruz celebrations across all regions, working hard through music, singing, dancing, theater, and other artistic performances. This year, due to the sensitive situation in Rojava and the war being waged against the people, we did not start our rehearsals early because all our artists participated in the general mobilization and defended their neighborhoods. Therefore, this year’s activities and songs will focus on the current events.”

At the end of her remarks, Berivan Botan congratulated the Kurdish people across Kurdistan on the approaching Nowruz 2026, saying:
“I congratulate the Kurdish people on the occasion of Nowruz 2026. I also congratulate leader Abdullah Öcalan, the martyrs of Kurdistan, the families of the martyrs, and the imprisoned fighters, thanks to whom the flame of Nowruz will be lit in peace today.”