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ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Thousands of Kurds gathered in Cologne to take part in the largest Kurdish Newroz (New Year) celebration in Europe. Unity was highlighted at the event that brought together Kurds from different countries and across the political spectrum.
The Kurdish national anthem, Ay Reqib, was played at the start and people waved the flags of territories and parties that have at times been foes - such as the Kurdistan Region, northeast Syria (Rojava), the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), People’s Protection Units (YPG), Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
“We have come here to express solidarity with Rojava and all other parts of Kurdistan,” said Shukri Hassan. Originally from Zakho, he has been living in Germany for 10 years. He was at the celebration in Cologne wearing traditional Kurdish clothing.
Walid, originally from Qamishli in Rojava, told Rudaw that he has taken part in several Newroz parties in Germany and was happy to see so many Kurds celebrating together.
Shifa Barzani, coordinator of the Kurdistan Diaspora Confederation, said in a speech that “Newroz is not only a celebration but also an endeavour and resistance. It means uprising and revival. It also denotes hope and optimism.”
The entertainment line up includes performances from renowned Kurdish musicians such as Sivan Perwer and traditional Kurdish dances.
Masoud Barzani, leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), mentioned the Cologne celebration in his Newroz message, relaying his joy that Kurds “are expressing their love and sincerity for their country.”
Ralph Elster, mayor of the city of Cologne, also delivered a speech at the event.
"The Newroz celebrations have for centuries also stood for the hope of peace and freedom for the Kurdish people. They stand for the hope of autonomy and self-determination," he said.
"The Newroz festival and the fires stand for resistance against occupiers. They stand for Kurdish solidarity and Kurdish community; they are thus also the symbol for a Kurdish nation that can live together democratically and self-determinedly," he added.
A large number of people at the celebration were from Syria. When Akif Hassan, a Kurdish politician, asked the crowd if they approve of the constitutional declaration adopted by the interim authority in Damascus, they replied loudly and in unison, "No."
Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa earlier this month signed a constitutional declaration that grants the president sweeping executive power and relies heavily on Islamic jurisprudence. The document drew harsh criticism, particularly from Syria’s Kurdish, Christian, Druze and Yazidi communities.
"Some people believe that they can impose their version of solutions on us," said Hassan, referring to what he called “The unconstitutional declaration… lack Kurdish rights, Druze rights, Alawite rights and the rights of all components of Syria.”
He said that Kurds are strong enough to reject the constitution. “No one will be able to pass over the blood we shed.”
"We are no longer the Kurds who were deaf, blind and unable to speak. We are sensible Kurds. People used to mock us for dreaming but now we are vigilant and stand on our feet,” he added.
Newroz, falling on the first day of spring, is celebrated by millions of Kurds in the Kurdistan Region as well as Kurdish regions in Turkey, Iran, and Syria. On Newroz eve, fires are lit, often on mountain or hill tops, and in the days after Newroz, Kurds often go on picnics and light bonfires with their families and loved ones.
Rudaw Media Network is a sponsor of the Cologne Newroz event.
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