Iranian Kurdistan is heading towards Newroz after an “eventful year,” read a statement from the Joint Centre for Cooperation of Iranian-Kurdish political parties, calling on people to show unity to strengthen their ranks and celebrate the new year wearing traditional Kurdish clothing.
One of the major events of the past year the parties noted was the widespread protests in December, led by “the desperate and poor people from marginalized areas.”
“What happened in Iran was an indication of a real popular uprising,” the parties stated.
Another event was the support Kurds in Iran showed for the Kurdistan Region’s independence referendum, celebrating with music and Kurdistan flags in the streets of their cities.
“Of course, common struggle and unity of our nation is the symbol of success. In this regard, we call on all determined and patriotic people of Iranian Kurdistan to continue their national and democratic struggle with the same will and spirit,” the parties stated.
Iran has reportedly made moves to prohibit celebrations of Newroz this year.
Newroz is celebrated on March 21, with the coming of spring. It is celebrated throughout Iran, but Kurds also consider it a symbol of nationalism.
Kurds light a Newroz fire, sing, and dance. These celebrations have grown in popularity in recent years in Kurdish areas of Iran, known to Kurds as Rojhelat, where people want to revive the traditions. Last year, many chose to wear the traditional checked scarf, jamadani, as a sign of their Kurdish culture.
