Memiha Helbin Zidan

Van — Nowruz is considered a symbol of the beginning of spring and the renewal of life for the Kurdish people. This year’s celebrations carry special significance due to their social and political messages, as well as their deeply rooted cultural rituals that reflect communities’ connection to rebirth and light with the arrival of spring.

On March 21 each year, Kurds celebrate Nowruz—a holiday rich in meanings related to resilience and the pursuit of rights. This year’s celebration comes under the slogan “Freedom and Democracy,” emphasizing the need to accelerate the process of “peace and a democratic society” and calling for the physical release of Abdullah Öcalan.

On this occasion, the Mothers of Peace called for the immediate physical release of Abdullah Öcalan, whom they describe as “our leader.” In their statement, they stressed that the key to achieving peace and the essential step toward a democratic solution lie in his hands, demanding that prison doors be opened immediately.

Hanifa Koçak, a member of the Mothers of Peace initiative, also called for Öcalan’s release, emphasizing that preparations for Nowruz should be accompanied by efforts to stop bloodshed and achieve peace:
“We demand the release of Abdullah Öcalan so that we can work together for peace. Let the prison doors be opened now.”

Saadat Oklu stressed that Nowruz 2026 represents an opportunity to establish peace, noting that their primary demand remains Öcalan’s release:
“True peace cannot be achieved without fulfilling this demand.”

Adiba Koçak began her speech by congratulating the Kurdish people and all prisoners on the occasion of Nowruz, reaffirming that their enduring demand is peace, freedom, and the physical release of Abdullah Öcalan.

She expressed hope that this year’s Nowruz would serve as an opportunity to achieve these demands:
“The release of all political prisoners is a fundamental demand. I hope this Nowruz will mark the liberation of all oppressed peoples, foremost among them the Kurdish people.”

For her part, Kafi Ishik emphasized the necessity of Öcalan’s release, stating:
“No one will be free until Abdullah Öcalan is released. We call on everyone to gather in the squares to demand his physical freedom.”

Meanwhile, Zakia Kaya expressed hope that this year’s Nowruz would bring news of Öcalan’s release, describing him as a bearer of the message of peace. She added that they wish to see him among his people and in his homeland, and affirmed that they will celebrate Nowruz in the spirit of the slogan Jin, Jiyan, Azadî.