On the 21st March, the people of Kurdistan welcomed the year 2714 and celebrated the first day of Spring, it is on this day that hundreds of thousands of Kurds take to various beautiful locations across Kurdistan for the annual sayran (picnic). The picnic that takes place on the first day of the Kurdish New Year, is an occasion that represents the celebration of spring with love and joy in the company of friends and family. This year, I found myself amongst thousands of Kurds who turned to the stunning city of Dukan, home to the largest lake in all of Bashur (South Kurdistan). It was in Dukan, that I met my twenty-one faces of Newroz, each with their own interpretation of what Newroz meant to them. Whether they are students, musicians, teachers, housewives or retired men – the twenty-one portraits of the Kurds below represent diversity through a united occasion. Regardless of how different in age and personality the Kurds in this piece are as individual’s, they each represent a united attitude towards the importance of celebrating Newroz.
“Even though I am still going through chemotherapy, this picnic is great, this Newroz is great, It all really is a happy time for me.” – Mastan
“Newroz is my new start, a time for happiness, changes to come and the time to grow.” – Zana
“Last year, I didn’t celebrate as my family were in mourning, so I am so happy to be here with my family to celebrate the New Year and I am thankful to see another Newroz” – Dekan
“It’s important for us to remember that we share this day with the Farse, to celebrate the fire lit by Kawa to mark his victory, the fire we light today is to remember history.” – Hama Koyee
“Newroz, is our New Year, our new beginning. On this day, Kurdistan really unites.” – Samal
“Newroz to me means unity. Togetherness. Joy, for all Kurds.” – Harme
“To me, every day is a day to celebrate being a Kurd and every day has its ability to become a new start. So for me, Newroz is a time where we celebrate as one.” – Omed
“Besides from Newroz being our New Year, it’s just nice to see so many people out celebrating, you see many familiar faces that you haven’t seen for a while.” – Bahra
“Kurds across our lands are in celebration of the start of spring, some may hate picnics, but on this day they are the first ones outside in our beautiful fields with their family.” – Hama
“It’s the fire, the fire ignites something within me, it is such a powerful symbol that lets me know that I am starting a new chapter in life and that makes me so happy. March is such a beautiful month for Kurds but at the same time, we must remember the sadness March has given us too, like Halabja.” – Bavi
“Danaz is celebrating his first Newroz in his Kurdish clothes, he will grow up to celebrate Newroz just like the generation before him” – Danaz’s Father.
“The most important role of this day, is coming together as one. To celebrate as one.” – Ali
“It’s a joyous occasion for all Kurds all over the world, however where the legend of Kawa comes into light for Newroz, I have my own theory behind the story of Newroz, we will save that for another day however.” – Barzan
“It’s a fun time, I am having fun on this day with everyone.” – Lana
“I feel most Kurdish at Newroz, it is the only celebration in the Kurdish calander that really unites Kurds. So besides the celebration of spring and the New Year – It’s a celebration of being Kurdish.” – Havi
“Today marks the day of many more family occasions to come on these beautiful green lands that survived a harsh winter, it is such a wonderful time well spent.” – Zhyan
“Newroz is an important time for us, it’s important to remember the struggle of our people as well as our culture, we have come a long way. ” – Hama
“I am most happy on this day, every year I wait patiently for it to arrive.” – Dia
“Having my family and loved ones around means the most to me on this day” – Dana
“Today marks the favourite day in the Kurdish calendar for everyone in Kurdistan. It’s a day for all Kurds to celebrate, I cannot describe how much I love what this day brings.” – Bestan
“Dressed in our Kurdish clothes, picnic on this beautiful spring day, what’s not to like about this beautiful occasion?” – Harez
