Afrin celebrate Newroz after Eight Years of Demographic Change

By Ahora Qadi

Erbil (Kurdistan24) — After eight years of muted celebrations, the Kurdish people of Afrin reclaimed their tradition this year, marking Newroz with renewed determination. For the first time since the city fell under the control of armed factions (al-Amshat & al-Hamzat), the flames of Newroz blazed openly, symbolizing resilience, resistance, and hope for Kurdish unity.

In exclusive interviews with Kurdistan24, Ahmed Hassan, head of Afrin’s Local Council for the Kurdish National Council in Syria (KNCS), and a women’s rights activist from Afrin who preferred her name to remain anonymous for security reasons, shared their experiences, highlighting the challenges faced, the strength of Kurdish resilience, and the renewed hope brought by recent political developments.

Enduring the Demographic Shift

On Mar. 18, 2018, Arab militias entered Afrin, leading to a systematic effort to alter the region’s demographic fabric. Kurdish families were forcibly displaced, with thousands fleeing to Shahba and Aleppo, while displaced Arab families from Ghouta, Homs, and Hama were resettled in Afrin, establishing camps and settlements.

Hassan, explaining how the demographic shift was accompanied by violence and persecution. “Kurdish homes were seized, and their lands were confiscated,” he said. “Arab families were brought in, and settlements were built to consolidate the demographic change.”

The activist echoed this sentiment,

"Entire forests were cut down, archaeological sites were looted, and our historical identity was erased,” the woman rights activist told Kurdistan24. “The abuse wasn’t just physical; it targeted our culture, our homes, and our connection to the land.”

However, both emphasized the resilience of Afrin’s Kurdish identity. “With determination, people are reclaiming their homes,” Hassan said. “We are overcoming demographic change as more Kurds return and settlers gradually leave.”

The Return of Newroz

For the first time in eight years, Afrin celebrated Newroz without fear. Previous celebrations were met with repression, including arrests and killings, such as the Jindires massacre, where four Kurds were killed for lighting the symbolic fire.

"This year, we lit the fires freely," said the activist. "We celebrated in our villages, waving Kurdish flags and dancing with pride. Despite intimidation, we stood our ground."

Ahmed Hassan, head of Afrin’s Local Council for the KNCS, described this year’s Newroz as a culmination of resilience. “We called for widespread participation, and thousands responded, igniting fires across villages. The celebration was unprecedented.” Major events in Maydanki and Burj Abdalo, supported by internal security forces, turned into a “grand carnival that lifted the spirits of all Afrinis.”

Hassan added, “This year’s Newroz carried a powerful message of resistance and determination. It was a celebration of our Kurdish identity — a declaration that we are still here.”

A Spirit of Unity Inspired by Barzani

President Masoud Barzani’s call for Kurdish unity resonated deeply in Afrin, especially after his historic meeting with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Commander Mazloum Abdi, sparking hope for a unified Kurdish front in Syria.

“President Barzani’s initiative has strengthened the Kurdish people,” said Ahmed Hassan. “His leadership and commitment to unifying Kurdish voices gave this Newroz special significance. Afrin celebrated with a renewed sense of belonging.”

the women’s rights activist echoed this, stating, “We trust President Barzani to unify the Kurdish voice. If achieved, it could reverse forced demographic changes. Afrin can once again belong to its people, not symbolize occupation.”

Ongoing Challenges Under the Armed Factions

Despite the formation of a new security administration, al-Hamzat & al-Amshat factions remain active in Afrin, with ongoing reports of human rights violations, including intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and economic exploitation.

“The factions acted as though they had liberated Afrin from its people,” said the activist. “They justified their actions under the pretext of fighting the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), but the real target was Kurdish identity.”

Ahmed Hassan warned, “Without sustained Kurdish unity, abuses will continue. A unified stance will strengthen our voice and demand accountability for the crimes committed here.”

Cultural Suppression and Resistance

Efforts to erase Kurdish culture extended beyond the demographic changes. Kurdish traditions, language, and heritage were systematically attacked, with schools promoting Turkish culture and religious extremism. Many Kurdish residents were forced to conceal their identity, abandon traditional clothing, and avoid speaking their language in public.

The woman rights activist recounted how even traditional Kurdish celebrations like Newroz were forbidden. “We were called ‘fire worshippers’ and ‘infidels,’” she said. “But this year’s Newroz was our declaration that no force can erase who we are.”

A Call to Kurdish Leaders and the International Community

Addressing Kurdish leaders, both Ahmed Hassan and the activist called on President Barzani and Commander Abdi to maintain their efforts for unity.

“All Kurds across the four parts of Kurdistan must support President Masoud Barzani, the spiritual father of Kurdish nationalism and a pivotal Kurdistani leader,” Hassan said.  “As a symbol of our identity and existence, relying on president Barzani’s leadership is a Kurdish duty for our collective salvation.”

“We trust your leadership and stand with you,” The activist said. “Your leadership is our strength, and we rely on your determination to secure our rights.”

Looking Forward

As the fires of Newroz illuminate the night skies of Afrin, they symbolize the enduring spirit of a people who refuse to be silenced. "With the return of our people, Afrin will rise again," the activist said. "We will restore our heritage, rebuild our lands, and ensure that the Kurdish identity thrives."

Ahmed Hassan echoed this hope, affirming that the resilience of Afrin’s people will shape the city’s future. “We have endured pain and loss, but we will never surrender our identity. With unity and determination, we will reclaim Afrin’s Kurdish essence.”

"In Afrin," the activist concluded, her voice unwavering, "the fire of Newroz will never die, like the memory of Bavê Kal (the late Kurdish Legendary leader Mullah Mostafa Barzani).”