Newroz is celebrated in Kurdistan and throughout the Middle East, the Caucasus and Central Asia. Traditions for the spring equinox celebrations vary, and the diverse peoples who celebrate the holiday imbue it with diverse meanings.

This year Newroz will be celebrated in many provinces and districts of Turkey with the slogan “Dem Dema Serfektinê ye” (Now is the time to win).

For Kurds, Newroz, on 21 March, is the day the fire of resistance is rekindled. According to legend, Kawa the Blacksmith killed the tyrant king Dehak on this day. The story has been central in Kurdish rebellions throughout history. In the 20th century, Kurds have turned the day into a day of resistance and revival as a people. As the saying goes, “Kurds have become Newroz, and Newroz has become the people”