Kurdish<\/a> area of low-lying hills and mountains, remained largely untouched during much of the Syrian civil war before coming under the control of the Kurdish People\u2019s Protection Units (YPG).<\/p>\nTurkey opposed the YPG, arguing it was linked to the Kurdistan Workers Party \u201cterrorists.\u201d In 2018, as Ankara expanded its influence in northern Syria, Turkish forces and allied Syrian National Army factions launched an offensive in Afrin, prompting the large-scale displacement of Kurdish residents.<\/p>\n
Years later, following the fall of the Assad regime and Turkey\u2019s withdrawal from the area, some Kurds have begun returning to their homes.<\/p>\n
In Afrin, Nowruz celebrations have resumed, carrying deep symbolic meaning for returning residents. Kurdish flags have reappeared in public, reflecting a shift from previous years. However, reports indicate that tensions and occasional clashes with Syrian security forces have persisted.<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, the situation marks a significant change compared to recent years.<\/p>\n
Syria signals cultural shift<\/h3>\n In Damascus, Nowruz was also marked by official events, reflecting what authorities describe as a broader shift in cultural recognition.<\/p>\n
Syria\u2019s SANA state media reported that \u201cSyria marked Nowruz with a cultural event at the Damascus Opera House, featuring performances and official statements highlighting cultural diversity and recent shifts in recognition of the occasion.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to the report, \u201cthe program included seven staged performances by the Kurdish heritage troupe \u2018Ashti,\u2019 combining dance and narrative elements. The main piece explored the origins and symbolism of Nowruz, with narration by actor Abeer Shams al-Din and participation by artist Jwan Hasso and singers Alan Murad, Rostu Ramadan and Ivana Mohammad.\u201d<\/p>\n
SANA added that \u201cmedia supervisor Idris Murad said the production blends storytelling and dance to present the story of Nowruz in a contemporary format. He added that the troupe presents an annual performance reflecting Kurdish cultural traditions within Syria\u2019s broader cultural landscape.\u201d<\/p>\n
Officials framed the event as part of a wider effort to embrace diversity. \u201cCulture Minister Mohammad Yassin Saleh said the celebration marks a shift in Syria\u2019s cultural scene, noting that Nowruz, once restricted, is now recognized as a national occasion reflecting the role of the Kurdish community in cultural and scientific life.\u201d<\/p>\n
The European Union\u2019s charg\u00e9 d\u2019affaires to Syria, Michael Ohnmacht, described the event as \u201ca symbol of a new Syria,\u201d SANA reported. Nowruz is now recognized as an official holiday in the country.<\/p>\n
Kurdish diaspora marks Nowruz in Europe<\/h3>\n Beyond the Middle East, large-scale celebrations are also taking place across Europe.<\/p>\n
According to Kurdistan 24, a major Nowruz event in Bonn, Germany, is expected to draw tens of thousands of Kurds from across the continent. The report noted that the \u201cBonn Nowruz festival is expected to draw tens of thousands of Kurds from across Europe.\u201d<\/p>\n
A 100-meter Kurdish flag is expected to be displayed during the event, underscoring the scale and symbolic importance of diaspora celebrations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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