Kurds in East Kurdistan are usually given more leeway in the celebrating Newroz, owing to the fact that it is deeply embedded in Iranian culture as well unlike in Turkey, Syria, and Iraq where the celebration does not have a direct parallel to the dominant cultures there. Direct cultural expression is still difficult, especially in ways that might be interpreted as ‘ separatist’ in nature. Since the establishment of the Kurdistan Regional Government 10 years ago Kurds from Rojhelat, especially in the towns along the border, have taken to celebrating Newroz in South Kurdistan as it allows for greater freedom of expression and less chance of security forces intervening in a celebration in the off-chance something supportive of Kurdish autonomy can be seen.

Below are some pictures from Celebrations in East Kurdistan this year:

Xanê

Rebet

Marîwan

Kêrmašan

Hewraman