DAMASCUS, March 21 (SANA) Syria marked Newroz with a cultural event at the Damascus Opera House, featuring performances and official statements highlighting cultural diversity and recent shifts in recognition of the occasion.
The program included seven staged performances by the Kurdish heritage troupe “Ashti,” combining dance and narrative elements. The main piece explored the origins and symbolism of Newroz, with narration by actor Abeer Shams al-Din and participation by artist Jwan Hasso and singers Alan Murad, Rostu Ramadan and Ivana Mohammad.
Media supervisor Idris Murad said the production blends storytelling and dance to present the story of Newroz in a contemporary format. He added that the troupe presents an annual performance reflecting Kurdish cultural traditions within Syria’s broader cultural landscape.
Culture Minister Mohammad Yassin Saleh said the celebration marks a shift in Syria’s cultural scene, noting that Newroz, once restricted, is now recognized as a national occasion reflecting the role of the Kurdish community in cultural and scientific life.
Education Minister Mohammad Abdul Rahman Turko said the recognition of Newroz as a national holiday reinforces a broader concept of Syrian identity based on diversity.
European Union chargé d’affaires to Syria Michael Ohnmacht described the event as “a symbol of a new Syria,” emphasizing the importance of participation by all components of society.
The recognition of Newroz as a national holiday follows Syria’s liberation, including Decree No. 13 issued on Jan. 16, 2026, designating March 21 as an official holiday.
ABD
