afrinpost-Exclusive
On the eve of Newroz, the Kurdish New Year, for the year 2024, Turkish authorities in Afrin adorned the region with celebratory banners marking the occasion. While bonfires were lit in several villages, the festivities were notably subdued compared to previous years, particularly in Afrin city itself.
Some celebrations, including those in the villages of Ba’dina and Basuta, and in front of the home of a Peshmerg family in Jindires, were lively. However, Afrin city did not witness any visible festivities on the night or day of Newroz.
In the hilly areas of the Afrin region, bonfires were cautiously lit, as many residents refrained from participating for fear of reprisals or arrest by Turkish authorities and the allied militias.
It is important to note that Turkish authorities’ actions are not indicative of genuine celebration of the Kurdish national holiday in a region where Kurdish people face systemic discrimination and demographic changes, with their cultural and social identities under constant threat. Daily abductions and forced property seizures further illustrate the oppressive atmosphere maintained by Turkish forces.
This move by Turkish authorities follows widespread condemnation and scrutiny, including reports from various media outlets, human rights organizations, and international bodies, regarding the Jindires massacre on the eve of Newroz in 2023. The attack, carried out by gunmen affiliated with a militia associated with the so-called “Syrian National Army” backed by Ankara, resulted in the deaths of four Kurdish civilians and injuries to two others.
Human Rights Watch issued a report on March 22 detailing the Jindires massacre, emphasizing Turkey’s obligation to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for the killings. Additionally, the report urged Turkey to withdraw support from factions of the National Army involved in repeated or systematic human rights violations and violations of international humanitarian law.
Furthermore, the incident occurred amidst ongoing protests in Jindires following the horrific racially motivated killing of Kurdish minor Ahmed Mammo Made on March 13.
In summary, Turkish authorities’ efforts to present an image of facilitating Kurdish New Year celebrations stand in stark contrast to their history of oppression and suppression of Kurdish cultural expression in Afrin. This includes the destruction of the Kawa the Blacksmith statue, a symbol of resistance, which was among the first acts of occupation in Afrin city. Additionally, the removal of Newroz roundabout from the city center, as well as repeated arrests for lighting Newroz fires, underscore the ongoing repression faced by the Kurdish population.
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