Hassan Al-Ali
As Nowruz approaches, marking the Kurdish New Year, Kurds in the Syrian city of Hasakah are preparing to celebrate this occasion, a symbol of freedom and renewal. Amid Syria’s ongoing political and social challenges, the Kurdish community seeks to reinforce its cultural identity and contribute to building a more cohesive and understanding society.
Nowruz: More Than Just a Celebration
Nowruz is a deeply significant occasion for the Kurds, bringing communities together in celebrations that reflect their rich and ancient cultural heritage.
Nazar Hassan, a 32-year-old from Hasakah, shared his thoughts on this holiday, saying, “Nowruz is more than a celebration; it is a new beginning. We gather with our families and prepare traditional dishes such as Kurdish cookies and bulgur. For me, this anniversary represents the hope for peace.”
Speaking to +963, Nazar expressed his aspirations for a more peaceful and inclusive Syria. “My hope this year is for peace to prevail across Syria so that we can build a society that embraces everyone. I want my children to grow up in a safe and stable environment.”
Beyond joy and festivities, Nowruz also serves as a time to strengthen social ties and reinforce communal bonds. Fatima Ahmed, a young woman from Hasakah, spoke about the significance of this day, “Nowruz strengthens connections between people. During this holiday, we exchange greetings and gifts, which fortify family and community relationships. It’s also an opportunity to celebrate my Kurdish identity, and I feel proud to see so many people coming together to mark this special occasion.”
Fatima further emphasized the need for collaboration to foster stability and progress. “I believe we have a chance to build a better future if we work together with all the components of the Syrian society. Promoting dialogue and understanding among different communities is essential.”
Nowruz As A Symbol of Freedom and Struggle
Jamil Barkhou, a local activist from Hasakah, views Nowruz as more than just a celebration, it embodies Kurdish culture, identity, and aspirations. Speaking to +963, he remarked, “Nowruz is more than a celebration for us; It is a symbol of our heritage and identity. We hope for peace to prevail across Syria and to be part of shaping that future. We want to live with dignity and freedom and contribute to building an inclusive society that embraces all its people. Despite the challenges, we believe that dialogue and understanding are the paths to achieving this.”
Jameel emphasizes the importance of fostering dialogue among all Syrian communities, noting that mutual understanding and respect can build an open and inclusive nation.
Mahmoud Kanaan, a political activist, also from Hasakah, described Nowruz as a representation of struggle and renewal. “Nowruz is a symbol of freedom and resilience, reflecting the Kurdish people’s long-standing struggle for their rights and cultural identity. It is a time for unity and a platform to express our collective aspirations.”
Mahmoud further stressed the need for intercommunal dialogue in Syria, saying, “It is crucial that all parties work together to build a peaceful future and uphold the rights of all communities. Nowruz can serve as a bridge between different cultures. By organizing joint events, we can promote mutual understanding and reduce tensions.”
