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ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Kurdish leaders have used their usually joyous Newroz messages this year to urge the public to respect the ongoing lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Kurds usually celebrate their New Year, known as Newroz, on March 21-23 by picnicking in the countryside and lighting bonfires.
However, under coronavirus containment measures, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has banned all gatherings and celebrations.
Traffic suspensions and movement between provinces will remain in force across the holiday season.
Forty-one people in Kurdistan Region have tested positive for the virus as of Friday afternoon, and one man has died. The total number of causes in Iraq as a whole is now approaching 200.
In his Newroz message, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani said: “We must abide by the protective measures issued by the World Health Organization, the Ministry of Health, and the Kurdistan Regional Government’s institutions.”
“Newroz is a symbol of victory and I hope it gives everyone strength in the face of these difficulties. We will overcome this crisis with the support and cooperation of our people and the relevant authorities.”
The public should celebrate Newroz at home rather than going out, he said.
“Let us light a candle and celebrate Newroz at home, as we wish to overcome this difficult time. Eating outdoors and traveling to the countryside are traditions that we shall maintain after these hard times have passed,” he added.
Newroz is celebrated by many ethnic groups around the world, each with their own story of its origins.
In Kurdish mythology, 2,720 years ago a blacksmith called Kawa overthrew an oppressive king named Zuhak and lit a fire on a hilltop as a symbol of victory. To this day, Kurds continue to light bonfires on hilltops on the eve of March 21.
In his Newroz message, Masrour Barzani, prime minister of the KRG, said the coronavirus has had serious economic consequences for the Region and that Kurds are celebrating in a time of hardship.
“I hope we can use these obstacles [caused by coronavirus] as an opportunity to review ourselves and further protect ourselves in the future,” he said.
PM Barzani thanked the public for adhering to the containment measures, particularly the lockdown now in its sixth consecutive day.
Iraqi President Barham Salih, a Kurd, also shared a Newroz message saying the public can “eradicate” the virus by “adhering to the instructions, staying at home, staying away from crowds and meetings.”
Masoud Barzani, leader of the ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), said it is “indeed unfortunate” that the world is facing a pandemic, which has become “a major challenge for the people of Kurdistan.”
“It is therefore necessary to call upon all sides, as a national duty, to strictly adhere to the health guidelines of the Kurdistan Regional Government. Adherence to the instructions of the various institutions of the KRG means protecting ourselves and reducing the risk of further expansion,” he said.
Qubad Talabani, the KRG deputy prime minister, said the spread of the virus is “an opportunity to help one another and expose the good sides of coordination between humans. It is also an experience for people and governments around the world.”
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