-
"Nowruz" Celebrations in Rukn al-Din Neighborhood, Damascus: A Reminder of Kurdish Identity
-
The celebration of "Nowruz" in Rukn al-Din neighborhood reflects the deep-rooted Kurdish identity in Syria and underscores the Kurdish community's assertion of their cultural presence in their homelan
On Thursday, March 20, residents of Rukn al-Din (the Kurdish neighborhood) in Damascus gathered to celebrate the "Nowruz" festival in a unique atmosphere that blended joy with mourning.
Despite the difficult challenges Syria faces, the Kurds in this neighborhood insisted on reviving their ancient traditions and reaffirming their cultural identity, which was reflected in the images shared by the Syrian website "Sawt al-Asima."
The media office of Rukn al-Din’s committees announced an invitation for all Syrians to join the celebration of Nowruz on this day. The gathering took place at "Wanli al-Thalith" (Wadi al-Safira intersection) at 9:00 PM.
The procession, which featured torches and flags, headed towards the memorial, where participants paused for a moment of silence to honor the martyrs of the neighborhood and Syrian martyrs, both civilians and military.
In a significant moment during the procession, candles were lit in memory of the martyrs before the participants continued their march toward Shamdine Square, where a speech ceremony was held.
However, the committees announced that the "Nowruz" celebrations would not take place on March 21 as a sign of mourning for the martyrs of Syria, emphasizing that honoring their memory is the top priority.
"Nowruz," which marks the Persian and Kurdish New Year, is a special occasion not only in Syria but also in many neighboring countries like Iran, Turkey, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
It holds special significance for the Kurdish people as a celebration that combines ancient traditions with cultural heritage. Despite the hardships of war and suffering, "Nowruz" remains an event that unites the Kurds in Syria, as they hold onto their heritage, affirming their continued existence as a nation with a long history of resistance and resilience.
These celebrations in Damascus not only offer an opportunity to renew their connection to their cultural heritage but also serve as an expression of their steadfastness in the face of current circumstances.
