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Syrian Kurds Return to Afrin, Celebrate Nowruz After Years of Exile
Nowruz Celebrations and a Symbolic Homecoming
Hundreds of Syrian Kurds have returned to Afrin in northwest Syria to celebrate Nowruz freely for the first time after years of displacement and official restrictions imposed by the government. These celebrations follow a new Syrian government decree that recognizes Nowruz as a national holiday and grants broader cultural rights to the Kurdish community.
Reclaiming Cultural Identity Amidst Bittersweet Feelings
The occasion holds deep symbolic significance for the Kurdish people. Residents donned traditional attire, participated in torch-lit processions, and performed folk dances, marking the revival of Kurdish culture and language. Abdul Rahman Omar, a resident of Al-Basouta village, expressed a bittersweet feeling; while he felt a void due to many friends not having returned, he was able to come back to his own home, experience his village's atmosphere, and relive memories. He emphasized that it was the first time in Syria's history that he could celebrate Nowruz without fear.
Hope for Repatriation and Reconstruction
This Nowruz festival signals a new beginning for many Kurdish families. Although many families remain missing or displaced, the homecoming breathes new life into the Afrin region after years of conflict and displacement. The government's new decree also grants Kurdish language official status, which is expected to further strengthen the Kurdish cultural identity.
*Source: YouTube: NDTV (2026-03-22)*
