ÊLVÎN MIHEMED

Kobanê- Women of Kobanê, a city in the Euphrates Canton of North and East Syria, are ready to celebrate Newroz with great enthusiasm for the “Call for Peace and Democratic Society” made by Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan on February 27, 2025.

‘This year’s Newroz will be more meaningful’

“I wish a happy Newroz to the Kurdish people, especially the fighters fighting on the frontlines, the families of the martyrs, and our people who resist on the Tishreen dam to protect their source of energy,” said Hedila Ezîz Kenco, a resident of Kobanê. “Newroz 2025 will be celebrated differently than other years. We will keep celebrating Newroz despite the ongoing Turkish attacks on our region.”

Hedla Ezîz Kenco talked about Newroz celebrations during the rule of the Baathist regime. “During the rule of the Baathist regime, we could not celebrate freely because the regime banned people from celebrating Newroz. Thanks to the women’s struggle, we can celebrate Newroz freely today. Now, we celebrate Newroz by wearing our traditional clothes with our mothers, fathers and sisters. I wish a happy Newroz to all Kurdish people.”

‘I wish a happy Newroz to all women struggling for freedom’

Şemsê Mihemed, another woman in Kobanê, wished a happy Newroz to Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan, the fighters fighting on the frontlines, Kurdish political prisoners and the Kurdish people. “During the rule of the Baathist regime, we were banned from celebrating Newroz. When we tried to celebrate Newroz, we were attacked and arrested.”

‘We must defend freedom’

Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan has been held in the prison of Imrali for 26 years for defending freedom for people, Şemsê Mihemed emphasized. “Therefore, we must defend freedom. This year's Newroz should be a Newroz that brings great gains to the Kurdish people, such as the physical freedom of Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan. I wish a happy Newroz to everyone in the four parts of Kurdistan.”