Iraqi Kurdistan Region Showcases Culture on Nowruz

In light of the relative autonomy the Iraqi Kurdistan region has gained over the years, the region has begun to showcase its own unique culture through events like its annual Nowruz festival, writes Abdel Hamid Zebari.
Kurdish women and men dance during the Nevruz celebrations in the southern Turkish city of Mersin March 21, 2003. Nevruz, a combination of Persian words Nev (New) and Ruz (Day), which is celebrated by the Kurds in Central Asia, and Anatolia and by Iranians can be defined as "the New Day of the New Year". REUTERS/Yves Herman PP03030048 Pictures of the month March 2003 HRM also see GF2DWFLPITAA - RTRKREN
Kurdish women in traditional dress and men dance during Nowruz celebrations in the southern Turkish city of Mersin, March 21, 2003. - REUTERS/Yves Herman
Abdel_Hamid_Zebari_color.jpg
Abdel Hamid Zebari
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Every year on March 21, the Kurds and other peoples across the Middle East celebrate the festival of Nowruz. It marks the beginning of the Kurdish New Year and coincides with the beginning of the Iranian New Year and has begun to carry symbolic significance for Iraqi Kurds.

Nowruz day (New Year’s Day) is the first day of the solar Hijri calendar (March 21) and is celebrated by Persians, Kurds and Turks alike. Nowruz is a Farsi word, with “Now-” meaning new, and “-ruz” meaning “morning light” signifying the coming of a new day.

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