Damascus, March 21 (SANA) Residents in the Rukn al-Din neighborhood of Damascus marked Newroz on Friday evening with a cultural celebration featuring traditional performances and community participation.
The event included rituals associated with the occasion, alongside Kurdish songs and folk performances reflecting Kurdish cultural heritage and its continuity across generations.
Luqman Oso, head of the Damascus local branch of the Kurdish National Council in Syria, said the celebrations represent a significant moment after years during which Kurds were unable to mark Newroz
He said the event reflects solidarity between Kurds and other components of Syrian society, adding that Newroz has become a national holiday for all Syrians.
Participants said the celebration represents a shared Syrian identity and serves as a symbol of unity among the country’s diverse communities, emphasizing the role of social cohesion in addressing challenges.
They also welcomed a decree issued by President Ahmad al-Sharaa allowing Syrians to celebrate Newroz after years of restrictions, describing the occasion as one of broad national significance.
President al-Sharaa issued Decree No. 13 on Jan. 16, 2026, affirming that Syrian Kurdish citizens are an integral part of the Syrian people and that their cultural and linguistic identity forms part of the country’s national identity. The decree also designates March 21 as an official holiday marking Newroz.
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