Syrian Kurds marked a historic Nowruz on Thursday, celebrating freely for the first time since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December.
In Qamishli, Afrin, Kobani, Hasakah, and Derik – cities with large Kurdish communities – thousands gathered to ignite the traditional Nowruz flame.
Celebrations extended beyond Kurdish-majority areas, with communities in Syria’s coastal provinces and the Druze-majority city of Suweida also lighting Nowruz fires in solidarity.
Hundreds also gathered in Damascus, which is believed to be the first such public Nawruz event in the capital in decades.
Nowruz, meaning “new day” in Kurdish and Persian, marks the arrival of spring and the beginning of the Kurdish new year. Observed annually on 21 March, the festival is deeply rooted in history and cultural heritage, with millions across the Middle East, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and beyond taking part in the celebrations.Â
The festival began over 3,000 years ago and has its roots in the ancient Iranian religion of Zoroastrianism which predates Islam and Christianity.Â
UNESCO has designated Nowruz as part of the world’s cultural heritage, and in 2021, the UN General Assembly officially declared 21 March as International Nowruz Day.
Under the Assad regime, Nowruz was heavily restricted and official recognition came in 1988 under Hafez al-Assad, but only after it was linked to Mother’s Day to dilute its political significance.
Security forces routinely cracked down on celebrations, considering them acts of defiance to statist Baathism, and imposed strict surveillance, with security patrols dispatched ahead of the holiday to prevent public gatherings.
In 2009, a Nowruz celebration in Syria ended in bloodshed when security forces opened fire on a crowd, killing three Kurdish youths.
With the establishment of Kurdish self-administration in parts of northern Syria, Nowruz celebrations grew more widespread. However, in government-controlled areas, restrictions remained, with gatherings closely monitored and at times disrupted by security forces.
Newroz Piroz from Damascus to all my Kurdish friends. pic.twitter.com/579wvp4qBc
— Taha Bali (@tahabito) March 20, 2025
Just weeks before the celebrations, Ahmed al-Sharaa’s transitional government signed an agreement with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander Mazloum Abdi.
The deal integrates the SDF into Syrian state institutions and guarantees Kurdish political and cultural rights, marking a shift in Syria’s governance.
The deal also acknowledges Kurdish representation in the political process and affirms the rights of all Syrians to equal participation in state institutions.
